Modelling permeation of modified atmosphere gas mixtures through a low density polyethylene package film

Permeation of individual gases through a low density polyethylene package film with CO 2 ‐N 2 and CO 2 ‐O 2 ‐N 2 mixtures was simulated with a simple mathematical model. Permeabilities of carbon dioxide were of the order of 10 −12 m 3 /s m 2 atm/m with CO 2 ‐N 2 systems. Including oxygen in the system did not change carbon dioxide permeabilities. Permeabilities of oxygen were of the order of magnitude of 10 −9 m 3 /sm 2 atm/m with this system. When a CO 2 ‐O 2 ‐N 2 mixture was humidified no substantial change was observed in CO 2 permeability, but the O 2 permeability decreased almost 10 times. These results and the mathematical model presented may help in the modified atmosphere package design to increase the shelf life of produce.