Methods / OTR

Oxygen transmission rate

Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) testing is performed to measure the speed at which oxygen gas permeates through a material, such as a rigid or flexible plastic film. OTR testing is widely used to assess the barrier properties – or the ability to resist the permeation of oxygen – of different packaging materials, as oxygen is a major cause of spoilage of packaged goods.

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Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of plastic films and sheeting

ASTM D3985, ASTM F1927, ASTM F2622-08, …
Determination of the oxygen transmission rate of plastic films and sheet-like materials. The test is performed on two parallel samples simultaneously. Measurement conditions (temperature and relative humidity) can be chosen according to the intended use of the material. Oxygen permeability is typically measured at 23 °C and 0% relative humidity as per standard ASTM D3985. In moist conditions, for example at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity, standard ASTM F1927 is used. Please disclose the desired temperature (from 10 °C to 38 °C) and relative humidity (either 0% or from 20% to 90%) upon ordering. This measurement is suitable for plastic films with OTR values between 0.05 to 20 000 cm3/(m2 * day).
420 €
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Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of paper and board

ASTM D3985, ASTM F1927
Determination of the oxygen transmission rate of paper and cardboard materials. The test is performed on three identical samples to ensure repeatability. Measurement conditions (temperature and relative humidity) can be chosen according to the intended use of the material. The oxygen transmission rate is typically measured at 23 °C and 0% relative humidity as per standard ASTM D3985. In moist conditions, for example at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity, standard ASTM F1927 is used. Please disclose the desired temperature (from 5 °C to 95 °C) and relative humidity (either 0% or 10% to 90%) upon ordering. This measurement is suitable for paper and board materials with OTR values between 0.05 to 5000 cm3/(m2 * day).
492 €
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Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of packages

ASTM F1307
This test is designed to measure the oxygen transmission rate of finished packages, including cups, bottles, trays, and containers. Two replica measurements are included in the displayed price. Temperature can be adjusted from 15 to 55 °C, and relative humidity can be either 0% or between 5 and 90% RH. This test is not suitable for films. Please see the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of films and sheeting if you need testing for film samples. Please specify the sample dimensions and testing conditions upon ordering.
792 €
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What is OTR, and what is it used for?

The oxygen transmission rate is the steady-state rate at which oxygen gas can permeate through a film. OTR is expressed as the amount of oxygen that permeates a given area in one day: cm3/(m2 x 24h).

OTR tests are commonly used to assess the functionality of packaging materials in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, where oxygen is a major contributor to reactions associated with spoilage. Analysis results will indicate whether the material can resist the permeation of oxygen well (high barrier properties) or poorly (low barrier properties).

The barrier properties of packaging directly influence the shelf life of food and other perishable products. In addition to the barrier effect against oxygen, the packaging's resistance to moisture should be evaluated. This is done through water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) testing.

OTR testing procedure

Several methods can be used to determine the transmission rate of a specific gas. Methods that use oxygen detectors are most popular when examining food packages, as they offer a highly sensitive way to establish low permeability. The used sensor only detects molecules of the gas of interest and does not account for other atmospheric gases in the surroundings.

When starting the OTR analysis, the temperature and relative humidity (dry, normal, or moist) are chosen based on the predicted storage conditions of the product. Testing condition selection is very important, as the temperature and relative humidity of the environment affect the barrier effect of the material.

One commonly used method of OTR testing is coulometric OTR. In coulometric tests, the material is sealed between two chambers of the OTR machine. One of these chambers contains oxygen, and the other one does not. A coulometric sensor measures the oxygen that is transmitted through the barrier film from one chamber to another and thus determines the oxygen transmission rate and permeability of the material.

Suitable sample materials for oxygen transmission rate testing

The oxygen transmission rate can be determined for flexible barrier materials, such as plastic films and sheeting used in rigid and semi-rigid packaging or industrial applications. Coated films, such as foil or metalized PET, CPP, EVOH, AlOx, or SiOx, are also suitable for OTR analysis. The typical testing area can be chosen to suit the size of the sample, but a minimum sample size of 12 cm x 12 cm is recommended.

Measurlabs offers OTR testing of films and sheeting according to ASTM D3985 (standard conditions) and ASTM F1927 (moist conditions). OTR tests for finished packages are also available. We are well-equipped to handle large sample batches swiftly, and can offer you the full set of barrier tests, food contact compliance evaluations, and other material characterization services within one offer. Contact our experts using the form below to discuss your testing needs.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Packages of for example food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
  • Rigid and semi-rigid packages
  • Plastic films and sheetings
  • Laminates
  • Coated papers
  • Aluminium foils
  • Metalized films
  • Non-coated films

Ideal uses of OTR testing

  • Measuring the barrier properties of packaging materials against oxygen
  • Industrial applications
  • Product development and quality control

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Frequently asked questions

What is OTR commonly used for?

OTR is most commonly used to determine the barrier properties of packaging materials against oxygen to help estimate their shelf lives. Improvement of product quality and shelf life is possible by optimizing oxygen transmission rates of the packaging materials based on the results of the OTR analysis. Adjusting copolymer ratios, plasticizer content, and polymerization processes with the help of OTR enables efficient product development also in industrial applications.

What are the limitations of OTR?

Relative humidity (RH) can have a big impact on the barrier properties of certain films, which is why OTR measurements are usually done under dry conditions. For example, the oxygen transmission rate of EVOH increases drastically when RH exceeds 75%. The thickness of the film and the temperature of the environment also need to be taken into account because they can affect the results.

The barrier materials used in OTR must often be flexible, rigid, and have a smooth surface.

What kinds of samples can be analyzed with OTR?

Flexible barrier materials of rigid packages are suitable for the analysis. Samples can be, for example, plastic films and sheeting, laminates, coated papers, aluminum foils, or metalized films. Samples need to have smooth surfaces to achieve a tight seal between the two chambers of the OTR machine. Testing is also available for finished packages.

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.