the invention relates to polymeric laminates for packaging . according to the invention , such laminates contain an oxygen barrier layer which is composed of a hydrolysed olefin / vinyl ester copolymer , preferably a hydrolysed ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer . other layers in the laminate protect the oxygen barrier layer from moisture and provide a heat - sealable surface layer . the laminates withstand the temperatures of 80 °- 130 ° c employed in pasteurisation and sterilisation procedures , and are therefore of value in the preparation of pasteurised and sterilised packages of oxygen - sensitive foodstuffs .