Zeolite in packaging film

Abstract

An article of manufacture includes an oxygen scavenger and a zeolite. The article can be in the form of e.g. a film or sealing compound. A package can be made from the article for containing an oxygen-sensitive article such as food. The zeolite reduces migration of odor causing by-products of the oxygen scavenging process. A method of making an article of manufacture having reduced migration of by-products of an oxygen scavenging reaction includes providing an article including an oxygen scavenger and a zeolite; and exposing the article to actinic radiation.

Description

[0001] The invention generally relates to compositions, articles and methods for scavenging by-products of an oxygen scavenging reaction.[0002] It is well known that limiting the exposure of an oxygen-sensitive product to oxygen maintains and enhances the quality and "shelf-life" of the product. In the food packaging industry, several means for regulating oxygen exposure have already been developed.[0003] These means include modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for modifying the interior environment of a package; gas flushing; vacuum packaging; vacuum packaging combined with the use of oxygen barrier packaging materials; etc. Oxygen barrier films and laminates reduce or retard oxygen permeation from the outside environment into the package interior.[0004] Another method currently being used is through "active packaging." The inclusion of oxygen scavengers within the cavity or interior of the package is one form of active packaging. Typically, such oxygen scavengers are in the form of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0040] In a third aspect of the invention, a method of making an article of manufacture having reduced migration of by-products of an oxygen scavenging reaction comprises providing an article comprising an oxygen scavenger and a zeolite and exposing the article to actinic radiation.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of sachets is the need for additional packaging operations to add the sachet to each package.

A further disadvantage arising from the use of some sachets is that certain atmospheric conditions (e.g., high humidity, low CO.sub.2 level) in the package are required in order for scavenging to occur at an adequate rate.

However, incorporation of these powders and / or salts causes degradation of the wall's transparency and mechanical properties such as tear strength.

In addition, these compounds can lead to processing difficulties, especially in the fabrication of thin films, or thin layers within a film structure.

Even further, the scavenging rates for walls containing these compounds are unsuitable for some commercial oxygen-scavenging applications, e.g. such as those in which sachets are employed.

However, this system does not exhibit oxygen scavenging at a commercially feasible rate.

Although these technologies offers great potential in packaging applications, it has been found that oxygen scavenging structures can sometimes generate reaction byproducts which can affect the taste and smell of the packaged material (i.e. organoleptic properties), or raise food regulatory issues.

Zeolites can reduce the concentration of certain extractables which could cause regulatory issues.

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