Oxygen scavenger system HyGuard barrier innovation

HyGuard
The ultimate solution for PET container lightweighting, recyclability and product protection for oxygen sensitive beverages and foods.

SECTION 1

How HyGuard works

Typical PET beverage container

HyGuard catalyst
In a typical PET beverage container, the HyGuard catalyst is uniformly distributed throughout the container wall

Container closure

HyGuard activator
The HyGuard® activator is located within the closure

Closure
Closures can be designed for a range of hot fill, wide mouth or aseptic applications

Active disk
The active disc slowly releases hydrogen. Disk size and shape is flexible, depending on required speed and longevity of oxygen scavenging activity

Control layer
The control layer controls the rate at which hydrogen is released

HyGuard in action / O2 + H2 symbols
Oxygen continually penetrates the container wall

After the closure is applied, HyGuard starts to work

Moisture in the headspace triggers the controlled release of hydrogen from the active disk


HyGuard catalyst / O2 + H2 + H20 symbols

As the hydrogen and oxygen molecules come together, minute amounts of odourless and tasteless water molecules are created

The water produced is at a ppm level and insignificant with respect to the underlying moisture vapour transmission through the container

HyGuard continues to perform / O2 + H2 symbols

Whilst there is always oxygen and hydrogen present, HyGuard performance is maintained

The catalyst does not degrade


SECTION 2

Clarity and recyclability

Nylon oxygen barrier
For a Nylon oxygen barrier, light rays bounces around as they hit the nylon resulting in a hazy, pearlescent appearance

HyGuard
With HyGuard, light rays are able to penetrate fully resulting in perfect container clarity


SECTION 3

Light weighting and portion size

Thinner and smaller PET containers require greater protection from oxygen ingress

Currently, the impact on cost and container clarity can make these options unviable

As a catalytic system, HyGuard requires no adjustment to the level of material used

The same ppm of catalyst is used whatever the level of protection required

HyGuard delivers increased product protection without impacting container clarity and recyclability

This offers new opportunities for container light weighting and reduced container portion sizes


SECTION 4

Shelf life and empty container storage

As HyGuard is activated only after the closure is applied, empty container storage does not impact on the life of the oxygen scavenger

Container shelf life is completely flexible and controllable

Where required, 24 months shelf life is easily achievable


SECTION 5

Industry recognition

HyGuard is the only oxygen scavenger to be endorsed by the APR and EPBP for being fully recyclable


SECTION 6

Combined additive use

Ultimate UV light protection
HyGuard can be combined with other ColorMatrix additives and colorants including Ultimate UV light protection where light sensitivity is also a concern

ColorMatrix’s Ultimate UV also has APR and EPBP recognition for full recyclability

HyGuard® The ultimate solution for PET container lightweighting, recyclability and product protection for oxygen sensitive beverages and foods

HyGuard is a Registered Trademark is the EU and North America