Are Airtight Containers Also Smell-Proof?

Airtight containers are designed to retain products’ quality, flavor, and texture by preventing air from getting in. At the same time, an airtight seal should prevent air and odors inside the container from escaping; but does airtight mean smell-proof?

Odors escaping from your packaging can indicate you may need to rethink your packaging strategy and find a more robust option. Select containers for your brand that offer the most reliable airtight seals to keep air out and odors in.

Do Airtight Containers Block Odors?

The short answer to whether airtight containers block odors is: not always. Airtight containers are designed to prevent air exchange between the vessel and its surroundings. However, they may not be completely odor-proof. Many consumers will be familiar with picking up a product like coffee and taking in its aroma just by smelling the packet. This shows that even professionally packaged and airtight products aren’t totally smell-proof.

Various factors influence how effective a product’s odor-proofing capabilities are:

• Material: The container’s material affects its smell-proofing properties. Some materials, such as glass or stainless steel, are generally better at containing smells than others like plastic. Layering packaging materials may be more effective at preventing smells from escaping than using a single material.
• Seal quality: The quality of the seal also impacts the container's ability to retain odors. A poor seal may allow aromas to escape or enter the container.
• Odor strength: Very strong odors may be able to penetrate even the best airtight seals.

Different smell-proof bags and containers work more or less effectively depending on the product they contain. Be prepared to experiment with different options and seek expert advice when selecting packaging for your products.

What are Smell-Proof Containers Used For?

Smell-proof containers are used in several industries. Common uses include:

Food Storage

Smell-proof containers like resealable, stand-up pouches or mason jars are perfect for storing strong-smelling perishable food items such as spices, dried garlic, and other pantry staples. Odor-proof containers with an airtight seal will maintain the flavor, aroma, and texture of these items for longer and also work to prevent unpleasant food smells from escaping into your fridge or pantry.

Medicinal Herbs

Smell-proof containers are the go-to option for adult-use herbs as they safeguard the quality of the product while guaranteeing discretion. 

Tea or Coffee

Tea and coffee's aroma is a huge part of their draw and must be preserved wherever possible. Keeping your products in airtight containers will retain the freshness of your leaves or beans for longer and ensure that each sip hits the spot.

Cosmetics and Fragrances

Smell-proof containers are great options for storing cosmetics, fragrances, and other scented products. The benefits of storing them this way are two-fold. On the one hand, storing scented items in an airtight container preserves their integrity and prevents any unwelcome mixing of fragrances. On the other hand, an airtight seal protects other items from absorbing their aroma.

Types of Smell-Proof Packaging Options

The good news for manufacturers is that there's a wide range of smell-proof packaging on the market that caters to different types of products and packaging needs. Among the best options are:

Vacuum-Sealed Jars

Vacuum-sealed jars like POP VAC jars are the ultimate innovative smell-proof packaging solution for storing a range of products. They're the top option for the effective storage of premium solid or balm-like products that can easily lose their freshness or kick when not stored in a robust airtight container.

POP VAC jars are a unique storage solution with several features that make them ideal for storing products with strong odors. Their benefits include:

• Optimal freshness: POP VAC jars feature a vacuum seal that makes a popping sound when they're sealed or unsealed. This lets the consumer know their product is safely sealed and ensures the product retains its freshness for as long as possible.
• Fully customizable: POP VAC jars can be fully customized to meet your brand's specifications. The jars come in a variety of colors and can be designed with the help of professionals in packaging design to match your vision for your brand. This includes wraparound stickers or donut-style lid labels embellished with premium customizations like metallic or hologram finishes or raised varnish.
• Child-resistant technology: Manufacturers working within certain industries may be required to comply with regulations governing child-resistant packaging. POP VAC jars come with a built-in child-resistant mechanism to keep little ones safe while maintaining usability for adults.

Resealable Bags

A resealable plastic bag is a versatile option for many products. A scent-proof bag with a zip-lock or grip-seal closure may be enough for many products, especially if they're not overly fragranced. Many brands favor zip-lock pouches as they're easy to open and close. This means they’re ideal for on-the-go use. Some brands opt for an activated carbon-lined bag to maintain their products' freshness and aroma profile.

Stand-Up Pouches

Smell-proof stand-up pouches are great options as they create a commanding shelf presence. Professionals in packaging design will also know how to use the surface of the pouch for optimal brand impact. 

Glass Jars

A glass mason jar is a classic option that offers a great solution for storing many kitchen staples from breakfast cereal to washing detergent. A glass airtight jar is a classy option that looks great on kitchen shelves and can be reused indefinitely. However, glass mason jars are heavy and don't offer great portability.

Common Smell-Proof Packaging Material

Aside from traditional glass mason jars, there are a range of materials that offer effective smell-proofing qualities. Popular materials on the market include:

• Mylar: Mylar is a popular material that's durable, flexible, and odor-resistant. An aluminum foil lining also provides an extra barrier against smells, moisture, and light.
• Kraft paper with an aluminum foil lining: This combination marries the strength of kraft paper with foil's odor-blocking properties. This is also a great option for manufacturers who want to use eco-conscious packaging.
• Plastic films: Some plastic films like polyethylene and polypropylene have odor-blocking capabilities. Manufacturers can laminate these films or combine them with other materials to create smell-proof packaging solutions.

Consider your products' specific requirements when choosing packaging material. Go for a material that meets all of your requirements while maintaining the level of odor containment you're looking for. For example, some products can degrade when exposed to light. In this case, transparent materials like glass or plastic film aren't the best option.

What Are the Benefits of Smell-Proofing Containers?

There are several benefits to smell-proofing containers both for the consumer and the manufacturer. 

Airtight, Smell-Proof Containers Protect the Consumer

Strong odors or fragrances can trigger respiratory issues like rhinitis or asthma. Common household items like cosmetics, cleaning products, or scented products like air fresheners or deodorants are irritants, potentially causing unpleasant symptoms for asthma sufferers. Keeping potential irritants in a smell-proof container will protect people with sensitivities or serious respiratory conditions from unnecessary exposure.

Smell-Proof Products Prevent Smells from Escaping

We've all been there: you open up your luggage after a long journey only to find your clothes and possessions all smell of an item you stored inside your case. This is preventable by storing your products in a smell-proof bag or jar with a robust airtight seal that locks in strong odors. The best seals will provide discretion while protecting the quality of the product inside and the area around the container.

Smell-Proof Jars and Containers Preserve Freshness

Perhaps the most important benefit of smell-proof vessels is their ability to preserve the freshness, flavor, and aroma profile of the perishable products inside. Environmental factors like air, moisture, light, and heat can significantly impact many products’ shelf life. This is why creating an effective barrier between your product and the elements that can damage them is so crucial.

Smell-Proof Containers Offer Discretion 

Manufacturers that produce sensitive products will likely require discreet packaging. Designing your packaging with expert help will enable you to find the perfect balance between packaging that catches the consumer’s eye and inconspicuousness. This balance allows consumers to transport or store their products without drawing unwelcome attention.

Protect Your Products with the Strongest Airtight Seal

Aromas have a unique ability to evoke memories and feelings we associate with certain products, forging an unbreakable emotional connection with a particular product or brand. However, keeping odors locked in for as long as possible is beneficial for stronger or more impactful aromas.

Safeguarding your products' unique aroma is possible by choosing airtight and odor-proof storage containers. Look for containers with a strong and reliable seal that will protect your products and keep their unique aroma inside until opened.