Shelf Life Starts with Science: How We Evaluate Packaging for Freshness

In food packaging, shelf life isn’t a guessing game—it’s the result of precise material selection, controlled sealing conditions, and a deep understanding of food chemistry. At Teinnovations, we help brands extend product freshness by building packaging systems that are scientifically engineered to protect food from the inside out.

What Really Affects Shelf Life?

Many shelf life challenges stem from the interaction between the food and its environment. Oxygen, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and microbial activity can all degrade product quality. That’s why packaging plays a critical role in controlling these variables. Our evaluations begin with:

• Water activity and moisture migration potential
• Oxygen sensitivity and oxidative stability
• Microbial growth thresholds and pH compatibility
• Volatile compound retention (aromas, off-notes, etc.)

We use these parameters to identify the right barrier properties, film configurations, and sealing technologies that will support your product’s intended shelf life and quality profile.

Customizing Packaging Based on Product Behavior

Freshness isn’t about the packaging looking good—it’s about it working in harmony with the food. We tailor packaging based on:

• Storage conditions (ambient, refrigerated, frozen)
• Distribution timelines and cold chain risk
• Reheating or use scenarios (microwave, oven, HPP)

This allows us to prevent spoilage and preserve sensory characteristics like texture, flavor, and aroma for as long as possible.

How We Test for Shelf Life Performance

We help clients evaluate and validate packaging through a range of methods, including:

• Shelf-life simulation and accelerated aging studies
• Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and moisture vapor testing (MVTR)
• Seal strength and integrity analysis
• Microbial testing under expected use conditions

These tests help verify that the packaging performs reliably over time and across variable conditions.

Real-World Example: Extending Fresh Produce Life

One client approached us with a high-respiration produce item that was spoiling within days. Our team selected a custom high-breathability film based on the product’s respiration rate, paired it with a precision-sealing system, and extended freshness from 5 to 12 days—without altering the formulation or adding preservatives.

Start with Science, Not Assumptions

Many shelf-life issues don’t come from the food—they come from packaging that doesn’t align with the food’s real-world behavior. At Teinnovations, we use a food science-based approach to ensure packaging supports the product throughout its lifecycle—from production to plate.

Want to improve your product’s shelf life? Contact us today and let’s talk about how our technical team can evaluate your current system and design a packaging solution that keeps freshness locked in.