High-barrier packaging refers to materials engineered to provide superior protection against external factors such as oxygen, moisture, light, and contaminants. By creating an effective barrier, these packaging solutions ensure product integrity, extend shelf life, and preserve quality-making them indispensable in industries like food and pharmaceuticals.
Understanding the Key Performance Metrics
When evaluating barrier films, two critical measurements define performance:
Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)
OTR measures the amount of oxygen that passes through a film per unit area per day. A "good" OTR depends on the product's oxygen sensitivity, but for high-barrier applications:
|
Barrier Level |
OTR Range (cm³/m²·day) |
Typical Application |
|
High Barrier |
< 1 |
Pharmaceuticals, long-shelf-life foods |
|
Moderate Barrier |
1 – 10 |
Short-shelf-life food items |
|
Low Barrier |
> 10 |
Fresh produce (requires respiration) |
Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR)
WVTR measures moisture permeation, typically expressed in g/m²/day. Practical guidance for selection includes:
Long shelf life for dry foods or electronics: WVTR below 0.5 g/m²/day
Always specify test conditions (temperature and relative humidity) when comparing WVTR values-WVTR increases with temperature and humidity
Common test standards: 38°C / 90% RH simulates harsh.
Key Considerations for EVOH
EVOH provides exceptional oxygen barrier but has one major limitation: moisture sensitivity. In high-humidity environments, its barrier performance can degrade significantly. To mitigate this, EVOH is typically placed within a multi-layer structure, protected by outer hydrophobic layers.
Application-Specific Recommendations
- Snacks, Crisps, and Chips
Recommended: Metallized films or foil laminates
Key requirement: Low OTR to prevent oxidation and maintain crispness
- Coffee and Nuts
Recommended: High-barrier transparent laminates or metallized films
Key requirement: Oxygen and aroma barrier to preserve freshness and flavor
- Fresh Meat and Poultry
Recommended: EVOH or PA/EVOH multilayer films
Key requirement: Low OTR combined with puncture resistance
- Fresh Produce (e.g., Peaches, Cherry Tomatoes)
Recommended: Breathable films with moderate, controlled permeability
Key requirement: Balanced OTR to regulate respiration and prevent spoilage
- Pet Food and Retort Pouches
Recommended: High-barrier laminates with heat resistance
Key requirement: Withstand high-temperature sterilization while maintaining barrier integrity
Send your product, packaging machine and shelf-life requirement. Fuya can recommend a suitable multilayer film structure.
