Compliance work

Overall migration Sensory analysis

Material analysis

Mechanical properties

permeation

PPWR/ Recycling

Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils, etc.

Coulombmetric (oxygen specific) carrier gas method Method (Ametek/ Mocon). Usually deviating from the standard as a double determination

In short — AI-generated

The Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) test measures how much oxygen gas permeates through a packaging material over a specific period. The sample is clamped into a diffusion cell, where one side is exposed to oxygen and the other is flushed with a nitrogen carrier gas that transports any permeated oxygen to a coulometric sensor for precise quantification.

The resulting OTR value indicates the barrier efficiency of the material against oxygen, which is critical for determining the shelf life of oxygen-sensitive products. Packaging developers use this data to select the appropriate film or laminate structure to prevent oxidation, spoilage, or flavor loss in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Text is AI-generated; based on test method data curated and verified by Innoform.

Test Method Group: permeation

Norms:
  • ASTM F 1927 (2014) Standard Test Method for Determination of Oxygen Gas Trans-mission Rate, Permeability and Permeance at Controlled Relative Humidity Through Barrier Materials Using a Coulometric Detector
  • ASTM D 3985 (2024) Standard Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Coulometric Sensor
  • DIN 53380-3 (1998-07) Testing of plastics – Determination of gas transmission rate – Part 3: Oxygenspecific carrier gas method for testing of plastic films and plastics mouldings
  • ISO 15105-2 (Appendix A) (2025-11) Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of gas-transmission rate — Part 2: Equal-pressure method

Required Sample Amount: optimum: 2 DIN A 4 sheets without folds, creases or other damages

Standard Tests

OTR film , wet test 23°C/ 75 % rel. humidity

Specific Norm: ISO 15105-2 (Anhang A)

Testing program for packaging materials used for packing products that neither contain much humidity like e.g. cheese and meat products. To simulate the wet conditions, the measurement with an increased relative humidity of 75%, which in certain barrier materials (for example, EVOH and PA) leads to higher values compared to measurements under standard climate.

OTR film , dry conditions 23°C/ 0 % rel. humidity

Specific Norm: ASTM D 3985

Testing program for applications in dry environments and dry filling goods, so rarely relevant in practice. Found now and then in product data sheets for raw materials and EVOH films.

OTR film standard 23°C/ 50 % rel. humidity

Specific Norm: ISO 15105-2 (Anhang A)

Most common test program for all applications at "normal" indoor climate. Basis of most literature and data sheet values​​.
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