Blown films with oxygen scavenging agent and methods of making the same

Abstract

Provided herein is a blown film entrained polymer comprising a base polymer and an oxygen scavenging agent. The resulting blown film entrained polymer will have useful applications, including but not limited to the manufacture of packaging for the protection of oxygen-sensitive contents. Also provided herein are systems and methods for reducing contamination in a product due to oxidation. Also provided herein are related methods of manufacture and methods of use.

Description

BLOWN FILMS WITH OXYGEN SCAVENGING AGENT AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 721,116, entitled “BLOWN FILMS WITH OXYGEN SCAVENGING AGENT AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME”, filed November 15, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 622,198, entitled “BLOWN FILMS WITH OXYGEN SCAVENGING AGENT AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME”, filed January 18, 2024, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Disclosed are blown film entrained polymers comprising an oxygen scavenging agent, including but not limited to organic and inorganic reducing agents, and methods of their use to reduce oxygen levels and maintain properties of packaged oxygen sensitive products. The oxygen scavenging agent is entrained in at least one base polymer with optional channels throughout. Also disclosed herein are related methods of preparation and methods of use.BACKGROUND

[0003] There are many items that are preferably stored, shipped and / or utilized in an environment that must be controlled and / or regulated. The control of moisture, oxygen, ethylene and other gaseous substances may be desirable in medical, diagnostic, industrial chemical, laboratory, electronics and food packaging applications.

[0004] It is well known that regulating the exposure of oxygen- sensitive products to oxygen maintains and enhances the quality and stability or shelf life of the product. In packaging oxygen sensitive materials such as foodstuffs, herbs, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco, cannabis, and others, oxygen contamination can be particularly troublesome. Electronic components and military products such as ammunition and other explosives may also be sensitive to atmospheric oxygen and require special packaging. Care is generally taken to reduce the detrimental or undesirable effects of oxygen on the product.

[0005] In the food and beverage packaging industry, many food products suffer oxygen-initiated degradation - for example, individual portions of prepared foods are marketed in containers made of plastics, and air entrapped therein, and leaking or transferring into the package after processing, is an acknowledged continuing industry problem. Limiting the exposure of oxygensensitive food products to oxygen in a packaging system maintains the quality or freshness of the food, reduces spoilage, and extends the food’s shelf life.

[0006] Numerous means for regulating oxygen exposure within packaging containers are used. In the 1960s, packaging containers were developed that envelop a product in an attempt to form a barrier within an oxygen-free package wherein free oxygen is ejected from the product and oxygen external to the package can be precluded. Such containers include modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and oxygen barrier film packaging. Methods for excluding oxygen involving mechanical means also include vacuum and inert gas packaging. In these procedures, the oxygen is removed by displacement of the entire atmospheric mixture in the package by vacuumizing or flushing the oxygen from the container. In some instances, the package is backfilled with an inert gas. Such systems are used in boiler water treatment, the orange juice and brewing industries, and in modified- atmosphere packaging of food products. This technology, while somewhat equipment intensive, can remove about 90-95% of the oxygen present in air from the product (or its container) prior to or during packaging. However, the removal of the remaining 5-10% of oxygen using this approach requires longer times for vacuum treatment and increasingly larger volumes of higher and higher purity inert gas which must not itself be contaminated with trace levels of oxygen. This makes the removal by such methods of the last traces of oxygen expensive. A further disadvantage of these methods is a tendency to remove volatile product components. This is a particular problem with foods and beverages, wherein such components are often responsible for some or all of the aroma and flavor. These methods do not quantitatively remove all the oxygen from the package because complete evacuation is never achieved and oxygen often remains dissolved or trapped in the packaged product. In addition, when an inert gas backfill is used, the inert gas often brings traces of oxygen back into the package. Such vacuum or flushing methods, especially where inert gas handling is involved, often require machines of considerable cost and sophistication for high-speed packaging. It has proven extremely difficult to remove all traces of oxygen from packages of food products by mechanical means.

[0007] Another method used for regulating oxygen exposure is “active packaging”, whereby the package containing the food product has been modified in some manner to regulate the food’ s exposure to oxygen. This concept combines such systems as oxygen regulation (by oxygen scavengers), moisture regulators, carbon dioxide (CO2) emitters, carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbers,ethylene absorbers and many more.

[0008] Antioxidants (such as sulfur dioxide, trihydroxy butyrophenone, butylatcd hydroxy toluene and butylated hydroxy anisole) and oxygen scavengers (such as ascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid and glucose oxidase-catalase) have been used in an attempt to reduce the effects of oxygen contamination. The direct addition of such agents has several disadvantages. Both sulfur dioxide and ascorbates, (when added to beer, for example), can result in production of off- flavors thus negating the intended purpose of the addition.

[0009] Incorporating an oxygen scavenger into the packaging structure itself is another means to regulate exposure of a packaged product to oxygen.

[0010] Conventionally, desiccants, oxygen scavenging agents, and other active agents have been used in raw form, e.g., as loose particulates housed in sachets or canisters within packaging, to control the internal environment of the package. For many applications, it is not desired to have such loosely stored active substances. A more uniform scavenging effect through the package can be achieved by incorporating the scavenging agent in the package instead of adding a separate scavenger structure such as a sachet to the package. Uniformity may be especially important where there is restricted airflow inside the package. In addition, incorporating the oxygen scavenger into the package structure provides a means of intercepting and scavenging oxygen as it permeates the walls of the package, providing in effect an active oxygen barrier, thereby maintaining the lowest possible oxygen level in the package.

[0011] Limited success has been achieved in incorporating oxygen scavenging agent into the walls of packages for various types of foods. Previously developed scavengers include sulfite- based, ascorbate-based and enzyme-based systems as well as oxidizable polyamides and ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons. More recent scavengers include incorporation of natural products such as teas or carrots into polymer compositions.

[0012] Furthermore, technical challenges are experienced when processing powdery materials, such as oxygen scavengers, into polymer films or sheets, such as reduced transparency and deterioration of the mechanical properties of the film or sheet. Improved oxygen scavengers are desired in order to reduce such disadvantageous effects or challenges during manufacture.

[0013] To address these problems, active entrained polymers have been developed which comprise active agents. Such polymers can be extruded and / or molded into desired forms, e.g., container liners, plugs, film sheets, pellets and other such structures. Optionally, such activeentrained polymers may include channeling agents, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), which form channels between the surface of the entrained polymer and its interior to transmit a selected material (e.g., moisture) to the entrained active agent (e.g., desiccant to absorb the moisture).

[0014] Entrained polymers may be two phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer and active agent, without a channeling agent) or three phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer, active agent and channeling agent). Three phase entrained polymers and methods for making the same are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,124,006, 6,130,263, 6,194,079, 6,214,255, 6,486,231, 7,005,459, and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2016 / 0039955, each of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. These entrained polymers have been conventionally made as extruded products (e.g., pellets or films) or injection molded components (e.g., pucks, inserts or liners within containers).

[0015] Blown film technology makes possible the production of useful products, including sheets, films, cylinders, and tubes. The technology is particularly valuable for fabrication of bags and packaging for consumer products. In brief, the process includes softening and melting a polymer resin, followed by inflating the material, thereby affording a bubble enclosed by a film of the material. Importantly, the film formed in this inflation process can be quite thin, typically on the order of 10 mils or less.

[0016] Although the process is straightforward in concept, the polymeric material must meet certain requirements in order to be suitable for use. Properties such as the melting point and melt index, among others, will affect the success of the blown film process in forming material with suitable properties.

[0017] There remains a need to provide film material with the capability of scavenging oxygen. Many uses can be envisioned for such material, including but not limited to inclusion into packaging for the protection of oxygen- sensitive contents.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0018] Accordingly, in one aspect is provided a blown film entrained polymer comprising a base polymer and an oxygen scavenging agent.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base polymer is chosen from a polyolefin, a polyamide, and a polyester. In some embodiments, the base polymer is a block copolymer. In some embodiments, the block copolymer comprises polyester segments and poly ether segments.

[0020] In some embodiments, the blown film entrained polymer further comprises a channelingagent. Tn some embodiments, the channeling agent is chosen from a polyglycol, glycerin poly amine, polyurethane, and polycarboxylic acid, or any combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the channeling agent is a water insoluble polymer. In some embodiments, the channeling agent is chosen from propylene oxide polymerisate, propylene oxide polymerisate- monobutyl ether, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0021] Also provided herein is a method to manufacture a blown film entrained polymer comprising a base polymer and an oxygen scavenging agent, the method comprising the steps of: extruding a suitable precursor material (molten mix of a polymer and an oxygen scavenging agent) in a screw extruder with warming; passing the warmed material through a tubular die; expanding and stretching the warmed material with positive pressure; and allowing the expanded and stretched material to cool.

