If you package oxygen-sensitive liquids like juice, dairy, or coffee concentrate for export to tropical markets, you have probably asked yourself this question: "Is my product arriving with the same quality it left with?"

The answer, if you are using conventional EVOH-based high-barrier films, is likely no. Here is why — and what we did about it.

The material properties of EVOH

EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer) is the industry standard for high oxygen barrier. Under dry laboratory conditions, it performs exceptionally well. But EVOH is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from the air. When relative humidity exceeds 60%, the absorbed water molecules increase the free volume between polymer chains, allowing oxygen molecules to pass through more easily. The result: your barrier film loses a significant portion of its protective capability.

This is not a manufacturing defect. It is a fundamental material property of EVOH.

The Problem in Practice

Consider a container of NFC juice leaving a factory in China, destined for a distributor in Jakarta or Manila. The journey involves:

·        Warehouse storage (ambient conditions, often high humidity)

·        Container loading and sea freight (container interiors can reach 60℃ / 90% RH)

·        Port transit and final delivery (tropical outdoor conditions)

Throughout this journey, an EVOH-based film is steadily losing barrier performance. The product that arrives may have received far less oxygen protection than the manufacturer intended.

Our Solution: QiChen ConstBarrier

QC Packaging developed ConstBarrier, a next-generation high-barrier film that replaces the EVOH layer with our proprietary ConstBarrier Layer. 

·        OTR below 0.3 cm³/(m²·24h·atm) — superior to conventional ultra-high barrier films

·        Zero humidity sensitivity — identical OTR at 30% and 90% RH

·        Cost-effective — approximately $0.07/sqm savings vs EVOH solutions

·        Supply chain stable — not dependent on imported EVOH materials

Interested or willing to discuss some of the packaging issues that are currently bothering you? Drop us a DM to get more, quotations, sample requests...

About QC Packaging

QC Packaging (Qichen Packaging Materials Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese manufacturer specializing in flexible liquid packaging solutions. Founded in 2001 with 24 years of industry experience, we produce aseptic bags, BIB bags, caps, and high-barrier films for the food and beverage industry. We serve 3000+ customers across juice, dairy, beverage, and food processing sectors.