Permeation Calculator

Free tool

Enter your layer structure

Choose the material for each layer and enter its thickness in µm. Coated barrier films (SiOx, AlOx) have a fixed thickness. The result updates with every entry.

How the permeation calculator works

Each layer slows down the passage of gas like a resistance. The transmission rates of the individual layers are therefore combined in series – the total transmission rate is always lower than that of the tightest single layer.

Note:
For coated barrier films with a fixed thickness, the stored value applies directly to the whole film. The tropical water vapour transmission rate is estimated as four times the WVTR at 23 °C. If no reference value is available for a material, the calculator shows no result for that parameter.

Climate conditions of the reference values

Why you should check the permeability of your materials with the permeation calculator

Permeability, or permeation rate, describes the ability of a substance to pass through a material. In the packaging industry in particular, an estimation tool for permeation is useful – instead of running elaborate tests straight away, you can simulate and calculate first. Fresh products such as meat, fruit and vegetables or dairy products need tight packaging. But how tight is tight? How much oxygen or water vapour may enter a package without compromising quality? Controlling the gas atmosphere in a targeted way helps to improve food quality and extend shelf life.

Get a first overview

The permeation calculator lets you adjust your packaging materials on the basis of an estimate – including multilayer structures made of different materials. It provides oxygen and water vapour transmission rates for common thermoplastics such as polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyamides, polyesters, EVOH copolymers and coated barrier films. The service is and remains free of charge. Please bear in mind that the results are a first orientation based on previous measurement and literature values.

Tutorial: how to use the permeation calculator (video in German)

Measure instead of estimating

Permeation testing in the laboratory

For reliable values, a measurement is essential. We determine oxygen, water vapour, carbon dioxide and nitrogen transmission of films, laminates, coated papers and complete packages – in accordance with standards and under the climate conditions of your application.

If you have questions about the calculator or our test methods, please get in touch.

To permeation testing