Abstract: Disclosed is a closure liner composition comprising a mixture (or blend) of a thermoplastic polymer, an oxygen barrier polymer, and a particulate oxygen scavenging material. The oxygen barrier polymer preferably comprises polyisobutylene. The particulate oxygen scavenging material preferably is selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal salt of sulfite, ascorbate, isoascorbate, and a mixture of two or more of these materials. The closure liner composition may be used to fabricate a liner for a closure (e.g., a metal crown used to cap a bottle) that provides superior oxygen reduction properties and improved shelf life.