FDA approves use of oxygen scavenger technology in PET containers

14-Feb-08

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved expanded use of DiamondClear™ oxygen scavenging technology. Developed by Constar International, the proprietary material is blended into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to give it exceptional glass-like clarity, gloss and extended barrier protection. Using this technology, PET bottles and containers can be used to package a range of shelf-stable products, including tomato ketchup, salsas, pasta sauces, barbecue and similar steak and table hot sauces, jams, jellies, and juices. The FDA approval is a major step forward in Constar's commitment to providing the marketplace with superior oxygen scavenging technologies for use in high barrier plastic packaging. Because DiamondClear is blended directly into PET, it can be used to create highly cost effective monolayer structure containers that optimize visual aesthetics and flavor throughout an extended shelf life. The simplicity of the structure allows for significant design and processing freedom for both preforms and containers, without the haze that is typical of earlier monolayer versions of PET oxygen scavenging systems and without delamination, which is prevalent in multi-layer structures. PET containers with DiamondClear also are a sustainable alternative to glass packaging. They are lighter in weight than glass, unbreakable and recyclable in standard recycling streams.