CO2 absorption by zeolite and active carbon was investigated as a tool to alleviate the pressure buildup and volume expansion that results from carbon dioxide production in kimchi packages. Zeolite was more effective than active carbon in terms of CO2 absorption capacity, and could also maintain CO2 adsorption equilibrium as long as it was protected from water vapour. A plastic film with high CO2 transmission rate and limited water vapour permeability was able to control the CO2 absorption rate of the zeolite sachet. Zeolite scaled in 10 mum thick high density polyethylene could significantly reduce pressure and volume increase when included inside kimchi packages at 15 degreesC. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.