Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR): Why it is the Best Indicator of a Quality Vacuum Seal Bag

When shopping for vacuum seal bags, it is easy to pay attention to only the thickness and the brand’s reputation. The flexible packaging industry is filled with marketing campaigns that focus on the thickness of the plastic rather than its material functional properties. What truly makes a bag effective is the type and quantity of material used in its manufacturing. The material must be tested by third-party labs to determine how it will perform on the field.

The Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) value is one of the most important factors to consider. It tells you how effective the bag is in blocking oxygen. A bag is TRULY airtight when the OTR is as low as possible. Do you see why thickness doesn’t necessarily mean protection against the damaging effects of the elements?

Since oxygen is the number one culprit of product degradation next to UV light, it is important to determine the vacuum seal bag’s OTR value. Besides oxygen and UV light, you must also ensure perishables remain free from moisture imbalances. Therefore, learning about the Moisture/Water Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR/WVTR) of the bag material is also important. However, this article will focus on the importance of OTR.

Read more to learn all about OTR and why it helps to protect your precious products!

What is Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)?

In relation to vacuum seal bags, the definition of Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) is the steady rate at which oxygen gas is able to permeate through the material at a certain temperature and relative humidity in a given period. OTR values are expressed in cc/m²/24 hr in metric (or SI) units and in cc/100 in²/24 hr in US standard units. When measuring a material’s OTR, the standard test conditions are 73°F (23°C) and 0% RH (relative humidity).

In simple terms, OTR values measure how much oxygen can pass through the bag’s material over time. The lower the OTR, the more effective the bag is at keeping oxygen out. By keeping oxygen out, products will experience less oxidation and will have a longer shelf life. Additionally, products will retain the most flavor, nutrient potency and overall quality.

How to Check Your Bag’s OTR?

Currently, there isn’t a way consumers can check the bag’s OTR on their own. It requires the assistance of a licensed laboratory that tests materials using scientific standards with specialized equipment.

When shopping for vacuum seal bags, you should look for brands that have taken their materials through laboratory testing and provide the OTR values of their materials. The lab tests should be obtained from third-party laboratories that provide unbiased results. It is also important to note that the OTR values should represent the average of both sides of the bags instead of just one side. Some companies report the best OTR value of one side of the bag, not the average of both sides.

The bottom line is to choose brands that are transparent about the materials they use and the type of laboratory testing that is performed on their products. Trusted brands provide OTR values of their materials in an easy-to-understand format.

Why a Low OTR Value Matters in Product Preservation

When you use a vacuum seal bag with a low OTR value, you ensure that you’ll preserve your products effectively. This is especially crucial for perishable products such as food, medications, and other perishable items. These are some of the reasons why low OTR values are key in protecting the quality of your products:

Maintains the Best Quality of Products: Oxidation occurs from exposure to oxygen, which leads to the degradation of products. Think of the airtight characteristic of glass jars. Using a vacuum seal bag with low OTR values helps products retain their original flavor, nutritional potency and texture. This is important for the end user as well as companies that produce products to sell to their consumers. You can hide things from UV light, but oxygen is everywhere.
Extends Shelf Life: Oxygen oxidizes the compounds or components of products such as oils and fats. Oxidation causes products to become rancid, lose their nutritional value and spoil early. By choosing a bag with low OTR values, oxygen penetration is minimized and shelf life is extended. It is an effective way to reduce costs, save time and become more sustainable.
Prevents Growth of Microorganisms: Various microorganisms need oxygen to grow. By using a bag with low OTR values, you can reduce the chances of contamination and the dangerous growth of bacteria.
Ensure Regulatory Standards: Using quality packaging is key for businesses that produce perishable products that require consumer standards to be met. Food and pharmaceutical producers are examples of industries that rely on quality packing to ensure their products reach their customers in the best conditions.
Consumer Satisfaction: Whether you are the end-user or manage a company that provides products to consumers, a bag with low OTR values ensures satisfaction. Consistently achieving the most freshness is key to enjoying the quality of products. It creates brand loyalty for companies that care about providing customers with quality materials that have excellent OTR performance.

As you can see, it is worth paying attention to the OTR values of the bag materials you choose. It becomes easy to do when you choose a brand that provides this information and is dedicated to using the best bag construction methods in the industry.

GardaPack Provides Accessible Premium Quality You Can Trust

GardaPack vacuum seal bags are built to withstand tough conditions and provide the best OTR values on the market, as supported by third-party lab tests by LabThink International. Our commercial-grade bags are made from high-quality proprietary materials to ensure they provide the ultimate protection against air, moisture, and punctures, ensuring your products stay well-preserved until they are ready to use.

Our vacuum seal bags are compatible with most vacuum sealing machines. It makes packaging and preserving quick and hassle-free. Whether you’re a commercial food producer or a home user, you’ll find our vacuum sealing system easy to use with commercial-grade performance.

See the chart below to see how our bags compare to leading brands on the market: