Oxygen scavenger

[2][3] The components of an oxygen absorber vary according to intended use, the water activity of the product being preserved, and other factors.

Often the oxygen absorber or scavenger is enclosed in a porous sachet or packet but it can also be part of packaging films and structures.

[8] Often activated carbon is also included as it adsorbs some other gases and many organic molecules, further preserving products and removing odors.

[10] Typical reasons to use a non-ferrous variant would include the packaging of products intended for international shipping where metal detection would pose a problem; a desire to reduce the odor associated with ferrous carbonate; or dietary products where contact with iron should be avoided.

Plastic sachets offer greater protection than paper as they are not prone to disintegrating in products with high fat contents.