As the economy grows and living standards improve, more and more pets are becoming part of families. This trend has led to a rapid expansion of the pet food industry. Like human food, pet food must meet strict safety and quality standards. Each product has a specific shelf life, during which it needs protection from spoilage and nutrient loss. Several factors influence the shelf life of pet food, including the use of preservatives, packaging materials, and storage conditions such as temperature and light exposure. This article explores how the barrier properties of packaging materials impact the shelf life of pet food and discusses the methods used to test these properties.
According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards, pet foods typically contain high levels of protein (over 18%) and fat, along with essential nutrients like amino acids, minerals, crude fiber, crude ash, and vitamins. These ingredients support the health and growth of pets, enhancing their appearance and vitality. However, they also serve as an ideal environment for microorganisms. Proteins in pet food can be broken down by bacteria into substances like organic amines and thiols, leading to unpleasant odors and spoilage. Fats, on the other hand, can be hydrolyzed into compounds such as ketones and aldehydes, which not only affect the taste but also reduce the nutritional value of the food. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize microbial activity both during production and throughout the product’s shelf life.
Microbial growth depends on three key factors: temperature, oxygen, and moisture. Oxygen is a primary cause of oxidation and rancidity, while moisture provides a favorable environment for microorganisms to thrive and accelerate the breakdown of fats. The integrity and barrier properties of the packaging play a critical role in controlling the levels of oxygen and moisture inside the package. As a result, the barrier performance of the packaging material directly affects the shelf life of pet food.
To evaluate this, Labthink tested seven common types of pet food packaging materials: PET, PET+CPP, BOPP/CPP, BOPET/PE, OPP/PE/CPP, BOPET/VMPET/LDPE, and aluminum-plastic composite films. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were measured and compared. A higher OTR indicates poorer oxygen barrier performance, while a higher WVTR means lower moisture resistance.
For the oxygen permeability test, the Labthink OX2/230 Oxygen Transmission Rate Test System was used. This system employs the equal pressure method. Samples were first conditioned at 23°C and 50% RH for 48 hours before being placed between two chambers. The upper chamber contained pure oxygen, while the lower chamber had pure nitrogen. As oxygen molecules passed through the sample, they were detected by an oxygen sensor, allowing the calculation of the oxygen transmission rate.
For the moisture permeability test, the Labthink W3/030 Water Vapor Transmission Rate Test System was used. This instrument follows the gravimetric method. A sample was placed in a cup filled with distilled water, and the humidity difference across the sample was controlled. The weight loss of the cup over time was used to calculate the water vapor transmission rate.
After analyzing the results, it was found that certain materials, such as aluminum-plastic composites and PET/CPP, exhibited low oxygen transmission rates, making them suitable for long-term storage of pet food. In contrast, PET bags showed poor moisture resistance, which can lead to shorter shelf life. The choice of packaging material is therefore vital for maintaining product quality.
In conclusion, the barrier properties of packaging materials significantly influence the shelf life of pet food. Manufacturers should prioritize materials with strong oxygen and moisture barriers, such as composite flexible plastics, aluminum-plastic laminates, or tinplate. It's also important to consider environmental factors, as some materials like EVOH and PA are highly sensitive to humidity. At low humidity, these materials perform well, but their moisture resistance decreases in high-humidity environments. Thus, careful selection is necessary to ensure optimal packaging performance.
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