[0022] Also provided herein is a container which comprises a blown film entrained polymer as disclosed herein and an interior space suitable for storage of a product.

[0023] Also provided herein is a method for minimizing or preventing oxidative decomposition of a product, the method comprising storing the product in a container as disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] A full understanding of the disclosure can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plug formed of an entrained polymer that may be deposited onto a substrate according to methods of the disclosed concept;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross section similar to that of FIG. 2, showing a plug formed of another embodiment of an entrained polymer according to an optional embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an entrained polymer according to an optional embodiment of the disclosed concept, in which the active agent is a scavenging agent;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a sheet or film formed of an entrained polymer according to an optional embodiment of the disclosed concept, adhered to a barrier sheet substrate;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a cross section of a package that may be formed using an entrained polymeraccording to an optional embodiment of the disclosed concept; and

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing depicting representative equipment and an associated process for forming blown film material.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In one aspect, there is provided herein a blown film entrained polymer comprising a base polymer and an oxygen scavenging agent.

[0033] In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a chemical reducing agent. In some embodiments, the chemical reducing agent is a 1- or 2-electron reducing agent. In some embodiments, the chemical reducing agent produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or water from the reduction of oxygen. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a neutral metal. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a low-valent metal ion, including but not limited to Fe2+, Sn2+, and Ti3+. In some embodiments, the neutral metal is in monolithic, granulated, or powdered form. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent is a naturally occurring antioxidant. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a vicinal diol (RC(OH)=C(OH)R’) or keto equivalent. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent provides a vicinal diketone (RC(=O)-C(=O)-R’) from the reduction of oxygen. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent is chosen from a polyolefin, a phenol, a hydroquinone, and a porphyrin. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises an organic sulfur-containing compound, including but not limited to a thioether, a thiolester, and a thiol. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises an organic phosphorus-containing compound, including but not limited to a phosphine and a phosphite. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent further comprises a catalyst. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent further comprises a pH-buffering material.

[0034] In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a polyene. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a conjugated polyene, optionally comprising 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 olefins in conjugation. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a compound chosen from retinol, retinal, and carotene. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a compound chosen from a porphyrin and a heme.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent is a free radical trap. Without wishing to be bound by theory, certain free radical traps can reduce the amount of reactiveoxygen species (“ROS”), either by reducing their rate of formation, or removing them from the medium. Some free radical traps transfer a hydrogen to a radical species. Certain free radical traps contain phenol moieties, such as BHA, BHT, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and a-tocopherol. Certain free radical traps are enols, such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Certain free radical traps contain a weak X-H bond (X=N, O, S), including but not limited to thiols, uric acid, and bilirubin. Certain free radical traps contain polyene moieties, such as such as P-carotene and other carotenoids. Certain free radical traps contain conjugated or nonconjugated dienes, such as a-terpinene and v-tcrpincnc, respectively, as well as certain unsaturated fats and fatty acids.

[0036] In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises ascorbic acid, which is the 4R, 5S isomer of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-2-oxohexanoic acid, as shown in Table 1.Table 1.

[0037] L- Ascorbic acid can exist as (open) acid and (closed) lactone forms, as shown in Equation(I), below:

[0038] The parent acid, 3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-2-oxohexanoic acid, has three chiral centers, at the carbons labelled 3, 4, and 5, following organic chemical nomenclature, in the acid structure shown in Equation (I). Of the three chiral centers, C3 is readily epimerized due to the adjacent ketone. In contrast, C4 and C5 both represent non-interconverting stereocenters, giving rise to a total four isolable stereoisomers, each of which potentially existing in equilibrium with thelactone form, as shown in Equation (II), below:

[0039] Of the four isolable stereoisomers, D-ascorbic acid is the enantiomer of L-ascorbic acid.The other two isomers are D-isoascorbic acid, the 5R epimer of ascorbic acid, as well as its enantiomer, L-isoascorbic acid. A person of skill will appreciate that each of the four stereoisomers will be expected to behave similarly as reducing agents and / or radical traps. All possible mixtures of the four enantiomers are contemplated with this disclosure, including isolated enantiomers of either ascorbic acid or isoascorbic acid or mixtures thereof, D / L racemic mixtures either ascorbic acid or isoascorbic acid acid or mixtures thereof, and intermediate compositions of either ascorbic acid or isoascorbic acid acid having arbitrary enantiomeric excess, and mixtures thereof.

[0040] Any of the four stereoisomers may be provided as any one of the carboxylic acid, a salt of the carboxylic acid, an ester, or a lactone, or mixtures thereof. No limitation is envisaged on the type of ester; suitable esters may include alkyl esters, Ci-Cs alkyl esters, methyl esters, ethyl esters, isopropyl esters, and Z-butyl esters. The choice of ester may be determined by ease of hydrolysis to the acid, compliance of the alcohol product (e.g., methanol, ethanol) with regulations and best practices for the particular application, and desired water or lipid solubility.

[0041] In some embodiments, the activity of ascorbic acid as a reducing agent can be modulated by adjusting the pH of the environment. Ascorbic acid is a dibasic acid with pKai= 4.1 and pKa2 = 11.8; suitable choice of acids, bases, or buffers can vary the relative amounts of the neutral acid, the monoanion, and the dianion, each of which has different rates of reaction. Furthermore, inclusion of catalytically active metals, including but not limited to salts of nickel, cobalt, iron, copper, and manganese or, in some embodiments, Fe(III) or Cu(II), can be expected to change the rate of reaction. Alternatively, the inclusion of metal ion scavengers, such as EDTA, can be expected to change the rate of reaction. By either of these strategies, the potency of ascorbic acid over time can be adjusted so as to meet particular requirements. Alternatively, controlled hydrolysis of an ascorbic acid ester may provide a pathway for controlling the potency ofascorbic acid over time.

[0042] In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a partially unsaturated derivative of polyethylene. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent comprises polyethylene interspersed with -(CHR^CHR2)- units, wherein R1and R2are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that is optionally substituted, an aryl group that is optionally substituted, an alkylaryl group that is optionally substituted, -COOR3, -OCOR4, a cyano group or a halogen atom, and R3and R4are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, neighboring -(CHR '=CHR2)- units are separated by three or more methylene (-CH2-) units.

[0043] In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent is a material disclosed in US 7,893,145, incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent has a structural unit represented by Formula (III):wherein:R1and R2are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that is optionally substituted, an aryl group that is optionally substituted, an alkylaryl group that is optionally substituted, — COOR3, — OCOR4, a cyano group or a halogen atom, and R3and R4are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0044] In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent is a ring-opening metathesis polymer of a cyclic olefin having 7 or more carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent is a ring-opening metathesis polymer of a substituted or unsubstituted cyclooctene. In some embodiment, the average molecular weight of the polymer is 1000 amu or less.

[0045] In any embodiment, the active agent is preferably a particulate, granular and / or mineralbased material and is optionally present in at least 35% to 70%, optionally from 40% to 60%, optionally from 45% to 55% by weight with respect to the total weight of the entrained polymer.

[0046] In some embodiments, the blown film entrained polymer further comprises a channeling agent. In some embodiments, the channeling agent is chosen from a polyglycol such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerin polyamine, polyurethane and polycarboxylic acid including polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid.

[0047] In some embodiments, the channeling agent is a water insoluble polymer, such as a propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01 / 240, produced by CLARIANT. In other embodiments, the channeling agent could be a propylene oxide polymerisate monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01 / 20, produced by CLARIANT, propylene oxide polymerisate, such as Polyglykol DO 1 / 240, produced by CLARIANT, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0048] In some embodiments, the base polymer is chosen from a polyolefin, a polyamide, and a polyester. In some embodiments, the base polymer is chosen from a polyolefin and a polyester. In some embodiments, the base polymer is chosen from polyethylene, polypropylene, a polyethylene / polypropylene copolymer, and poly(lactic acid).

[0049] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises at least one block copolymer.

[0050] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a block copolymer that comprises a block of ester monomers. In some further embodiments, the base polymer comprises a block copolymer that comprises a block of poly(alkylene) terephthalate monomers. In some further embodiments, the alkylene is chosen from ethylene, propylene, and butylene.

[0051] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a block copolymer that comprises a block of polyether glycols.

