FOOD PACKAGING CLOSURE WITH AN OXYGEN SCRUBBING FUNCTION

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a system comprises a container and an oxygen sorbing closure operable to close an opening of the container. The closure comprises an oxygen sorption layer, an oxygen permeable layer, and a removable oxygen impermeable layer. When the oxygen impermeable layer is removed, the oxygen sorbing closure is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention relates in general to food packaging, and more particularly, to a food packaging closure with an oxygen scrubbing function.

BACKGROUND

Oxidation of food components is a significant limiting factor for the shelf-life of many foods and beverages. The current state of processing technology includes: 1) eliminating oxygen from food products by degassing prior to packaging and bottling, 2) filling the package or bottle to full capacity to limit “headspace,” 3) gas flushing the remaining headspace with non-oxygen gas, and/or 4) utilizing oxygen impermeable packages or bottles. However, once the consumer opens the package or bottle in the home and removes some of the product, air is introduced into the product via the headspace created by product removal, thereby limiting the effectiveness of these solutions after the packaging or bottle has been opened.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with oxidation in food products have been substantially reduced or eliminated.

According to one embodiment, a system comprises a container and an oxygen sorbing closure operable to close an opening of the container. The closure comprises an oxygen sorption layer, an oxygen permeable layer, and a removable oxygen impermeable layer. When the oxygen impermeable layer is removed, the oxygen sorbing closure is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container.

According to one embodiment, a container comprises an oxygen sorbing portion located on an interior surface of the container. The oxygen sorbing portion comprises an oxygen sorption layer, an oxygen permeable layer, and a removable oxygen impermeable layer. When the oxygen impermeable layer is removed, the oxygen sorbing portion is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises forming an oxygen sorption layer on an inside surface of a closure of a container, forming an oxygen permeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer, and forming an oxygen impermeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer and the oxygen permeable layer. When the oxygen impermeable layer is removed, the closure is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container.

Technical advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure include inhibiting or preventing oxidation of a product after packaging has been opened. In general, oxidation may occur when a product contacts ambient oxygen molecules in the headspace of an opened product container. Oxygen molecules may react with the product and cause undesirable tastes, aromas, and/or coloration. By sorbing the oxygen molecules in the headspace, embodiments of the present disclosure may remove at least some of the oxygen that would otherwise react with the product. As a result, freshness of the product is maintained. Additionally, in particular embodiments, a consumer using the product has an option of removing or not removing an oxygen impermeable layer. Thus, a consumer may decide when to activate oxygen sorbing properties of embodiments of the present disclosure. As a result, the present disclosure provides numerous technical advantages.

Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container and an oxygen sorbing closure;

FIG. 2 illustrates components of a particular embodiment of the oxygen sorbing closure of FIG. 1 in more detail, including a screw-cap, a snap-lid, an oxygen impermeable layer, an oxygen permeable layer, and an oxygen sorption layer;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container and an oxygen sorbing portion; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing the oxygen sorbing system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of storage system 10. System 10 may include a container 20, an oxygen sorbing closure 30, and a food product 35. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing closure 30 sorbs oxygen that enters the space between an opening of a bottle or package and a product within, thus prolonging the shelf-life or useful life of a product contained within container 20. Although the following description illustrates particular embodiments of system 10 which reduces or eliminates oxidation of a consumable food product 35, other embodiments of system may reduce or eliminate oxidation of non-consumable products, such as, for example, paints, polishes, waxes, dyes, enamels, and/or any other product or substance that may oxidize when exposed to oxygen.

Container 20 represents any appropriate container suitable to hold, store, carry, transport, and/or otherwise hold food product 35. In particular embodiments, container 20 represents a glass or other non-reactive material suitable to hold a liquid food product 35. For example, container 20 may represent a glass bottle operable to hold milk, juice, or alcoholic beverages. In particular embodiments, container 20 may represent a paper or cardboard carton operable to hold a liquid food product 35, such as milk, juice, and/or alcoholic beverages. Additionally, container 20 may include one or more threads, snaps, and/or other appropriate closing mechanisms seal and re-seal food product 35 within container 20.

Oxygen sorbing closure 30 seals and reseals food product 35 within container 20 and, once activated, operates to sorb oxygen within a headspace in container 20. For purposes of this description, “headspace” may refer to space between food product 35 in container 20 and an opening of container 20. As food product 35 is dispensed or removed from container 20, a headspace within container 20 may increase and fill with air. Oxygen may react with, or “oxidize,” food product 35 contained within container 20. Over time, oxidation may cause undesirable tastes, aromas, and/or coloration in food product 35. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may prevent undesirable oxidation of food product 35 after container 20 is opened. As discussed further below, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may include an oxygen impermeable layer that is removable by a consumer. Removing the oxygen impermeable layer may expose an oxygen sorption layer to oxygen in a headspace of container 20. The oxygen sorption layer may react with and/or sorb oxygen molecules, thus removing oxygen molecules from a headspace in container 20. Additionally, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may represent a cap, stopper, screw-top, spigot, valve, and/or any other appropriate type of re-sealable closure suitable to provide the described functionality.

Food product 35 represents any edible food or beverage that may oxidize in the presence of oxygen. Food product 35 may be carried, transported, and/or otherwise held in container 20. In particular embodiments, food product 35 represents a dairy product, such as, for example whole milk, 2% fat content milk, 1% fat content milk, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc. In particular embodiments, food product 35 represents an alcoholic beverage, such as, for example, wine, beer, and/or spirits. In some embodiments, food product 35 may represent a fruit juice, such as, for example, orange juice, apple juice, and/or grapefruit juice. In general, however, food product 35 may represent any consumable item that may oxidize when exposed to oxygen molecules.

FIG. 2 illustrates in greater detail the contents and operation of a particular embodiment of oxygen sorbing closure 30 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGURE, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may include oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygen permeable layer 42, and oxygen sorption layer 44. Oxygen sorbing closure 30 is operable, when activated, to reduce oxidation of food product 35 in container 20. As shown in FIG. 2, in particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may include screw-cap 32, and snap-lid 34, which provide structure and shape to oxygen sorbing closure 30. In particular embodiments, screw-cap 32 removably couples to container 20. For example, screw-cap 32 may include threads which enable oxygen sorbing closure 30 to be screwed on to an opening of container 20. Additionally, snap-lid 34 may removably cover an opening in oxygen sorbing closure 30 when oxygen sorbing closure 30 is coupled to container 20. Snap-lid 34 may be opened by a user of container 20 to dispense food product 35 contained in container 20. After dispensing food product 35, snap-lid 34 may be returned to a closing position over an opening. Thus, screw-cap 32 and snap-lid 34 may cooperate to couple to container 20, and may seal and re-seal the contents of container 20. In general, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may have any appropriate shape or structure suitable to couple to container 20, and re-sealably close food product 35 within container 20. Additionally, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may be formed within or as an integral part of container 20.

Oxygen impermeable layer 40 represents any layer of material that prevents oxygen from contacting, reacting, or interacting with one or more other portions of oxygen sorbing closure 30, including, but not limited to, oxygen permeable layer 42 and oxygen sorption layer 44. In some embodiments, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be formed from polyethylene and/or Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH). In general, however, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be formed from any appropriate material suitable to form an impermeable layer between other components of oxygen sorbing closure 30 and a headspace and/or food product 35 of container 20. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be a generally flat, disk shaped material that fits within snap-lid 34 or other suitable portion of oxygen sorbing closure 30. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may include at least one side on which an adhesive is applied. An adhesive may enable oxygen impermeable layer 40 to removably couple to oxygen permeable layer 40 and/or oxygen sorbing closure 30. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be removed by a user to activate oxygen sorbing properties of oxygen sorbing closure 30. For example, in particular embodiments, a user may open snap-lid 34, thus enabling the user to access oxygen impermeable layer 40. The user may then peel off, or otherwise remove, oxygen impermeable layer 40. Removing oxygen impermeable layer 40 may expose oxygen permeable layer 42, which may, in particular embodiments, be adjacent and removably coupled to oxygen impermeable layer 40. In general, however, oxygen impermeable layer 40 comprises any appropriate material arranged or shaped in any appropriate manner in oxygen sorbing closure 30 and suitable to perform the described functions.

Oxygen permeable layer 42 represents any layer of material that allows oxygen to pass through oxygen permeable layer 42. Oxygen permeable layer 42 may be formed from cotton, wool, linen, silk and/or any other oxygen permeable material, or any blend of oxygen permeable materials. In general, however, oxygen permeable layer 42 may be formed from any appropriate material, including natural materials, synthetic materials, and/or natural-synthetic blended materials. Oxygen permeable layer 42 may secure oxygen sorption layer 44 in oxygen sorbing closure 30 while allowing oxygen molecules to pass through the material of oxygen permeable layer 42. In particular embodiments, oxygen permeable layer 42 may be a generally flat, disk shaped layer of material that fits within snap-lid 34 or other suitable portion of oxygen sorbing closure 30. Additionally, oxygen permeable layer 42 may include at least one side on which an adhesive is applied. An adhesive may enable oxygen permeable layer 42 to couple to oxygen sorption layer 44.

Oxygen sorption layer 44 is coupled to oxygen sorbing closure 30 and reacts with ambient oxygen molecules present in a headspace of container 20. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorption layer 44 may comprise molecules or compounds that may react with and/or bond to oxygen molecules in air. For example, oxygen sorption layer 44 may comprise, in whole or in part, iron oxide, which is reactive with oxygen. Molecules within oxygen sorption layer 44 react with and/or bond to oxygen molecules in a headspace in container 20. Oxygen sorption layer 44 may thus operate to pull oxygen molecules through oxygen permeable layer 42 out of the headspace or product in container 20. By sorbing oxygen molecules, oxygen sorption layer 44 prevents the sorbed oxygen molecules from reacting with food product 35 in container 20. In this manner, at least some of the oxygen molecules present in the headspace of container 20 are removed. As a result, oxidation of food product 35 may be at least partially prevented or inhibited.

In particular embodiments, oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygen permeable layer 42, and/or oxygen sorption layer 44 may each be formed with any appropriate shape and dimensions suitable to provide the described functionality. Additionally, oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygen permeable layer 42, and/or oxygen sorption layer 44 may each be coupled to oxygen sorbing closure 30 through any chemical bonding, mechanical, and/or physical method or manner of attachment. Additionally, oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygen permeable layer 42, and/or oxygen sorption layer 44 may be individually or collectively molded and/or bonded with oxygen sorbing closure 30 during the manufacture of oxygen sorbing closure 30.

In operation, in particular embodiments, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be positioned over oxygen permeable layer 42 in oxygen sorbing closure 30 when container 20 is initially sold to a customer, thereby preventing oxygen in a headspace from contacting oxygen permeable layer 42. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be removed by a the customer to enable oxygen-sorbing qualities of oxygen sorbing closure 30. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may be manufactured or assembled such that oxygen sorption layer 44 is partially or completely hermetically sealed from oxygen molecules in the air by oxygen impermeable layer 40. For example, oxygen sorption layer 44 may be applied to an inside surface of oxygen sorbing closure 30. Oxygen permeable layer 42 may then be applied to oxygen sorption layer 44. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may then be applied over oxygen permeable layer 42.

Additionally, in particular embodiments, there may be a limit to the amount of oxygen sorption layer 44 is capable of sorbing. Sealing oxygen sorption layer 44 during manufacture and/or assembly with oxygen impermeable layer 40 may prevent oxygen sorption layer 44 from sorbing oxygen during manufacture, transit, and/or storage, thus preserving the oxygen sorbing qualities of oxygen sorption layer 44. Once container 20 is opened and/or after some food product is dispensed, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be removed. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be attached to oxygen permeable layer 42 firmly enough to prevent accidental removal during transport and/or storage, yet still allow for easy removal by a user. After removal of oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may be resealed over container 20. Oxygen sorption layer 44 may then begin reacting with oxygen molecules in the air as ambient oxygen molecules begin passing through oxygen permeable layer 42. As a result, oxygen sorption layer 44 may pull or remove oxygen molecules from a headspace in container 20. Removing oxygen molecules from a headspace may at least partially prevent or retard oxidation of food product 35 in container 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of the storage system illustrated in FIG. 1. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 (referred to here as “storage system 310”) includes a container 320, an oxygen sorbing portion 332, and a food product 35. In the illustrated embodiment, an oxygen sorbing portion 332 is located in container 320 and/or on an interior surface of container 320 and, when activated, may sorb oxygen molecules in a headspace of container 320.

Like container 20 described above with respect to FIG. 1, container 320 represents any appropriate container suitable to hold food product 35 (such as a glass bottle or cardboard carton for milk, juice, or alcoholic beverages). Additionally, container 320 includes an oxygen sorbing portion 332 formed in the body of container 320, adhesively attached to a surface of container 320, or otherwise integrated with or attached to container 320. Oxygen sorbing portion 332 includes oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygen permeable layer 42, and oxygen sorption layer 44 that are similar to the like-numbered elements of FIG. 1. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing portion 332 may additionally include a container for holding oxygen impermeable layer 40, oxygen permeable layer 42, and oxygen sorption layer 44.

In particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing portion 332 is positioned within container 320 so that, when activated, oxygen sorbing portion 332 sorbs oxygen within a headspace in container 320. As shown in FIG. 3, oxygen sorbing portion 332 may be coupled to an upper portion of container 320. In general, however, oxygen sorbing portion 332 may be positioned in or coupled to any portion of container 320 that enables oxygen sorbing portion 332 to sorb oxygen molecules in a headspace in container 320. As a result, storage system 310 may also inhibit oxidation of food product 35 or other substances stored within container 320.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacture for making an oxygen sorbing system 10. Operation, in the illustrated example, begins at step 400 a container being formed, wherein the container comprises an opening. As discussed above, container 20 may represent any container made of a non-reactive material suitable to hold or dispense liquid food products. For example, container 20 may represent a glass bottle operable to hold or dispense milk, juice, or alcoholic beverages. Container 20 may also represent a paper or cardboard carton operable to hold or dispense a liquid food product, such as milk, juice, and/or alcoholic beverages. Container 20 may also include one or more dispensing openings through which food product 35 is removed or dispensed from container 20. Additionally, container 20 may include one or more threads, snaps, and/or other appropriate closing mechanisms that cooperate with oxygen sorbing closure 30 to seal an opening and/or seal and re-seal food products within container 20.

At step 402, a food product is deposited in the container. As discussed above, food product 35 may represent any edible food or beverage that may oxidize in the presence of oxygen. Food product 35 may be deposited in container 20 in order to carry, transport, and/or otherwise hold food product 35 in container 20. In particular embodiments, food product 35 represents a dairy product, such as, for example whole milk, 2% fat content milk, 1% fat content milk, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc. In particular embodiments, food product 35 represents an alcoholic beverage, such as, for example, wine, beer, and/or spirits. In some embodiments, food product 35 may represent a fruit juice, such as, for example, orange juice, apple juice, and/or grapefruit juice.

At step 404, an oxygen sorption layer may be formed on the closure. As discussed above, oxygen sorption layer 44 may be operable to couple to oxygen sorbing closure 30 and may react with ambient oxygen molecules present in a headspace of container 20. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorption layer 44 may comprise molecules or compounds that may react with and/or bond to ambient oxygen molecules in air. For example, oxygen sorption layer 44 may comprise, in whole or in part, iron oxide, which is reactive with oxygen. As a result, molecules or compounds within oxygen sorption layer 44 react with and/or bond to oxygen molecules in a headspace in container 20. Oxygen sorption layer 44 may thus operate to pull oxygen molecules through oxygen permeable layer 42 out of the headspace or product in container 20. By sorbing at least some oxygen molecules, oxygen sorption layer 44 prevents the sorbed oxygen molecules from reacting with food product 35 in container 20. In this manner, at least some of the oxygen molecules present in the headspace of container 20 are removed. As a result, oxidation of food product 35 may be at least partially prevented or retarded.

At step 406, an oxygen permeable layer may be formed over the oxygen sorption layer on the closure. As discussed above, oxygen permeable layer 42 represents any layer of material that allows oxygen to contact, react, or interact with oxygen sorption layer 44 through oxygen permeable layer 42. Oxygen permeable layer 42 may retain oxygen sorption layer 44 within oxygen sorbing closure 30 while allowing oxygen molecules to pass through the material of oxygen permeable layer 42. In particular embodiments, oxygen permeable layer 42 may be a generally flat, disk shaped layer of material that fits within snap-lid 34 or other suitable portion of oxygen sorbing closure 30. Additionally, oxygen permeable layer 42 may include at least one side on which an adherent is applied. An adherent may enable oxygen permeable layer 42 to couple to oxygen sorption module 44, thereby coupling to oxygen sorbing closure 30. Additionally, by coupling to oxygen sorption layer 44, oxygen permeable layer 42 may retain oxygen sorption layer 44 within oxygen sorption closure 30.

At step 408, an oxygen impermeable layer may be formed over the oxygen sorption layer and the oxygen permeable layer on the closure. Oxygen impermeable layer 40 may represent any layer of material operable to hermetically seal oxygen sorption layer 44 from surrounding ambient oxygen. For example, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may prevent oxygen from contacting, reacting, or interacting with one or more other portions of oxygen sorbing closure 30, including, but not limited to, oxygen permeable layer 42 and oxygen sorption layer 44. In particular embodiments, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be a generally flat, disk shaped material that fits within snap-lid 34 or other suitable portion of oxygen sorbing closure 30. Additionally, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may include at least one side on which an adherent is applied. An adherent may enable oxygen impermeable layer 40 to removably couple to oxygen permeable layer 40. Moreover, oxygen impermeable layer 40 may be removed by a user to activate oxygen sorbing properties of oxygen sorbing closure 30. In general, however, oxygen impermeable layer 40 comprises any appropriate material arranged in any appropriate manner in oxygen sorbing closure 30 suitable to perform the described functions.

