Table 2 shows the evolution of the headspace composition for the three samples tested. In all cases, the O2 was rapidly consumed as the product respired and there was a corresponding increase in CO2 levels. The presence of the EVOH coating in the active packaging did not significantly influence the headspace composition during the storage period. EVOH generally acts as a high barrier material to gases when dry. However, when in contact with fresh vegetables, the EVOH layer becomes humid and the barrier properties are dramatically reduced. Thus the EVOH layer becomes permeable and the whole package behaves similarly to the reference one. Although the differences were not significant, it appears that the packages containing CITRAL as active agent had a lower CO2 content than the other two samples, as if the CITRAL had an effect on the reduction in the respiration rate of the salad.