[0052] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a copolyether-ester composition consisting essentially of long chain ester units having Formula I:-OGO-C(=O)-R-C(=O)- (I) and short chain ester units having Formula II:-ODO-C(=O)-R-C(=O)- (I) joined head-to-tail through ester linkages; wherein G is a divalent radical corresponding to removal of hydroxyl groups from a poly(alkylene oxide) glycol, with molecular weight between 400 and 6000 amu, inclusive, optionally between 400 and 4000 amu, inclusive, and D is divalent radical corresponding toremoval of hydroxyl groups from a diol with molecular weight less than 250 amu, and R is a divalent radical corresponding to removal of carboxyl groups from a dicarboxylic acid with molecular weight less than about 300.

[0053] In some embodiments, the short chain ester units comprise 45% to 65%, inclusive by weight of the copolyether-ester composition.

[0054] In some embodiments, the poly (alkylene oxide) glycol is poly (trimethylene oxide) glycol. In some embodiments, the poly(alkylene oxide) glycol is poly(tetramethylene oxide) glycol.

[0055] In some embodiments, the diol is 1,3-propanediol. In some embodiments, the diol consists of at least 70% of 1,4-butanediol. In some embodiments, the diol is 1,4-butanediol.

[0056] In some embodiments, the dicarboxylic acid is benzenedicarboxylic acid. In some embodiments, the dicarboxylic acid consists of at least 70% terephthalic acid. In some embodiments, the dicarboxylic acid is terephthalic acid.

[0057] In some embodiments, the base polymer further comprises poly (butylene terephthalate).

[0058] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a block copolymer that contains both a block of ester monomers and a block of poly ether glycols. In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a HYTREL® block copolymer. In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises HYTREL® 7246.

[0059] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a block copolymer having a density between 1.1 and 1.4 g / cm3, inclusive, optionally between 1.2 and 1.3 g / cm3, inclusive, optionally 1.24 and 1.28 g / cm3, inclusive, optionally about 1.26 g / cm3.

[0060] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a block copolymer having a melt mass-flow rate (2.16 kg and 100 °C; ISO 1133) between 10 g / 10 min and 16 g / 10 min, inclusive, optionally between 11 g / 10 min and 15 g / 10 min, inclusive, optionally between 12 gI 10 min and 14 g / 10 min, inclusive, optionally about 13 g / 10 min.

[0061] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a block copolymer having a melt volume-flow rate (2.16 kg and 100 °C; ISO 1133) between 8 cm31 10 min and 16 cm3 / 10 min, inclusive, optionally between 10 cm3 / 10 min and 14 cm3 / 10 min, inclusive, optionally betweenI I cm31 10 min and 13 cm3 / 10 min, inclusive, optionally about 12 cm31 10 min.

[0062] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a block copolymer having a nominal strain at break (IO 527-1 / -2) between 500% and 560%, inclusive, optionally between 510% and 550%, inclusive, optionally between 520% and 540%, inclusive, optionally about 530%.

[0063] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a block copolymer having a flexural modulus (ISO 178, 23 °C) between 500 MPa and 600 MPa, inclusive, optionally between 520 MPa and 580 MPa, inclusive, optionally between 530 MPa and 570 MPa, inclusive, optionally between 540 MPa and 560 MPa, inclusive, optionally about 550 MPa.

[0064] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises an ethylene I alpha-olefin copolymer. In some further embodiments, the alpha-olefin is chosen from propylene, 1 -butene, 1 -pentene; 1- pentene with one or more methyl, ethyl, or propyl substituents; 1-hexene; 1-hexene with one or more methyl, ethyl, or propyl substituents; 1 -heptene; 1 -heptene with one or more methyl, ethyl, or propyl substituents; 1-octene; 1-octene with one or more methyl, ethyl, or propyl substituents; 1 -nonene; 1 -nonene with one or more methyl, ethyl, or propyl substituents; ethyl, methyl, or dimethyl-substituted 1-decene; 1-dodecene; and styrene. In some further embodiments, the alpha-olefin is chosen from propylene, 1 -butene, 1 -pentene, 1-hexene, 1 -heptene, 1-octene, 1- nonene, 1-decene, and 1-dodecene.

[0065] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a copolymer derived from ethylene and one or more C3-C20 , optionally C3-C12 alpha olefin comonomers. In some embodiments, the copolymer consists of between 5% and 15% by mass, inclusive, of comonomer. In some embodiments, the molecular weight distribution Mw / Mnis between 2 and 3, inclusive. In some embodiments, the molecular weight distribution Mz / Mwis less than 2, inclusive. In some embodiments, the density of the copolymer is less than 0.916 g / cm3.

[0066] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a metallocene polyolefin. In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a VLDPE.

[0067] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having a density between 0.880 and 0.920 g / cm3, inclusive, optionally between 0.890 and 0.910 g / cm3, inclusive, optionally between 0.895 and 0.905 g I cm3, inclusive, optionally about 0.90 g / cm3.

[0068] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having a melt flow index (ASTM D1238) between 14 and 20 g / 10 min, inclusive, optionally between 15 and 19 g / 10 min, inclusive, optionally between 16 and 18 g / 10 min, inclusive, optionally about 17 g / 10 min.

[0069] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having a tensile yield strength (MD, ASTM D882) between 4.9 and 5.5 MPa, inclusive, optionally between 5.0 and 5.4 MPa, inclusive, optionally between 5.1 and 5.3 MPa, inclusive, optionally between 5.15 and 5.25MPa, inclusive, optionally about 5.17 MPa.

[0070] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having a tensile yield strength (TD, ASTM D882) between 4.3 and 4.8 MPa, inclusive, optionally between 4.4 and 4.7 MPa, inclusive, optionally between 4.45 and 4.65 MPa, inclusive, optionally between 4.5 and 4.6 MPa, inclusive, optionally about 4.55 MPa.

[0071] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having an elongation at break (MD, ASTM D882) between 580% and 640%, inclusive, optionally between 590% and 630%, inclusive, optionally between 600% and 620%, inclusive, optionally about 610%.

[0072] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having an elongation at break (TD, ASTM D882) between 740% and 800%, inclusive, optionally between 750% and 790%, inclusive, optionally between 760% and 780%, inclusive, optionally about 770%.

[0073] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having a secant modulus (MD, ASTM D882) between 0.067 GPa and 0.070 GPa, inclusive, optionally between 0.0683 GPa and 0.0693 GPa, inclusive, optionally between 0.0686 GPa and 0.0692 GPa, inclusive, optionally between 0.0688 GPa and 0.0690 GPa, inclusive, optionally about 0.0689 GPa.

[0074] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having a secant modulus (TD, ASTM D882) between 0.750 GPa and 0.765 GPa, inclusive, optionally between 0.755 GPa and 0.761 GPa, inclusive, optionally between 0.756 GPa and 0.760 GPa, inclusive, optionally between 0.757 GPa and 0.759 GPa, optionally about 0.758 GPa.

[0075] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having an Elmendorf tear strength (MD, ASTM D1922) between 300 g and 360 g, inclusive, optionally between 310 g and 350 g, inclusive, optionally between 320 g and 340 g, inclusive, optionally about 330 g.

[0076] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having an Elmendorf tear strength (TD, ASTM D1922) between 500 g and 360 g, inclusive, optionally between 510 g and 550 g, inclusive, optionally between 520 g and 540 g, inclusive, optionally about 530 g.

[0077] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having a peak melting temperature between 92 °C and 98 °C, inclusive, optionally between 93 °C and 97 °C, inclusive, optionally between 94 °C and 96 °C, inclusive, optionally about 95 °C.

[0078] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having a haze (ASTM D1003) between 0.20% and 0.40%, inclusive, optionally between 0.25% and 0.35%, inclusive, optionally between 0.28% and 0.32%, inclusive, optionally about 0.30%.

[0079] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises a polyolefin having a gloss (ASTM D2457) between 90% and 96%, inclusive, optionally between 91% and 95%, inclusive, optionally between 92% and 94%, inclusive, optionally about 93%.

[0080] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises two block copolymers. In some further embodiments, one of the two block copolymers is an ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer as disclosed herein. In some further embodiments, the base polymer comprises EXACT™ 3040. In some further embodiments, one of the two block copolymers is a block copolymer that contains both a block of ester monomers and a block of polyether glycols as disclosed herein. In some further embodiments, the base polymer comprises HYTREL® 7246. In some further embodiments, the base polymer comprises both EXACT™ 3040 and HYTREL® 7246. In some further embodiments, the base polymer consists of a mixture of EXACT™ 3040 and HYTREL® 7246.

[0081] In some embodiments, the base polymer comprises both a polyolefin and a polyester. In some embodiments, the polyolefin ranges from 10% and 40% by weight of the total composition, optionally between 15% and 30%. In some embodiments, the polyester ranges from 20% and 80% by weight of the total composition, optionally between 25% and 70%, optionally 30% and 60%. In some embodiments, the polyolefin has formula (-CH2CHR-)n, and R is chosen from H and n-Ci-ioalkyl. In some embodiments, the polyester has formula (( CH2)mC00)u, and m is chosen from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. In some embodiments, the polyester has formula (-CHRCOO-)n, and R is chosen from H and n-Ci-ioalkyl.

[0082] In some embodiments, the base polymer is a thermoplastic. In some embodiments, the base polymer is a thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizate. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is an unclassified thermoplastic polyamide elastomer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a block copolymer.

[0083] In some embodiments, the base polymer is a block copolymer. In some embodiments, theblock copolymer comprises polyester segments and polyether segments. In some embodiments, the polyester segment is poly(alkylcnc terephthalate). In some embodiments, the polyester segment is poly (butylene terephthalate). In some embodiments, the poly ether segment is a poly(alkylene glycol). In some embodiments, the polyether segment is chosen from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polytetramethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the polyether segment is one or more long chain glycols. In some embodiments, the block copolymer includes a hard crystalline segment and a soft amorphous segment. In some embodiments, the block co-polymer exhibits high thermal stability.

[0084] In some embodiments, the base polymer is HYTREL®, a thermoplastic polyester elastomer from DuPont. HYTREL® is a block copolymer, consisting of segments of polybutylene terephthalate and segments of poly ether. In some embodiments, the base polymer is HYTREL® 7246.

[0085] In some embodiments, the base polymer has the formula (-CHR-X-)„ with -X- chosen from -CH2-, -COO-, and -CONH-, and R chosen from H and Ci-ioalkyl.

[0086] In some embodiments, the base polymer has a formula chosen from (-CHRCHo-),, and (-CHRCOO-)n, with R chosen from H and Ci-ioalkyl. In some embodiments, R is chosen from H, CH3, C2H5, C4H9, CftHi ;. and CxHi?. In some embodiments, R is chosen from C2H5, C4H9, and CeHi3.

[0087] Also provided herein is a method of manufacture for a blown film entrained polymer as disclosed herein, the method comprising the steps of: extruding a suitable precursor material (molten mix of a polymer and an oxygen scavenging agent) in a screw extruder with warming; passing the warmed material through a tubular die; expanding and stretching the warmed material with positive pressure; and allowing the expanded and stretched material to cool.

[0088] In some embodiments, the extrusion is performed at a temperature between 140 °C and 180 °C, optionally between 145 °C and 175 °C, optionally between 150 °C and 170 °C, optionally between 150 °C and 165 °C. As used herein, the term “between” includes the endpoints of a stated numerical range.

[0089] In some embodiments, the extrusion is performed with a rotation speed of 5 rpm or greater, optionally 10 rpm or greater, optionally 15 rpm or greater.

[0090] In some embodiments, the extrusion is performed with a rotation speed of 35 rpm or less, optionally 30 rpm or less, optionally 25 rpm or less, optionally 20 rpm or less.

[0091] In some embodiments, the extrusion is performed with a rotation speed of between 5 rpm and 35 rpm, optionally between 10 rpm and 30 rpm, optionally between 10 rpm and 25 rpm, optionally between 10 rpm and 20 rpm.

[0092] In some embodiments, the extrusion is performed with a rotation speed of 5 rpm or greater, optionally 10 rpm or greater, optionally 15 rpm or greater, optionally 25 rpm or greater, optionally 35 rpm or greater, optionally 45 rpm or greater, optionally 55 rpm or greater.

[0093] In some embodiments, the extrusion is performed with a rotation speed of 65 rpm or less, optionally 55 rpm or less, optionally 45 rpm or less, optionally 35 rpm or less, optionally 30 rpm or less, optionally 25 rpm or less, optionally 20 rpm or less.

[0094] In some embodiments, the extrusion is performed with a rotation speed of between 10 rpm and 75 rpm, optionally between 15 rpm and 65 rpm, optionally between 15 rpm and 60 rpm, optionally between 20 rpm and 50 rpm.

[0095] In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the blown film material is significantly different from that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the blown film material is significantly greater than that of a comparable cast extruded film material.

[0096] In some embodiments, the dart impact resistance of the blown film material is significantly different from that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the dart impact resistance of the blown film material is significantly greater than that of a comparable cast extruded film material.

[0097] In some embodiments, the transparency of the blown film material is significantly different from that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the transparency of the blown film material is significantly greater than that of a comparable cast extruded film material.

[0098] In some embodiments, the haze of the blown film material is significantly different from that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the haze of the blown film material is significantly greater than that of a comparable cast extruded film material.

[0099] In some embodiments, the brittleness of the blown film material is significantly different from that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the brittleness ofthe blown film material is significantly less than that of a comparable cast extruded film material.

[0100] In some embodiments, the density of the blown film material is significantly different from that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the density of the blown film material is significantly greater than that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the density of the blown film material is significantly less than that of a comparable cast extruded film material.

[0101] In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the blown film material in the machine and I or transverse direction is significantly different from that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the blown film material in the machine and / or transverse direction is significantly greater than that of a comparable cast extruded film material.

[0102] In some embodiments, the elongation of the blown film material in the machine and / or transverse direction is significantly different from that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the elongation of the blown film material in the machine and / or transverse direction is significantly greater than that of a comparable cast extruded film material.

[0103] In some embodiments, the Young’s modulus of the blown film material in the machine and / or transverse direction is significantly different from that of a comparable cast extruded film material. In some embodiments, the Young’s modulus of the blown film material in the machine and I or transverse direction is significantly greater than that of a comparable cast extruded film material.

[0104] Unless otherwise noted, a numerical difference in a physical property of 10% or greater between a blown film and a cast extruded film will constitute a significant difference. It will be appreciated by a person of skill that certain physical properties exhibit less deviation from the average value. For these physical properties, a difference of less than 10% may be properly interpreted as a significant difference.

[0105] For comparison, a suitable cast extruded film can be prepared using methods known in the art. The polymer resin is melted and homogenized, and the resulting melt is pumped through a suitable slit die to form a flat film, which is then cast onto cooling rolls. After solidifying, the film is then drawn down on a series of rolls to provide a cast extruded film having the same thickness as the film obtained with the blown film process.

[0106] Preferably, all parameters to form the film will be identical for the blown film and castextruded film processes, excepting those parameters that are unique to only one process, including but not limited to details for inflating the bubble for the blown film process, and details of the draw down step for the cast extruded film. Otherwise, the parameters will be kept as similar as possible. In certain limited cases, it may be necessary to vary a parameter, due to the intrinsic differences in the two processes.

[0107] Certain blown films disclosed herein may not be obtainable with the cast extruded film process. More particularly, it may not be possible to obtain, with the cast extrusion process, a material obtainable with the blown film process without inducing a significant difference in a physical property.

[0108] One or more of the aforementioned physical properties can be compared for the blown film and the cast extruded film. The blown film process requires formation of a bubble, and not all polymer resins are amenable to formation of a bubble. For this reason, not all cast extruded films can be obtained by the blown film method. Conversely, the cast extruded film process does not require formation of a bubble, and this process is generally more readily available than the corresponding blown film process. However, as will be appreciated by a person of skill in the art, the cast extruded film process often fails to successfully afford films as thin as are available with the blown film process.

[0109] It will further be appreciated that certain of the aforementioned physical properties will be different for a blown film and an extruded film. Orientational properties are generally significantly different for blown and extruded film, since the process of inflating the bubble can affect alignment in the transverse direction. Similar effects are generally absent for extruded film. Other properties that derive from orientation can diverge between blown and extruded films.

[0110] Also provided herein is a container which comprises a blown film entrained polymer as disclosed herein and an interior space suitable for storage of a product. In some embodiments, the container comprises at least one article, comprising a blown film entrained polymer as disclosed herein, located within the interior space. In some embodiments, inclusion of the product within the container creates a headspace formed by the interior space that is not occupied by the product. In some embodiments, the container comprises a bottom surface, a top opening, and one or more sidewalls extending in a vertical direction from the bottom surface to the top opening. In some embodiments, the container further comprises a cover to close and / or seal thecontainer.

