IT
EN09 — Research, Hydrogen & Innovation
Food technology and OXY-PRO active packaging
OXY-PRO is the active packaging technology developed by IAT: an oxygen absorber that protects packaged food from oxidation, mould, insects and discolouration while preserving flavour, freshness and nutrients.
Services
How it works
- Removes the oxygen present in a hermetically sealed container
- Uses activated powdered iron oxides which, after absorption, become stable oxides and hydroxides
- It is not a food additive: it is used like a desiccant, with no direct contact with the food
- Packaged in materials compliant with EU regulations
- Disposable without further treatment
Applications
- Protection from mould, insects, discolouration and oxidation
- Preservation of organic products along the whole chain
- Packaging without added preservatives or antioxidants
- Formats by absorption capacity from 20 to 2000 ml of O₂ per sachet
- Suitable for cans, hermetically sealed bottles and barrier films (oxygen permeability ≤ 20 cc/m²·atm·24h)
- Not suitable for raw fish products or chilled products with pH > 5 and aw > 0.93
Commercial benefits
- Longer shelf life: access to new markets and wider distribution range
- Plannable production and fewer returns for expiry
- Answer to demand for natural products, without investment in dedicated plant
- IAT support in format selection, confirmation tests and verification of packaging hermeticity
History and regulatory background
- Technology developed by IAT in the 1990s and subject to clearance by the Italian Ministry of Health (Dept. of Food, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Office XIII, no. 600.13/49.00/85/425 of 7 November 1997)
- The reference above is historical. Any current use is subject to verification of compliance with the regulations in force on food-contact materials, which IAT carries out case by case with the client.
Regulatory framework
- Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and Regulation (EC) 450/2009 — active and intelligent food-contact materials
- Regulation (EC) 2023/2006 — good manufacturing practice
References are indicative. Each engagement is framed on the regulations in force at the time of appointment.
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