Multisorb Technologies, the world leader in active packaging solutions, introduces FreshPax^® S, a new sorbent solution that combines oxygen and moisture management capabilities in one innovative technology. By inhibiting oxidative and moisture-mediated degradation, FreshPax extends shelf life and helps maintain food product characteristics such as flavor, aroma, texture, and mouth feel.  It can be tailored to individual applications, providing a customized solution to moisture and oxygen management challenges in packaged foods.

The FreshPax^® S sorbent can be pre-loaded with moisture to sustain a relative humidity level inside a package within five percent of a targeted equilibrium, if moisture ingress and egress rates are known.  By fixing the relative humidity level in the packaged environment, FreshPax^® S maintains a moisture balance that protects food product characteristics like texture and mouth feel.  This approach is particularly effective for prepared foods, especially those comprised of dough or incorporating a filling where moisture levels must be strictly regulated, such as refrigerated pizza and pocket sandwiches.

The sorbent fixes water activity to a level below the point at which harmful pathogenic growth can occur.  By protecting food integrity and inhibiting moisture-mediated degradation, FreshPax^® S extends shelf life in refrigerated foods from days to weeks, and in the case of shelf-stable products, from months to years. Furthermore, products that were formerly distributed frozen to maintain product characteristics can now be distributed refrigerated, with the same shelf life.

The oxygen scavenging component of FreshPax^® S is able to reduce and maintain oxygen levels to less than one percent at relative humidity levels of between 40-50 percent, thereby preventing the onset of mold growth, aerobic degradation, and other spoilage, preserving flavor, color, aroma, and the nutritive value of food products.

“The FreshPax^® S sorbent is unique in that it has both oxygen and moisture regulating capabilities,” says Robert Sabdo, Business Development Leader - Multisorb Technologies.  “We are able to fashion a customized solution tailored to the individual needs of specific applications based on product and packaging requirements.”

FreshPax^® S is made entirely of food grade ingredients and minimizes the need for BHA, BHT, sulfur dioxide, sorbates, benzoates, and other food preservatives.Sorbent sachets are available in a wide variety of sizes and fills and can be inserted into an almost package.