{"id":18322,"date":"2026-10-14T11:13:42","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T08:13:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umaras.eu\/?p=18322"},"modified":"2026-10-14T11:24:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T08:24:01","slug":"the-basics-of-barrier-packaging-why-controlling-oxygen-and-moisture-is-critical-for-perishable-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umaras.eu\/en\/the-basics-of-barrier-packaging-why-controlling-oxygen-and-moisture-is-critical-for-perishable-products\/","title":{"rendered":"The Basics of Barrier Packaging: Why Controlling Oxygen and Moisture Is Critical for Perishable Products"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Barrier packaging in the food industry serves far more purposes than simply protecting meat, fish, seafood, cheese, or other sensitive products during transport. Two particularly important factors in the packaging of these products are oxygen and moisture. Their levels inside the package can affect the product\u2019s oxidation, aroma, color, texture, and, of course, the preservation of its quality. When selecting packaging, it is indeed important to evaluate not only its thickness or mechanical strength but also its barrier properties. In this article, we will share useful information about oxygen and moisture control that every food industry owner or business representative should know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is barrier packaging?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Barrier packaging is a packaging solution whose material structure helps control the migration of gases, water vapor, and other substances between the product and the external environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular packaging solutions is multilayer film, in which the layers perform different functions. For example, PE can contribute to sealing and moisture protection, PA can provide mechanical properties, and EVOH can ensure a reliable oxygen barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is particularly important to understand that a single material does not necessarily have to perform all the functions required of the packaging\u2014layers with different properties can be combined into a single multilayer structure. This allows for the combination of oxygen and moisture barriers, mechanical strength, seal integrity, and other properties required for a specific product. The appropriate structure is selected based on the product\u2019s characteristics, the chosen packaging technology, storage conditions, and the required level of protection. Therefore, barrier packaging should be viewed not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a protection system tailored to a specific product and its supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Note: The images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OTR and WVTR: Two Important Indicators of Barrier Film Performance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To technically evaluate the properties of barrier packaging, two key indicators are important: OTR and WVTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate)<\/em><\/strong>\u2014the rate at which oxygen passes through the packaging material. It indicates how much oxygen can penetrate the packaging material over a specified period of time and under specific test conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate<\/em><\/strong>) describes the migration of water vapor in a similar manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lower OTR value generally indicates a stronger oxygen barrier, while a lower WVTR value indicates a stronger water vapor barrier. When reviewing the data, these two values can only be properly compared if the test conditions are known, as the final result is influenced by temperature, relative humidity, material thickness, and the test method. Below is a table to help you better understand the values mentioned above and other parameters important for packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table No. 1. \u201cParameters, Functions, and Importance of Barrier Packaging\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Parameter<\/strong><\/td>What does it show?<\/strong><\/td>Why is it important?<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
OTR<\/strong><\/td>Oxygen migration through the packaging<\/td>Important for products sensitive to oxidation<\/td><\/tr>
WVTR<\/strong><\/td>Water Vapor Migration<\/td>Important for the product’s moisture balance<\/td><\/tr>
Airtightness<\/strong><\/td>The packaging’s ability to maintain a secure seal<\/td>Leaky packaging can negate the benefits of a good barrier<\/td><\/tr>
Mechanical resistance<\/strong><\/td>Puncture and tear resistance<\/td>Helps maintain the integrity of the packaging during production and logistics<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When selecting barrier packaging, it is important to know what product needs to be protected, from what factors, and under what conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is oxygen control in packaging important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oxygen that enters the packaging can accelerate oxidation processes, which may alter the aroma, taste, color, and other quality characteristics of sensitive food products, such as meat or fish. In multilayer solutions requiring a higher oxygen barrier, EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) can be used in multilayer solutions requiring a higher oxygen barrier. With its exceptionally good oxygen barrier properties, this solution is widely used in food packaging and is typically integrated as one of the layers in a multilayer structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The importance of EVOH extends beyond oxygen control. This material also exhibits good resistance to the migration of gases and aromatic compounds, so when used in multilayer food packaging, it can help preserve the product\u2019s characteristic aroma and flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, in packaging production, this layer is used in medium- and high-barrier films intended for food products. At the same time, it is important to understand another key point: a higher barrier does not necessarily mean better packaging. Manufacturers determine the most suitable barrier level for your specific case based on the product, the packaging method, and the intended storage conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moisture Level in Packaging: Why Is It Important to Keep This in Mind?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another function of barrier packaging\u2014just as important as the oxygen barrier\u2014is to control the migration of water vapor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a product loses moisture, its weight, texture, appearance, and other quality characteristics may change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conversely, there are often cases where it is necessary to protect the product from external moisture. For this reason, oxygen and moisture barriers should be evaluated together, and the packaging must help maintain the appropriate environment throughout the intended storage and transportation period for a specific product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interaction of MAP, Vacuum, and Barrier Properties in Packaging<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During vacuum packaging, air is removed from the package, while in MAP technology, the product\u2019s environment is replaced with a selected gas mixture. Although barrier properties are important in both cases, they are not the only factor. Even a film with very good oxygen barrier properties will not be able to perform its function properly if the package is improperly sealed or damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In such cases, the entire system must be taken into account: the product, the film structure, the sealing, the packaging technology, storage conditions, and logistics. This principle is particularly important for MAP packaging, where the intended gas atmosphere must be maintained inside the package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is not only the barrier but also the seal integrity of the packaging important? Because even a high-barrier film will not ensure the intended protection of the product if the final package is not properly sealed. Seal quality, mechanical resistance, and integrity during transport are all part of the barrier system. This functionality is particularly important for vacuum and MAP packaging, where the intended conditions must be maintained inside the package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UMARAS barrier film solutions: from thermoforming to MAP<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The choice of barrier packaging depends not only on the product but also on the packaging technology and equipment used. When selecting solutions for your business, it is important to understand that the film must not only provide the necessary oxygen and moisture barrier but also form properly, seal effectively, and perform reliably on a specific packaging line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UMARAS product range includes several barrier film solutions designed for the food industry:<\/p>\n\n\n\n