O2 Absorbers And CO2 Generators For Rigid Packaging
ATCO O2 Absorbers and CO2 Generators actively absorb oxygen and emit carbon dioxide. This active technology is perfect for products that are susceptible to oxidation yet also benefit from the bacteriostatic benefits of adding CO2 to a package. Furthermore these work especially well in preventing pack collapse in rigid packages, where the CO2 'replaces' the pack volume lost when the oxygen is absorbed.
Remove Oxygen Without Losing Pack Volume Or Shape
Why do rigid packs sometimes collapse when you use an oxygen absorber? Because absorbing oxygen removes gas volume. In a flexible pouch the film simply draws in, but in a tray or rigid pack that lost volume shows as a distorted, vacuum-drawn pack that looks like a fault to the consumer.
ATCO O2 absorbers with CO2 generation solve it by releasing carbon dioxide as they absorb oxygen, replacing the volume as it goes. The pack keeps its shape, the oxygen still goes, and the carbon dioxide adds bacteriostatic protection on top.
How Dual-Action O2 Absorbers And CO2 Generators Work
What Problem Do These Sachets Solve?
These dual-action sachets absorb oxygen from the pack headspace and emit carbon dioxide in its place. Absorbing oxygen removes gas volume, and in a flexible pouch the film simply draws in — but in a rigid or semi-rigid pack that lost volume shows up as a distorted, vacuum-drawn container that reads as damage or spoilage to a consumer even when the product is fine. Generating carbon dioxide as the oxygen is absorbed replaces that lost volume, so the pack keeps almost no residual oxygen while holding its intended shape throughout.
Why The Generated CO2 Is Not Just A Filler
The carbon dioxide released has a bacteriostatic effect, slowing the growth of spoilage organisms and adding a second mechanism of protection alongside oxygen removal. For products susceptible to both oxidation and microbial spoilage — a great many chilled and ambient foods — that combination does more than either action alone would. Like the rest of the ATCO range, the oxygen absorption is irreversible, so nothing taken up early in shelf life is released back into the pack later, and the sachet continues absorbing oxygen that permeates through the packaging wall for as long as the product is in the pack.
Who Uses Combined O2/CO2 Sachets, And Why
These sachets are the right choice specifically for rigid and semi-rigid formats — trays, tubs, cans — where pack appearance depends on the packaging holding its shape. For producers already running modified atmosphere packaging, they act as a safeguard against gradual atmosphere drift; for those without MAP equipment, they deliver much of the same benefit without capital investment in flushing machinery, which makes them attractive to smaller producers scaling a rigid-pack product line.
Key Points
- Absorbs oxygen while releasing carbon dioxide in its place
- Prevents pack collapse and distortion in rigid and semi-rigid packaging
- Bacteriostatic effect from generated carbon dioxide
- Irreversible oxygen absorption throughout shelf life
- Continues absorbing oxygen permeating through the pack wall
- Capacity matched to headspace volume and film barrier
- Suited to trays, tubs, cans and rigid formats
- Dual protection against oxidation and microbial spoilage
- Works alongside or instead of modified atmosphere packaging
FAQs About O2 Absorbers And CO2 Generators
Why would I want carbon dioxide generated inside the pack?
Two reasons. It replaces the volume lost when oxygen is absorbed, so rigid packs keep their shape, and it slows microbial growth, giving a second line of defence alongside oxygen removal.
What is pack collapse and why does it matter?
When an absorber removes oxygen from a sealed pack it removes gas volume. In rigid or semi-rigid packaging the pack draws in and distorts, which consumers read as damage or spoilage even when the product is perfect. Generating carbon dioxide as the oxygen is absorbed prevents it.
Which packaging formats suit these sachets?
Rigid and semi-rigid formats where shape matters: trays, tubs, cans and similar. For flexible pouches where a drawn-in pack is acceptable or even desirable, a standard oxygen absorber is usually the better choice.
Will the carbon dioxide affect the taste of the product?
At the concentrations generated, the effect is normally negligible, but some products are more sensitive to carbon dioxide than others. It is worth trialling against your product, which we can help arrange.
Can these be used with modified atmosphere packaging?
Yes. They complement MAP by holding the atmosphere against gradual drift and film permeation, rather than replacing the initial flush.
Is the oxygen absorption permanent?
Yes. Absorption is irreversible, so oxygen taken up early in shelf life is not released back into the pack later.
