What are Oxygen Absorbers?
Oxygen Absorbers are small sachets
containing iron powder or ferrous oxide. They find great use across many industries,
mainly food and beverages. The oxygen absorbers are manufactured in such a
manner that it can absorb oxygen and moisture simultaneously but will not allow
the iron powder or ferrous oxide to leak outside. The oxygen absorbers take in
all the excess oxygen present in the packages containing food items, thus
ensuring that proper oxygen levels are maintained. The presence of excess
oxygen in food packages can spoil the food and make it inedible by the time it
reaches its final destination. Another benefit of using oxygen absorbers is
that it is not harmful for the packed food items as it does not react with the
latter. It is for this reason that the oxygen absorbers are made available only
in a sealed pouch.
Oxygen Absorbers function using a simple chemical reaction. When
placed in an oxygen-rich atmosphere, they will absorb all the excess oxygen.
The ferrous oxide/iron powder will react with the absorbed oxygen and turn into
rust. This process will continue till all the iron powder has been oxidized.
When it stops, we can say that the oxygen absorber is fully loaded and will not
absorb any more oxygen. The oxygen absorbers can be used more than once as they
can be regenerated by the simple process of heating.
How Oxygen Absorbers Preserve Food Items?
When oxygen absorbers are placed along side packed food items,
they work to remove all traces of excess oxygen. After the oxygen is removed,
the food items are in a nitrogen-filled atmosphere, which is ideal for the long
shelf-life of the packed products. The oxygen absorber sachets are useful in
preserving dry foods as well. It keeps them safe from insects and maintains
their top-class product quality.
Placing an oxygen absorber sachet along side your packed food products
will ensure that they are free from spoilage organisms like fungus, algae and
molds. Oxygen absorbers also protect against aerobic pathogens. The use of oxygen absorbers also means that one need not use additives like BHA, BHT,
sulfur dioxide, sorbates, and benzoates.