[0111] Also provided herein is a method for minimizing or preventing oxidative decomposition of a product, the method comprising storing the product in a container as disclosed herein.Definitions

[0112] As used herein, the term “between” when used in mathematical expressions, is understood to include both endpoints. By way of example, the expression “an integer between 1 and 5” is understood to consist of the set 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[0113] As used herein, the term “active” is defined as capable of acting on, interacting with or reacting with a selected material (e.g., moisture or oxygen) according to the disclosure.Examples of such actions or interactions may include absorption, adsorption or release of the selected material.

[0114] As used herein, the term “active agent” is defined as a material that (1) is immiscible with the base polymer, and when mixed and heated with the base polymer or the base polymer and the channeling agent, will not melt, i.e., has a melting point that is higher than the melting point for either the base polymer or the channeling agent, and (2) acts on, interacts or reacts with a selected material. The term “active agent” may include but is not limited to materials that absorb, adsorb or release the selected material(s). Active agents according to the disclosure may be in the form of particles, preferably minerals, but the disclosure should generally not be viewed as limited only to particulate active agents (unless a respective claim recites otherwise).

[0115] The term” acyl”, as used herein, refers to a group having the formular RC(=O)-, wherein R is alkyl or aryl.

[0116] The term “alkyl”, as used herein, refers to a saturated, singly unsaturated, or multiply unsaturated linear hydrocarbon group. Unless otherwise indicated, the term embraces to all possible stereo- and regioisomers. In some embodiments, an alkyl group has the formula CmH(2m+i), with m between 1 and 16, optionally between 1 and 14, optionally between 1 and 12, optionally between 1 and 10, optionally between 1 and 6, optionally between 1 and 6, optionally between 1 and 4. In some embodiments, an alkyl group is chosen from -CH3 and -(CH2)mCH3, with m between 1 and 16, optionally between 1 and 14, optionally between 1 and 12, optionally between 1 and 10, optionally between 1 and 6, optionally between 1 and 6, optionally between 1 and 4. In some embodiments, the alkyl group is chosen between -CH3 and -CH2CH3. In some embodiments, the alkyl group is -CH3. The alkyl group may be specified by indicating thenumber of carbons. By way of example, Ci-ioalkyl refers to an alkyl group with between 1 and 10 carbon atoms.

[0117] The term “aryl”, as used herein, refers to a mono- or polycyclic hydrocarbon group wherein each cycle (ring) is aromatic. Unless otherwise indicated, the term embraces to all possible regioisomers. Exemplary aryl groups include phenyl, and naphthyl.

[0118] The term “carboxy”, as used herein, refers to -COOH.

[0119] The term “cycloalkyl”, as used herein, refers to a saturated, singly unsaturated, or multiply unsaturated mono- or polycyclic hydrocarbon group, wherein at least one cycle (ring) is nonaromatic. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and decahydronaphthyl. Unless otherwise indicated, the term embraces to all possible stereo- and regioisomers.

[0120] The term “heterocycloalkyl”, as used herein, refers to a saturated, singly unsaturated, or multiply unsaturated mono- or polycyclic group containing at least one heteroatom, wherein at least one cycle (ring) is nonaromatic. In some embodiments, the heteroatom is chosen from N, O, and S. Unless otherwise indicated, the term embraces to all possible stereo- and regioisomers. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups include pyrrolidinyl, pyranyl, and tetrahydrofuranyl.

[0121] The term “heteroaryl”, as used herein, refers to a mono- or polycyclic group containing at least one heteroatom, wherein each cycle (ring) is aromatic. In some embodiments, the heteroatom is chosen from N, O, and S. Unless otherwise indicated, the term embraces to all possible regioisomers. Exemplary heteroaryl groups include furyl, pyridyl, and thienyl.

[0122] The term "carbonyl”, as defined herein, refers to the -C(=O) fragment. The term “oxy” refers to the -O- fragment.

[0123] The term “cyano”, as defined herein, refers to -CN.

[0124] The term “hydroxy”, as defined herein, refers to -OH. The term “oxo”, as defined herein, refers to =0, i.e. an oxygen double bonded to a single atom.

[0125] Groups containing multiple terms are defined by the identity of individual terms, read right to left. By way of example, “arylalkyl” refers to the group R1R2-, wherein R1is aryl, and R2is alkyl. By way of example, “alkyloxy” (often referred to as “alkoxy”) refers to the group R-O-, wherein R is alkyl.

[0126] As used herein, a substituted alkyl group refers to an alkyl group in which one or more hydrogens of the alkyl group is substituted with groups X, each individually chosen unlessspecified otherwise. In some embodiments, X is chosen from halo, cyano, hydroxy, oxo, acyl, acyloxy, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, hctcrocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyloxy, heteroaryl, and heteroaryloxy, with each of these terms as defined herein. In some embodiments, X is chosen from halo, cyano, hydroxy, oxo, acyl, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, and heteroaryl, with each of these terms as defined herein. In some embodiments, X is chosen from halo, cyano, hydroxy, and oxo, with each of these terms as defined herein.

[0127] As used herein, the term “polymer” refers to a compound composed of a linear chain of monomers. A polymer can be further defined as a “hompolymer”, which is composed of identical monomers, and may be represented as (-A-)„, with integer subscript n indicating the degree of polymerization.

[0128] Degree of polymerization is often provided as subscript n to a monomer A, giving (-A-)„ or a similar expression. It will be understood that the number of monomers for individual molecules in a quantity of polymeric material can deviate from the degree of polymerization. In general, integer subscript n , termed the degree of polymerization, is without limit, and represents the average number of monomers in each polymer molecule in a polymer material. It will further be understood that the expression (-X-)„ is frequently used in the art to represent a polymeric material, and the absence of an accompanying numeric value or range for n in a particular expression should be construed as having a degree of polymerization without limit. In some embodiments, n is below 5000, optionally below 2000, optionally below 1000, optionally below 500, optionally below 200, optionally below 100, optionally below 50. In some embodiments, the degree of polymerization is greater than 50, optionally greater than 100, optionally greater than 200, optionally greater than 500, optionally greater than 1000. In some embodiments, n is between 50 and 5000, optionally between 100 and 2500, optionally between 200 and 2000, optionally between 500 and 1500. In some embodiments, the degree of polymerization is between 100 and 5000. In some embodiments, the degree of polymerization is between 200 and 2000. In some embodiments, the degree of polymerization is between 500 and 5000.

[0129] A polymer can be further defined as a “copolymer”, which is composed of two or more types of monomers, for example “A” and “B”. The term “copolymer” can further be subdivided into “random copolymers”, for which no regular pattern exists for occurrence of either “A” or“B” in a polymer chain, “alternating copolymers”, which may be represented as -A-B-A-B- etc., and “block copolymers”, which consist of contiguous sequences of monomers interspersed with each other, e.g. -A-A-A-B-B-B-A-A-A- etc. In general, the number of each type of monomer in contiguous sequences of the monomer is without limit, and the number need not be uniform in either the quantity of polymer or in an individual strand. Unless otherwise indicated, the degree of polymerization n for a copolymer represents the average number of monomers, of all types, in each polymer molecule in a polymer material.

[0130] As used herein, the term “polyolefin” refers to a polymer with formula (-CH2CHR-),,, with R chosen from H, alkyl, chloro, aryl, hydroxy, acyloxy, acetoxy, carboxy, and alkoxycarbonyl. In some embodiments, R is chosen from H, alkyl, and phenyl. In some embodiments, R is chosen from H and Cuioalkyl. In some embodiments, R is chosen from H and CH3. In some embodiments, the polyolefin is chosen from polyethylene, low-density polyethylene (“LDPE”), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), very-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE), ultra-low-density polyethylene (ULDPE), and medium-density polyethylene (MDPE).

[0131] As used herein, the term “polyester” refers to a polymer with formula (-X-COO-)n, with X being a bivalent organic moiety. In some embodiments, the polyester has the formula (-CHRCOO-)n, with R chosen from H and Ci-ioalkyl. In some embodiments, the polyester has the formula ((-CH2)mCOO-)n, wherein m is chosen from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. In some embodiments, the polyester has the formula (-OOC-Y-COO-Z)„, with Y and Z both being bivalent organic moieties. In some embodiments, Y = 1,4-phenylene. In some embodiments, Z is chosen from ethylene, butylene (tetramethylene), hexylene (hexamethylene), and 1,4- cyclohexenedimethylene. In some embodiments, the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”). In some embodiments, the polyester is poly-1, 4-cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate (“PCDT”).

