Oxygen scavengers as active food packaging: A systematic literature review and network analysis

Abstract

• Oxygen scavengers are packaging systems that extend shelf life by reducing oxidative deterioration. • Oxygen scavenger performance depends on controlled conditions such as humidity, temperature, pH, and polymer compatibility, which determine oxygen absorption kinetics, stability, and the efficacy of shelf-life extension. • Research interest peaked in 2018, with the United States, India, and Italy leading publications. • Effective agents include antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, metals, and inorganic compounds acting via autoxidation, metal oxidation, and free-radical trapping. • Commercialization challenges involve safety regulations, material stability, and manufacturing constraints. Oxygen scavengers are active packaging materials that extend shelf life and maintain food quality, especially for oxygen-sensitive products. This review examines research trends, innovations, and challenges of oxygen scavengers in packaging from 2000 to 2025. A systematic literature review using PRISMA identified and analyzed relevant articles based on criteria. Network analysis using the bibliometric method analyzed 289 publications, showing increased research interest in 2018. The study found the United States, India, and Italy had the highest research outputs, with strong contributions to this field. Effective oxygen scavenging agents include antioxidants/phenolic compounds, unsaturated fatty acids, metals, and inorganic compounds. These agents use mechanisms to react with oxygen, depending on the active material, including autoxidation, metal oxidation, and free-radical trapping. The combination of oxygen-scavenging agents and packaging polymers, including PLA, PET, and LDPE, has shown positive results by increasing oxidative stability and preserving food quality during packaging and storage. However, commercialization faces challenges in terms of safety regulations, material stability, and manufacturing constraints. Future research should focus on natural, biodegradable, oxygen-scavenging agents and optimizing large-scale production processes. This review highlights the potential of oxygen scavengers to extend shelf life, ensure food safety, and support environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

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