At step 410 the opening is covered by coupling the closure to the container. In particular embodiments, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may include one or more snaps, brackets, threads, twist-lock mechanisms and/or any other appropriate closing mechanism suitable to cooperate with corresponding components of container 20 to contain or seal in food product 35 in container 20. Once closed, oxygen sorbing closure 30 may be permanently sealed or coupled to container 20, or may be removable by a user, depending on the type of food product contained in container 20, the type of container 20 used, and/or any other factors, variables, and/or characteristics of oxygen sorbing system 10.

The steps illustrated in FIG. 4 may be combined, modified, or deleted where appropriate, and additional steps may also be added to those shown. Additionally, the steps may be performed in any suitable order without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the present disclosure has been described with several embodiments, numerous changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a container comprising an opening; andan oxygen sorbing closure comprising: an oxygen sorption layer;an oxygen permeable layer; anda removable oxygen impermeable layer;wherein the oxygen sorbing closure is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container after the oxygen impermeable layer is removed.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen sorbing closure removably couples to the container to selectively open and close the container.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the oxygen sorption layer positioned proximate to an inside surface of the oxygen sorbing closure;the oxygen permeable layer positioned proximate to the oxygen sorption layer; andthe oxygen impermeable layer positioned proximate to the oxygen permeable layer such that the oxygen permeable layer is positioned between the oxygen sorption layer and the oxygen impermeable layer.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen sorption layer comprises a molecule or a compound operable to bond with the oxygen molecules.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen sorption layer comprises iron oxide.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen permeable layer comprises cotton, wool, linen, or silk.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen impermeable layer comprises polyethylene or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen sorbing closure further comprises: a first portion operable to couple the oxygen sorbing closure to the container and a second portion operable to selectively open and close the container, the second portion comprising an inside surface on which the oxygen sorption layer is formed.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen sorbing closure further comprises: a screw cap portion operable to couple the oxygen sorbing closure to the container and a snap-lid portion operable to selectively open and close the container, the snap-lid portion comprising an inside surface on which the oxygen sorption layer is formed.

10. A container, comprising: an oxygen sorbing portion located on an interior surface of the container, wherein the oxygen sorbing portion comprises: an oxygen sorption layer;an oxygen permeable layer; anda removable oxygen impermeable layer;wherein the oxygen sorbing portion is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container after the oxygen impermeable layer is removed.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the oxygen sorbing portion is coupled to an upper portion of the container.

12. The container of claim 10, further comprising: the oxygen sorption layer positioned proximate to the interior surface of the container;the oxygen permeable layer positioned proximate to the oxygen sorption layer; andthe oxygen impermeable layer positioned to prevent oxygen from contacting, reacting, or interacting with the oxygen sorption layer prior to removal of the oxygen impermeable layer.

13. The container of claim 10, wherein the oxygen sorption layer comprises a molecule or a compound operable to bond with the oxygen molecules.

14. The container of claim 10, wherein the oxygen sorption layer comprises iron oxide and the oxygen permeable layer comprises cotton, wool, linen, or silk.

15. The container of claim 10, wherein the oxygen impermeable layer comprises polyethylene or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

16. A method, comprising: forming an oxygen sorption layer on an inside surface of a closure, the closure operable to selectively open and close a container;forming an oxygen permeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer; andforming an oxygen impermeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer and the oxygen permeable layer;wherein the closure is operable to sorb oxygen molecules from a headspace of the container after the oxygen impermeable layer is removed.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the closure comprises: a first portion operable to couple the closure to the container; anda second portion operable to selectively open and close the container, the second portion comprising the inside surface on which the oxygen sorption layer is formed.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein forming an oxygen impermeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer and the oxygen permeable layer further comprises: selecting an adherent to facilitate removal of the oxygen impermeable layer by a consumer; andcoupling the oxygen impermeable layer over the oxygen sorption layer using the adherent.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein forming an oxygen permeable layer further comprises: selecting a material that allows the oxygen molecules to pass to the oxygen sorption layer and retains the oxygen sorption layer within the closure; andforming the oxygen permeable layer in a flat, disk shape.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising filling the container with a food product by: degassing the container;filling the container to full capacity;gas flushing the headspace with non-oxygen gas;sealing the container with an oxygen impermeable seal; andcoupling the closure to the sealed container prior to removing the oxygen impermeable layer.