Pouch Barrier Estimator
Get a guideline MVTR and OTR target for a freeze-dried fruit pouch based on fruit fragility, climate, shelf-life target, and pack size. Editorial guidance — not a substitute for supplier validation.
Assumptions
- MVTR targets are at 38 °C, 90% RH per ASTM F1249.
- OTR targets are at 23 °C, 0% RH per ASTM F1927.
- Film tier recommendations are editorial guidelines, not engineering specifications. Always validate with shelf-life testing under the conditions the product will actually face.
- Tighter barrier targets reduce permeation but rarely fix bad seals, sloppy zipper performance, or oversized headspace. Packaging is a system.
How the recommendation is built
Freeze-dried fruit fails on shelf for two main reasons: humidity pickup (which softens texture) and oxygen exposure (which fades color and aroma). The pouch's job is to delay both. The right barrier choice balances cost, recyclability, shelf appeal, and the actual quality risk for the specific product.
The estimator starts from baseline MVTR and OTR targets for medium-fragility fruit in a temperate climate, in a medium pouch, at a 12-month shelf life. It then multiplies those targets by factors derived from your inputs: more fragile fruit, a more humid climate, a longer shelf life, or a larger pack each tighten the required barrier.
For background, see the field guide on barrier films, desiccants vs. oxygen absorbers, and when nitrogen flushing helps.