Abstract: Provided is a system useful for oxygen scavenging which comprises at least two components, i.e., an oxygen scavenging material which forms at least one by-product upon reaction thereof with oxygen, and an effective amount of a neutralizing material capable of neutralizing at least a portion of these by-products. In a preferred application, a multi-layer structure that can be employed in producing packages and in particular food packages, comprises a first layer including an oxygen scavenging material and a second layer which includes a material that is capable of neutralizing at least a portion of the by-products produced by the oxidation of the oxygen scavenging material within the first layer. These two layers are arranged such that, upon formation of the package, the second layer is interior to the first layer. Furthermore, the multi-layer film can include one or more of an oxygen barrier layer, a polymeric selective barrier layer, and a heat-sealable layer.