Evaluating Oxygen Barrier Properties of Plastic Cups Ensuring Food Shelf life

Pudding cups are commonly used for packaging pudding products due to their ability to maintain shape and ease of transport. However, oxygen exposure can negatively impact puddings by causing nutrient loss, flavor deterioration, and spoilage. Therefore, pudding cup materials require good oxygen barrier properties.

This report describes the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) testing of a plastic pudding cup using the coulometric method according to ASTM F1307-02, Standard Test Method for Oxygen Transmission Rate through Dry Packages Using a Coulometric Sensor.

The test was performed under the condition of (10 ± 0.2)℃ Temperature and 0% RH, (5 ± 1)% RH – (90 ± 1)% RH, 100% RH humidity. The testing instrument was Labthink C230H Oxygen Transmission Rate Test System

C230H utilizes the coulometric method, where oxygen permeates through the clamped specimen from a high-concentration side to a low-concentration (nitrogen) side. A coulometric sensor detects the increasing oxygen concentration, allowing the system to calculate the OTR.

The tested pudding cup exhibited an OTR of 0.56315 cm³/package/day. Lower OTR values indicate better oxygen barrier properties. The specific OTR requirement for pudding cups depends on factors like desired shelf life and product ingredients.

OTR testing is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of pudding cup packaging in maintaining product quality. This report demonstrates the coulometric method for OTR measurement using the Labthink C230H system.


As the demand for functional packaging materials grows, testing methods are evolving to ensure a more comprehensive evaluation of packaging films. Labthink encourages collaboration with packaging industry companies for quality control! Visit the website www.labthink.com to learn more!