Development of complementary methodologies for oxygen barrier assessment on novel packaging using fluorescent decay and gas chromatography technologies within industrialization environment

The presence of oxygen in coffee packaging significantly affects its quality, leading to oxidation and off-taste. To ensure the preservation of high-quality coffee, it is crucial to accurately measure the Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) of novel paper-based packaging. However, the current standard method for OTR measurement is limited to films, sheets, or hollow bodies and does not allow for the localization of barrier defects (DIN 53380–5). Additionally, this method is not suitable for industrialization due to its long measurement time. In this paper, we introduce two innovative methodologies using Gas Chromatography and Fluorescent Decay, developed at Nestlé System Technology Center, for assessing oxygen barrier properties in novel packaging. These methodologies offer advantages in terms of rapid detection, identification of barrier defects, and enhanced barrier properties.