Abstract: A method for triggering an oxygen scavenging component of a container for packaging an oxygen sensitive material includes the steps of providing a container defining an internal space and having an internal oxygen scavenging component including an oxidizable organic compound, exposing the oxygen scavenging component to a source of actinic radiation, positioned within said internal space, at a wavelength, intensity, and residence time so as to provide a dose of actinic radiation sufficient to activate the oxygen scavenging component, and packaging an oxygen sensitive material in the internal space of the container whereby the oxygen scavenging component scavenges the oxygen from the internal space of the container. An apparatus and packaging system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite film and vacuum skin package for packaging a product such as a fresh red meat is disclosed. The composite film is thermoformed and sealed under vacuum to a support member to completely enclose a product which is positioned on the support member. The composite film is a permeable film weakly bonded to an impermeable film, permitting the impermeable film to be peeled from the package while leaving the permeable film intact so that the fresh red meat product can bloom from a purplish color to a desirable red color upon exposure to oxygen. The permeable and impermeable films are fully peelable without the need for a migratable wax to enhance peelability.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes an oxygen scavenger and a zeolite. The article can be in the form of e.g. a film or sealing compound. A package can be made from the article for containing an oxygen-sensitive article such as food. The zeolite reduces migration of odor causing by-products of the oxygen scavenging process. A method of making an article of manufacture having reduced migration of byproducts of an oxygen scavenging reaction includes providing an article including an oxygen scavenger and a zeolite; and exposing the article to actinic radiation.

Abstract: A composite film and vacuum skin package for packaging a product such as a fresh red meat is disclosed. The composite film is thermoformed and sealed under vacuum to a support member to completely enclose a product which is positioned on the support member. The composite film is a permeable film weakly bonded to an impermeable film, permitting the impermeable film to be peeled from the package while leaving the permeable film intact so that the fresh red meat product can bloom from a purplish color to a desirable red color upon exposure to oxygen. The permeable and impermeable films are fully peelable without the need for a migratable wax to enhance peelability.