[0132] As used herein, the term “oxygen scavenging agent” is defined as an active agent that can reduce the amount of oxygen in a gaseous environment. An oxygen scavenging agent can act by any mechanism, including but not limited to chemical reduction (z.e., transfer of one or more electrons from a reducing agent), reductive dissociation of the 0-0 bond, and coordination of a mono- or dinuclear oxygen species to a metal center.

[0133] As used herein, the term “base polymer” is a polymer optionally having a gastransmission rate of a selected material that is substantially lower than, lower than or substantially equivalent to, that of the channeling agent. By way of example, such a transmission rate would be a water vapor transmission rate in embodiments where the selected material is moisture and the active agent is a water absorbing desiccant. The primary function of the base polymer is to provide structure for the entrained polymer. Suitable base polymers may include thermoplastic polymers, e.g., polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonates, polyamides, ethylene- vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyesters, poly anhydrides, polyacrylonitrile, polysulfones, polyacrylic ester, acrylic, polyurethane and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof. A base polymer may comprise two or more chemically distinct polymers. By way of example, a base polymer may comprise a mixture of a polyolefin and a polyester.

[0134] Referring to such a comparison of the base polymer and channeling agent water vapor transmission rate, in one embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least two times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least five times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least ten times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least twenty times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least fifty times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least one hundred times that of the base polymer.

[0135] As used herein, the term “channeling agent” or “channeling agents” is defined as a material that is immiscible with the base polymer and has an affinity to transport a gas phase substance at a faster rate than the base polymer. Optionally, a channeling agent is capable of forming channels through the entrained polymer when formed by mixing the channeling agent with the base polymer. Optionally, such channels are capable of transmitting a selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than in solely the base polymer.

[0136] As used herein, the term “channels” or “interconnecting channels” is defined as passages formed of the channeling agent that penetrate through the base polymer and may be interconnected with each other.

[0137] As used herein, the term “entrained polymer” is defined as a monolithic material formed of at least a base polymer with an active agent and optionally also a channeling agent entrained or distributed throughout. An entrained polymer thus includes two-phase polymers and three phase polymers.

[0138] As used herein, the term “monolithic,” “monolithic structure” or “monolithic composition” is defined as a composition or material that does not consist of two or more discrete macroscopic layers or portions. Accordingly, a “monolithic composition” does not include a multi-layer composite (although it may be pail of a multi-layer composite).

[0139] As used herein, the term “organic” refers to a compound that contains carbon. Organic compounds may therefore be a synthetic compound, a naturally occurring compound, or a chemically modified naturally occurring compound.

[0140] As used herein, the term “phase” is defined as a portion or component of a monolithic structure or composition that is uniformly distributed throughout, to give the structure or composition it’s monolithic characteristics.

[0141] As used herein, the term “selected material” is defined as a material that is acted upon by, or interacts or reacts with an active agent and is capable of being transmitted through the channels of an entrained polymer. For example, in embodiments in which a desiccant is used as an active agent, the selected material may be moisture or a gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant. In embodiments in which a releasing material is used as an active agent, the selected material may be an agent released by the releasing material, such as moisture, fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent. In embodiments in which an adsorbing material is used as an active agent, the selected material may be certain volatile organic compounds and the adsorbing material may be activated carbon.

[0142] As used herein, the term “three phase” is defined as a monolithic composition or structure comprising three or more phases. An example of a three phase composition according to the disclosure would be an entrained polymer formed of a base polymer, active agent, and channeling agent. Optionally, a three phase composition or structure may include an additional phase, e.g., a colorant (thus “three phase” indicates at least three phases, including a base polymer, active agent and channeling agent).

[0143] Suitable channeling agents may include a polyglycol such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerin polyamine, polyurethaneand polycarboxylic acid including polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Alternatively, the channeling agent 35 can be, for example, a water insoluble polymer, such as a propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol BO 1 / 240, produced by CLARIANT. In other embodiments, the channeling agent could be a propylene oxide polymerisate monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol BO 1 / 20, produced by CLARIANT, propylene oxide polymerisate, such as Polyglykol D01 / 240, produced by CLARIANT, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0144] In some embodiments, the base polymer ranges from 10% to 90% by weight of the total composition, optionally from 20% to 80% by weight. When an optional channeling agent is employed, the channeling agent may be provided in a range of 2% to 15% by weight, optionally 2% to 10%, optionally about 5%.

[0145] It is believed that the higher the active agent concentration in the mixture, the greater the absorption, adsorption or releasing capacity (as the case may be) will be of the final composition. However, too high an active agent concentration could cause the entrained polymer to be more brittle and the molten mixture of active agent, base polymer and channeling agent to be more difficult to either thermally form, extrude or successfully form a bubble in a blown film production process. In one embodiment, the active agent loading level can range from 10% to 80%, optionally 35% to 70%, optionally from 40% to 60%, optionally from 45% to 55% by weight with respect to the total weight of the entrained polymer.

[0146] In some embodiments, the active agent loading level can range from 10% to 70%, optionally 30% to 60%, optionally from 35% to 50% by weight with respect to the total weight of the entrained polymer.

[0147] In some embodiments, the active agent loading level can range from 10% to 60%, optionally 20% to 50%, optionally from 25% to 45% by weight with respect to the total weight of the entrained polymer.

[0148] In some embodiments, the active agent loading level can range from 10% to 50%, optionally 15% to 45%, optionally from 20% to 40%, optionally from 25% to 35%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the entrained polymer.

[0149] Optionally, channeling agent may be provided in a range of 2% to 15% by weight, optionally 2-12%, optionally 5-12%, optionally about 10%, optionally about 9%, optionally about 8%, optionally about 7%, optionally about 6%, optionally about 5%, optionally about 4%,optionally about 3%, optionally about 2%. Optionally, the base polymer may range from 10% to 65% by weight of the total composition, optionally from 20% to 45% by weight, optionally from 25% to 35% by weight. Optionally, a colorant is added, e.g., at about 0.5-2% or at about 1% by weight of the total composition. Combination of any of the above ranges with respect to the base polymer, active agent, channeling agent, and colorant is contemplated.

[0150] FIGS. 1 - 6 illustrate entrained polymers 20 and various packaging assemblies formed of entrained polymers according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The entrained polymers 20 each include a base polymer 25, optionally a channeling agent 35 and an active agent 30. As shown, the channeling agent 35 forms interconnecting channels 45 through the entrained polymer 20. At least some of the active agent 30 is contained within these channels 45, such that the channels 45 communicate between the active agent 30 and the exterior of the entrained polymer 20 via channel openings 48 formed at outer surfaces of the entrained polymer 25. The active agent 30 can be, for example, any one of a variety of releasing materials, as described in further detail below. While a channeling agent, e.g., 35, is preferred, the disclosure broadly includes entrained polymers that optionally do not include a channeling agent.

[0151] FIG. 1 shows a plug 55 constructed of an entrained polymer 20, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. The plug 55 may be placed inside of a container. As aforementioned, the entrained polymer 20 includes a base polymer 25, a channeling agent 35 and an active agent 30.

[0152] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the plug 55 shown in FIG. 1. In addition, FIG. 2 shows that the entrained polymer 20 has been solidified such that the channeling agent 35 forms interconnecting channels 45 to establish passages throughout the solidified plug 55. At least some of the active agent 30 is contained within the channels 45, such that the channels 45 communicate between the active agent 30 and the exterior of the entrained polymer 20 via channel openings 48 formed at outer surfaces of the entrained polymer 25.

[0153] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a plug 55 having similar construction and makeup to the plug 55 of FIG. 2, where interconnecting channels 45 are finer as compared to those shown in FIG. 2. This can result from the use of a dimer agent (i.e., a plasticizer) together with a channeling agent 35. The dimer agent may enhance the compatibility between the base polymer 25 and the channeling agent 35. This enhanced compatibility is facilitated by a lower viscosity of the blend, which may promote a more thorough blending of the base polymer 25 and channelingagent 35, which under normal conditions can resist combination into a uniform solution. Upon solidification of the entrained polymer 20 having a dimer agent added thereto, the interconnecting channels 45 which arc formed there-through have a greater dispersion and a smaller porosity, thereby establishing a greater density of interconnecting channels throughout the plug 55.

[0154] Interconnecting channels 45, such as those disclosed herein, facilitate transmission of a desired material, such as moisture, gas or odor, through the base polymer 25, which generally acts as a barrier to resist permeation of these materials. For this reason, the base polymer 25 itself acts as a barrier substance within which an active agent 30 may be entrained. The interconnecting channels 45 formed of the channeling agent 35 provide pathways for the desired material to move through the entrained polymer 10. Without these interconnecting channels 45, it is believed that relatively small quantities of the desired material would be transmitted through the base polymer 25 to or from the active agent 30. Additionally, wherein the desired material is transmitted from the active agent 30, it may be released from the active agent 30, for example in embodiments in which the active agent 30 is a releasing material, such as an antimicrobial gas releasing material.

