New technology is utilising palladium to improve the packaging of perishable goods, so that items are able to remain fresh for longer.

Developed by UK packaging company EMCO, the technology uses hydrogen to flush the container before sealing.

The new oxygen scavenging technique has been developed after changes to European legislation so that hydrogen is now allowed as part of the modified atmosphere gas mix that is used in the flushing of containers before they are sealed.

According to Packaging Magazine, water is created by oxygen and hydrogen in the headspace of the packaging, with palladium in a non-woven matrix being used as the catalyst.

A small amount of the non-woven matrix together with the palladium is covered with a gas permeable membrane and this is attached to a plastic base through radio-frequency welding.

The technology is small enough to fit into the cap of an average screw-top bottle, meaning that it has potential for use throughout the drinks industry to increase the longevity of perishable drinks, including wine.


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