Speciality chemical company Clariant has developed a patent-protected oxygen scavenger additive masterbatch CESA ProTect for monolayer polyethene terephthalate (PET) packaging.
The new additive masterbatch features active ingredients and is suitable for other polyester-based materials and cold-chain distribution.
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The new additive masterbatch can absorb the O₂ molecules so they cannot reach the product.
CESA ProTect protects the PET-treated containers only after production since the additives are only active after processing.
Clariant global product manager Antonello Decortes said: “PET is already a good barrier material but sensitive applications may still suffer from oxygen inlet.
“This is not a problem for water or most carbonated soft drinks, but fruit juices lose vitamin potency and undergo a colour shift, dairy products can sour, coffee capsules suffer flavour loss, and as little as 1ppm of oxygen can change the taste and odour of beer.
“CESA ProTect additives can help extend the shelf life of these products and ensure that less food is thrown away.”
The product is still subject to food contact approvals.
During testing of a 23g, 0.5l bottle, the company found that 3.6% loading of CESA ProTect masterbatch held oxygen levels below one part per million (ppm) for 588 days. An untreated PET maintained levels below 1ppm for just 22 days.
Clariant segment and business development packaging global leader Alessandro Dulli said: “Based on these test results, we believe that CESA ProTect is one of the most powerful oxygen-scavenging masterbatch on the market.”