[0155] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an entrained polymer 10 according to the disclosure. The arrows indicate the path of a selected material, for example oxygen, from an exterior of the entrained polymer 10, through the channels 45, to the particles of active agent 30.

[0156] FIG. 5 illustrates an active sheet or film 75 formed of the entrained polymer 20 used in combination with a barrier sheet 80 to form a composite, according to an aspect of the invention. The characteristics of the active sheet or film 75 are similar to those described with respect to the plug 55. The barrier sheet 80 may be a substrate such as foil and / or a polymer with low moisture or oxygen permeability. The barrier sheet 80 is compatible with the entrained polymer structure 75 and is thus configured to thermally bond to the active sheet or film 75, when the active sheet or film 75 solidifies after dispensing.

[0157] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the active sheet or film 75 and the barrier sheet 80 are combined to form a packaging wrap having active characteristics at an interior surface formed by the entrained polymer 20 in the active sheet or film 75, and vapor resistant characteristics at an exterior surface formed by the barrier sheet 80. In this embodiment, the active sheet or film 75 occupies a portion of the barrier sheet 80. The methods according to theinvention for making the active sheet or film 75 and adhering it to the barrier sheet 80 are particularly limited.

[0158] In one embodiment, the sheets of FIG. 5 are joined together to form an active package 85, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown, two laminates or composites are provided, each formed of an active sheet or film 75 joined with a barrier sheet 80. The sheet laminates are stacked, with the active sheet or film 75 facing one another, so as to be disposed on an interior of the package, and are joined at a sealing region 90, formed about a perimeter of the sealed region of the package interior.

[0159] In some embodiments, the entrained polymer is positioned in a container and substantially all of the interior-facing part of the container is composed of the entrained polymer. In some embodiments, the container is fabricated so that the entrained polymer is located below the level of a liquid medium contained in the package, thereby providing direct contact between the active agent and the liquid medium.

[0160] A representative process for forming blow film material is depicted in FIG. 7. A precursor resin, in the form of pellets, is fed into hopper 105 where screw 110 rotates and forces the material forward while heat is applied, gradually forming a melt. The molten material 115 then flows through die 120, resulting in a hollow tube of material. Bubble 125 is formed in the material by introduction of air via a hole in the center of the die. The material progresses upward around the bubble, is cooled, and eventually is allowed to collapse through the action of collapsing frame 130. Throughout this step, nip rolls 135 pull the material upward and maintain proper tension. The collapsed material passes through a series of rollers, including edge trim 140, and is eventually taken up on winder 145.

[0161] Due to the nature of the blown film process, certain physical characteristics of the resulting film material may be significantly different than for films manufactured using other techniques, for example cast film extrusion. For example, a cast film process can produce a film with low and / or nonuniform orientation of the polymer strands within the material. In contrast, a blown film material may be highly oriented, with orientation uniform across the cylindrical bubble.

[0162] In turn, orientation of the polymer strands within the material can influence the degree of crystallinity, which can affect properties such as clarity / haze, tear strength and elongation, puncture resistance, and toughness.

[0163] Mechanical properties in a blown film can be significantly different than those for a cast film. In the blown film process, the material is drawn in both the transverse and machine directions. In contrast, tentered films can have nonuniform strengths in these two directions.

[0164] Other mechanical parameters which can be different in blown films and comparable cast films, in either or both of machine and transverse directions, when applicable, are Young’s modulus, dart impact resistance, transparency, brittleness, and density.

[0165] The strength of a blown film can be different from that of a comparable cast film. Generally, the tensile strength of a blown film is comparable in the machine and transverse film directions. Elongation of a blown film is similar in the machine and transverse film directions.

[0166] Another important feature of the blown film process is that the rate of cooling of the film can be adjusted. In this way, the transparency of the film can be modulated.

[0167] Optionally, in any embodiment, the aforementioned extrusion process includes coextrusion of two or more layers wherein at least one such layer is the active layer (mixture of polymer and active agent) and at least another such layer is a polymer material without an active agent incorporated therein. In such embodiments, what may be formed is a multilayer composite in which at least one layer is an active entrained polymer layer.

[0168] Various aspects of the disclosure will be illustrated in more detail with reference to the following Examples, but it should be understood that the present disclosure is not deemed to be limited thereto.EXAMPLESExample 1. Formulations: Polyolefin.

[0169] The following polyolefins (CHRCHojn, combined with an oxygen scavenging agent are envisioned.Table 2, Compositions.

[0170] Other formulations are contemplated with this disclosure. Certain formulations are envisaged using concentrations of EVA between 2% and 15%, for example, at 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, and 15%. Other channeling agents are envisioned, including polyglycols such as: polyethylene glycol, (PEG), ethylene - vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); polyamides such as nylon; and propylene oxide polymerisate monobutyl ether.Example 2. Formulations: Alternative Oxygen Scavenging Agent.

[0171] Other compositions are contemplated, and are provided in Table 3, below.Table 3. Further Compositions.Example 3. EXACT™ Formulations

[0172] The following trial formulations, using the following materials, are contemplated:Base Resin = EXACT™ 3040Formulation #1 = 60% Oxygen Scavenging Agent / 40% EXACT™ 3040Compositions of the EXACT™ 3040 formulations arc set forth in Table 4.Table 4. EXACT™ 3040 Formulations (based on Formulation #1)

[0173] Compositions of the EXACT™ formulations, in terms of the base polymer and the oxygen scavenging agent, are set forth in Table 5.Table 5. EXACT™ 3040 Formulations (based on overall composition)Example 4. EXACT™ 3040 / HYTREL® 7246 Polyester Formulations

[0174] The following trial formulations were prepared using the following materials.

[0175] Compositions of the EXACT™ 3040 and HYTREL® 7246 polyester formulations are set forth in Table 6.Table 6. EXACT™ 3040 / HYTREL® 7246 Formulations (based on Formulation #1)

[0176] Compositions of the EXACT™ / HYTREL® formulations, in terms of the base polymers and the oxygen scavenging agent, are set forth in Table 7.Table 7, EXACT™ / HYTREL® 7246 Formulations (based on overall composition)Example 5. Extrusion conditions

[0177] The following conditions for extrusion experiments are envisioned.

[0178] The samples arc run using a blown film machine (LabTcch). A polymer precursor is run at a screw temperature of 350 °F and a die temperature of 350 °F. Under suitable conditions, the warm polymer precursor will flow around the die to form a bubble. Different screw speeds up to 65 rpm can be attempted. The nip roll speed can be set at 0.5 ft / min or thereabouts. The external air can be set at 500 rpm or below, in order to avoid rapid cooling.

[0179] A range of melt (130 °C - 180 °C) and extrusion (120 °C - 170 °C) temperatures will be explored for all formulations. Five different levels of extrusion speeds (75, 65, 55, 45 and 35 rpm) will also be tested, and the properties of the resulting films will be evaluated.

[0180] Blow molding of polyethylene samples at screw and die temperature of 360 °F can be attempted. Various extrusion speeds can be explored in order to find satisfactory formation of a bubble from the warm polymer precursor.

[0181] To evaluate reaction conditions, experiments can be assigned a qualitative grade of “E”, “M”, and “D”, representing ease of bubble formation, moderate effort for bubble formation, and difficulty in bubble formation, respectively.

[0182] Under these conditions, bubble formation may be attempted at either 15 or 30 rpm, at any one of 150 °C, 165 °C, or 180 °C, with any one of polyethylene, polypropylene, or poly(lactic acid). Bubble formation may be attempted with these materials at 65 rpm and 180 °C.

[0183] Higher loading may be explored using formulas having R= C2H5, n-C.4H<), or n-CeH , as well as using formulas having R=H or CH3.

[0184] Certain further conditions for extrusions are contemplated. Extrusion speeds between 5 rpm and 30 rpm are envisioned. In particular, extrusion speeds chosen from 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 rpm are envisioned.Example 6. Measurement of oxygen concentration.

