By Javis 
In old times, people preserved food by simple procedures such as drying and salting. However, with advancements in science and technology, food is now preserved on a wide scale utilizing Mylar bags with oxygen absorber. So, modern food packaging now relies on these oxygen absorber bags to maintain product freshness, quality and safety. These little packets contain chemicals, commonly iron-based, that chemically react with oxygen within the enclosed packaging. They produce the ideal atmosphere for food preservation by successfully lowering oxygen levels to near zero.
Benefits of Oxygen Absorbers Put in Mylar Bags
Oxygen and moisture are the primary causes of food spoilage, degradation and mold formation. Oxygen absorbers are iron powder and salt packets that act as desiccants. Contrary to popular assumption, they are non-toxic and free of BPA. They help protect food from insects, inhibit mold formation and can extend the shelf life of food by more than ten years in some situations.
Some common advantages of oxygen absorbers include:
- They help to extend the shelf life of food.
- They help keep the food’s flavor original.
- Prevent bacteria and mold from forming on food.
- They are convenient to utilize.
How Does an Oxygen Absorber Work?
Oxygen absorbers are typically packed in permeable Mylar bags that allow moisture and oxygen to enter while keeping iron powder out. They work by absorbing moisture and oxygen and when the oxygen molecules adhere to the iron within the oxygen absorber package, it rusts. This technique reduces oxygen in the container to nearly 0.01% while leaving nitrogen in the container, which prevents food from decaying.
Key Storage Tips to Enhance Shelf Life of Food with Oxygen Absorber Mylar Bags
Oxygen absorbers are used in Mylar bags for food storage and increase their shelf life. An oxygen absorber is a compact packet that completely eliminates oxygen from a sealed environment of the Mylar bag. Each little Mylar packet contains iron powder and trace amounts of other innocuous substances such as salt and calcium oxide. The iron reacts with oxygen in the bag, forming iron oxide and eliminating free oxygen from the bag. This addition to the Mylar bag is highly useful for the storage of perishable and ready to exposed food for a longer period of time. Here are key factors to consider while creating oxygen absorber Mylar bags for the best food storage solutions:
1. Choose the Right Mylar Bag Thickness
Choosing the right Mylar bag thickness is crucial for extending food shelf life. Thicker bags offer better puncture resistance and stronger barriers against oxygen and moisture. The protective layer of a Mylar bag is a thin, lightweight material that prevents light from entering. This feature makes Mylar an excellent choice for storing objects that need to be kept out of sunlight. For long-term food storage, consider a 5 to 7 mil thickness to ensure durability and freshness.
2. Use the Correct Size of Oxygen Absorber
The size of oxygen absorbers varies. There is a mathematical formula for determining the size of the absorber, measured in cubic centimeters (cc) that is appropriate for the size of the bag you use. To keep things simple, 300cc absorbers are adequate for your Mylar bags up to and including the 25cm x 40cm zip-lock feature, while 2,000cc oxygen absorbers are appropriate for heavy-duty Mylar bags.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry & Dark Environment
Avoid light, heat and humidity to preserve food quality. The protective layer of a mylar bag is a thin, lightweight material that prevents light from entering. This feature makes Mylar bags an excellent choice for storing perishable foods that need to be kept out of sunlight. So, to enhance the freshness and flavor of your food, using Mylar bags with an oxygen absorber is the best choice.
4. Seal Mylar Bags Properly
Use a heat sealer for airtight and secure closures. Heat seal or Ziplock Mylar bags are a popular factor to seal the bags for better functionality. If you want to keep your products for an extended period of time, heat sealing gives the best protection available since it forms a molecular level barrier, as opposed to a ziplock, which, while good, is merely a mechanical barrier with the possibility of small amounts of air circulating in a bag. Thus, Zip seals are the greatest way to protect your food once you’ve opened your Mylar bag.
5. Avoid Frequent Opening & Resealing
Mylar packaging with an oxygen absorber provides airtight qualities. Some items are readily spoiled when exposed to air, moisture or light. To maintain the maximum shelf life of food stored in your Mylar bags, it’s essential to avoid frequent opening and resealing. Every time a bag is opened, air and moisture can enter, reducing the effectiveness of the oxygen absorber and compromising freshness. Mylars also have excellent customization capabilities so they may be used for all of your branding needs. For better management, store food in smaller, portioned bags to reduce unnecessary exposure, use high-quality moisture free Mylar bags with an oxygen absorber.
6. Label the Expiry Date on Every Bag
Labeling the expiry date on Mylar bag is essential for organized storage. Once sealed, you can’t see inside, making it hard to identify the contents. Avoid confusion and wasted food by clearly marking each bag with the product name and date before sealing. So, it is a simple step that saves your time later.
7. Use Food-Safe Buckets for Extra Protection
Store Mylar bags in buckets to shield them from pests and punctures. Mylar bags are ideal for storing small things such as screws, nuts and bolts. They can be simply kept safe within a mylar bag by labeling them for a more orderly lifestyle. All of these small objects are guaranteed to remain secure in the mylar bag which is well-known for its ability to prevent corrosion.
8. Keep Away from Sharp Objects & Rodents
To protect the integrity of your Mylar bags always store them away from sharp objects and rodent prone areas. Sharp edges can puncture the bags, while rodents may chew through them. These factors will compromise your food quality. Use sealed bins or containers for added protection and ensure your storage area is clean, dry and pest free to maintain food freshness.
What Type of Food Items Store in Oxygen Absorber Mylar Bags?
The food items that have low moisture and oil content need to be stored in a Mylar bag with an oxygen absorber for long-term storage. Here are 10 food items ideal for storing in Oxygen Absorber Mylar Bags:
- Rice
- Wheat berries
- Rolled oats
- Pasta
- Dehydrated fruits
- Powdered milk
- Dried beans
- Lentils
- Freeze-dried vegetables
- Baking flour