ABSTRACT
The packaging materials are used mostly in the food and pharmaceutical industry for aseptic packaging of a great variety of products. Besides the possibilities for the packaging industry the gamma sterilization process also offers great possibilities for amongst others the medical industry, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic and food industry. Gamma radiation which is used for the gamma sterilization process is obtained from the isotope Cobalt-60. The supplier of this material converts the element Cobalt-59 into the radio-active isotope Cobalt-60 via a process of neutron bombardment. Retortable shelf stable barrier plastics offer a unique packaging concept on autocla-vable, reheatable and microwavable plastic containers with outstanding performances on sensoric and nutritive characteristics and a high abuse container resistance, together with an attractive presentation. Shelf life of oxygen sensitive products is mainly determined by the sensitivity of the food in relation to the remaining oxygen in the closed container and the permeability of the container itself.