[0185] Non-invasivc Oxyscnsc® OxyDot oxygen sensors arc employed to measure oxygen concentrations. The OxyDot sensor contains a fluorescent dye whose fluorescence lifetime and emission intensity are correlated with oxygen concentration. To determine oxygen concentration, an OxyDot sensor is attached to the inside of a container having a headspace therein. The sensor is illuminated with a pulsed blue light from an LED. The blue light is absorbed by the sensor and red light is emitted. The red light is detected by a photo-detector and the characteristics of the fluorescence lifetime are measured. One or more calibration curves are constructed from standard samples with known concentrations of oxygen to identify the correlation between fluorescence lifetime and oxygen concentration. From the calibration curves and fluorescence emission data, the concentration of oxygen in a headspace can be found.

[0186] While the disclosed concept has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A blown film entrained polymer comprising: a base polymer; and an oxygen scavenging agent, optionally wherein the oxygen scavenging agent is a granular, particulate and / or mineral-based material.

2. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 1, wherein the base polymer is chosen from a polyolefin and a polyester.

3. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 2, wherein the base polymer is a polyolefin having formula LCHRCfL-L. wherein R is chosen from H and Ci-ioalkyl.

4. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 2, wherein the base polymer is a polyester.

5. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 4, wherein the polyester has formula (-OOC-Y-COO-Z)n, wherein:Y is 1,4-phenylene, andZ is chosen from ethylene, butylene, hexylene, and 1,4-cyclohexenedimethylene.

6. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 4, wherein polyester has formula ((-CH2) m COO-) n, wherein m is chosen from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

7. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 4, wherein the polyester has formula (-CHRCOO-) , wherein R is chosen from H and Ci-ioalkyl.

8. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in either one of claims 3 and 7, wherein R is chosen from H, CH3, (CH2)CH3, (CH2)3CH3, (CH2)5CH3, and (CH2)7CH3.

9. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 3, wherein R is chosen from C2H5, C4H9, and CfiHi3.

10. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 7, wherein R is CH3.

11. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 1, wherein the base polymercomprises a polymer chosen from polyethylene, polypropylene, an ethylene / propylene copolymer, and an ethylene / 1 -hexene copolymer.

12. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 11, wherein the base polymer is polyethylene.

13. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in either one of claims 1 and 11, wherein the base polymer comprises a block copolymer.

14. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 13, wherein the block copolymer comprises polyester segments and poly ether segments.

15. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 14, wherein the polyester segment is poly (alkylene terephthalate).

16. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 15, wherein the polyester segment is poly (butylene terephthalate).

17. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 13 - 16, wherein the polyether segment is a poly(alkylene glycol).

18. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 17, wherein the polyether segment is chosen from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polytetramethylene glycol.

19. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 13, wherein the block copolymer is a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.

20. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 13, wherein the block copolymer comprises a hard crystalline segment and a soft amorphous segment.

21. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 1 - 20, wherein the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a chemical reducing agent.

22. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 21 , further comprising a salt.

23. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 22, wherein the salt comprises an alkali metal cation chosen from Li+, Na+, and K+, or a mixture thereof.

24. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in either one of claims 22 and 23, wherein the salt comprises a halide chosen from F', Cl’, and Br’, or a mixture thereof.

25. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 22, wherein the salt comprises NaCl.

26. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 21 - 25, wherein the oxygen scavenging agent comprises a 1- or 2-electron chemical reducing agent.

27. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 21 - 25, wherein the chemical reducing agent produces, from the reduction of oxygen, a compound chosen from hydrogen peroxide and water.

28. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 21 - 25, wherein the chemical reducing agent is a neutral metal.

29. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 28, wherein the neutral metal is in monolithic, granular, or powdered form.

30. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in either one of claims 28 and 29, wherein the neutral metal is Fe°.

31. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 21 - 25, wherein the chemical reducing agent is a low valent metal ion.

32. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 21 - 25, wherein the chemical reducing agent is an organic compound.

33. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 32, wherein the organic compound is chosen from an organic phosphorus containing compound and an organic sulfur containing compound.

34. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 32, wherein the organic compound is a sugar.

35. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 34, wherein the sugar comprises an available reducing end.

36. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 32, wherein the organic compound comprises a polyene.

37. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 36, wherein the polyene contains 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 olefins in conjugation.

38. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 32, wherein the organic compound is chosen from a porphyrin and a heme.

39. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 21 - 25, wherein the chemical reducing agent is a polymer.

40. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 39, wherein the polymer is an optionally substituted, optionally partially unsaturated polyethylene.

41. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 40, wherein the optionally partially unsaturated polyethylene is substituted with one or more R1, wherein: each R1is independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that is optionally substituted, an aryl group that is optionally substituted, an alkylaryl group that is optionally substituted, -COOR3, -OCOR4, a cyano group or a halogen atom, andR3and R4are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

42. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 41, wherein the polymer comprises polyethylene interspersed with -(CHR'=CHR2)- units, wherein:R1and R2are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that is optionally substituted, an aryl group that is optionally substituted, an alkylaryl group that is optionally substituted, -COOR3, -OCOR4, a cyano group or a halogen atom, and R3and R4are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

43. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 42, wherein: neighboring -(CHR '=CHR2)- units are separated by three or more methylene units.

44. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 32, wherein the organic compoundis an a-hydroxyketone, or a tautomer thereof.

45. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 44, wherein the organic compound is an a-keto-P-hydroxycarboxylic acid, or a salt, tautomer, ester, or lactone thereof.

46. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 45, wherein the organic compound is 2-keto-3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexanoic acid, or a salt, tautomer, ester, or lactone thereof.

47. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 46, wherein the organic compound is chosen from D-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, D-isoascorbic acid, and L-isoascorbic acid, and salts, tautomers, esters, lactones of any of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof.

48. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 45 - 47, wherein the ester is a Ci-Ce ester.

49. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 47, wherein the organic compound is chosen from the lactone form of any one of D-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, D- isoascorbic acid, and L-isoascorbic acid, and mixtures thereof.

50. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 49, wherein the organic compound is L-ascorbic acid, or a salt, tautomer, ester, or lactone thereof.

51. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 50, wherein the organic compound is L-ascorbic acid, or a salt, tautomer, or lactone thereof.

52. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 51, wherein the organic compound is the lactone form of L-ascorbic acid.

53. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 1 - 52, wherein the oxygen scavenging agent comprises 10% to 80%, optionally 35% to 70%, optionally from 40% to 60%, optionally from 45% to 55% by weight with respect to the total weight of the entrained polymer.

54. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 1 - 53, wherein the base polymer ranges from 10% to 90% by weight of the total composition, optionally from 20% to 80% by weight.

55. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 1 - 54, further comprising a channeling agent.

56. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 55, wherein the channeling agent is chosen from a polyglycol, glycerin polyamine, polyurethane, and polycarboxylic acid, or any combination of the foregoing.

57. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in claim 55, wherein the channeling agent is chosen from propylene oxide polymerisate, propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon, or any combination of the foregoing.

58. The blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 55 - 57, wherein the channeling agent is provided in a range of 2% to 15% by weight, optionally 2% to 10%, optionally about 5%.

59. A method for manufacturing the blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 1 - 58, comprising the steps of: extruding a suitable precursor material comprising a molten mix of a polymer and an oxygen scavenging agent in a screw extruder with warming; passing the warmed extruded material through a tubular die; expanding and stretching the warmed extruded material with positive pressure; and allowing the expanded and stretched extruded material to cool.

60. The method as recited in claim 59, wherein the extrusion is performed with a rotation speed of between 5 rpm and 35 rpm, optionally between 10 rpm and 30 rpm, optionally between 10 rpm and 25 rpm, optionally between 10 rpm and 20 rpm.

61. The method as recited in either one of claims 59 and 60, wherein the extrusion is performed at a temperature between 140 °C and 180 °C, optionally between 145 °C and 175 °C, optionally between 150 °C and 170 °C, optionally between 150 °C and 165 °C.

62. The method as recited in any one of claims 59 to 61, wherein the method includes coextrusion of at least two layers for forming the expanded and stretched extruded material.

63. The method as recited in claim 62, wherein at least one layer includes a polymer material without an active agent mixed therein.

64. The material produced by the method as recited in any one of claims 59 - 63.

65. A container comprising: the blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 1 - 58 and 64, and an interior space suitable for storage.

66. The container as recited in claim 65, comprising at least one article, comprising a blown film entrained polymer as recited in any one of claims 1 - 58 and 64.

67. The container as recited in either one of claims 65 and 66, further comprising a bottom surface, a top opening, and one or more sidewalls extending in a vertical direction from the bottom surface to the top opening.

68. The container as recited in any one of claims 65 - 67, further comprising a cover to close and / or seal the container.

69. A method for minimizing or preventing oxidative decomposition of a product, the method comprising storing the product in the container as recited in any one of claims 65 - 68.