Understanding Oxygen Transmission in Packaging Films

Oxygen is one of the biggest threats to food shelf life. It can drive spoilage, cause discoloration, accelerate rancidity, and alter texture—all of which damage product quality and consumer trust. That’s why understanding Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) is critical when selecting food packaging films. At Teinnovations, we help brands choose and test films based on the real oxygen sensitivity of their products.

What Is Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)?

OTR measures how much oxygen passes through a packaging film over a given period of time. It’s typically expressed in cc/m²/day. Lower OTR = better oxygen barrier. But the right barrier level depends entirely on what’s inside the package:

Fresh produce may need breathable films with moderate OTR
High-fat foods or meats often require ultra-low OTR
Snacks or baked goods may need tailored moisture and oxygen balance

How Oxygen Impacts Food Quality

Excess oxygen exposure can lead to:

Lipid oxidation (rancid fats)
Enzymatic browning
Vitamin degradation
Microbial growth acceleration

That’s why we evaluate the chemical and microbial stability of your product first, then engineer a packaging solution around it.

Choosing the Right Film for the Job

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our team considers multiple factors when recommending packaging film:

Required OTR and MVTR levels
Product respiration or off-gassing
Environmental exposure (refrigerated, ambient, frozen)
Processing method (MAP, HPP, vacuum seal, etc.)

We match those needs to multi-layer or coextruded films that perform reliably in commercial conditions—often validated through OTR testing and shelf-life simulation.

When to Use High-Barrier Films

Some applications call for extremely low oxygen permeability, especially for products like:

Juices and beverages
Deli meats and cheeses
Cooked or prepared meals
HPP-processed items

In these cases, we may recommend films with OTRs below 1 cc/m²/day, often including EVOH or other barrier layers.

It’s Not Just About the Film

Barrier properties mean nothing if the package doesn’t seal correctly. That’s why we also evaluate:

Seal integrity and leak resistance
Film-lidding compatibility with trays or containers
Sealing equipment settings and controls

Our integrated approach ensures oxygen protection is engineered into every part of the system.

Need help identifying the right OTR for your product?

Contact us today to let our technical experts evaluate your product and recommend a film solution built for freshness, quality, and shelf life.