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Technical properties

OTR (oxygen transmission rate)

Also known as: OTR, oxygen transmission rate, oxygen permeability, O2TR, oxygen barrier value

OTR is the amount of oxygen passing through one square metre of packaging material in 24 hours under set conditions; lower means better barrier.

OTR (oxygen transmission rate) is the volume of oxygen that passes through one square metre of material in 24 hours, usually given in cm³/m²·day. The lower the number, the better the oxygen barrier.

Why it matters

Oxygen causes rancidity, aroma loss in coffee, staling of nuts, colour change and can support spoilage. OTR lets you compare structures objectively when choosing a pack for oxygen-sensitive food.

Test conditions

OTR is measured on dedicated instruments to standard methods at a stated temperature and relative humidity. Results vary a lot with conditions: EVOH, for instance, loses performance as humidity rises. Only compare values measured under the same conditions.

General ranking

PE and CPP have poor oxygen barrier; BOPP and PET are moderate; OPA is better; metallised film and EVOH are good to high; intact aluminium foil is close to zero.

Remember that a finished pouch also lets oxygen in through seals, zippers and flex cracks. Ask for OTR data and test conditions on the specification sheet, and confirm with a real shelf life trial for sensitive products.

Frequently asked

What unit is OTR measured in?

Usually cm³/m²·day (also written cc/m²/24h), at a specified temperature and relative humidity.

Does a low OTR film guarantee long shelf life?

Not on its own. Seal quality, closures, headspace and storage conditions also affect how much oxygen reaches the product.

Related terms

BarrierBarrier is a packaging material's ability to stop oxygen, moisture, light, aroma or grease passing into or out of the pack. WVTR (water vapour transmission rate)WVTR is the mass of water vapour passing through one square metre of material in 24 hours (g/m²·day); a lower value means better moisture barrier. EVOHEVOH is a clear plastic barrier layer buried inside multilayer films, keeping oxygen and aroma transmission very low. Shelf lifeShelf life is how long a product stays safe and keeps its quality when stored as directed; packaging is one of its main drivers. Aluminium foilAluminium foil is a thin metal layer used in laminated pouches, providing the highest barrier to light, oxygen, moisture and aroma in flexible packaging.

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