Barrier film uses uv-activated O2 scavenger. (Keeping Up With: Extrusion).

Cryovac, a div. of Sealed Air Corp. in Duncan, S.C., is commercializing what is believed to be the first barrier packaging film containing the uv-triggered OSP (oxygen-scavenging polymer) from Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. in Houston. The seven-layer structure (a four-layer sealant film that is adhesive laminated to PVDF-coated polyester) is for lidding on Nestle's Buitoni refrigerated pasta.

Cryovac has worked for over a decade on a variety of oxygen-scavenging materials to give refrigerated products longer shelf life. The first, commercialized in 1998, used its own scavenging material. For several years Cryovac also worked with Chevron Phillips' OSP, a complex acrylate with a two-part additive system. Cryovac and Chevron Phillips hold separate and joint patents on oxygen-scavenging technologies and cross-license each other. Chevron Phillips' OSP, which is used in bottles and pouches, could be licensed to other film makers, but there could be royalties due to Cryovac, as well. Ctyovac: [phone], www.sealedair.com; Chevron Phillips: [phone], www.ospsystems.com