Active oxygen scavenging compositions and their use in packaging articles are disclosed. The compositions are all plastic materials and are typically deployed as at least one layer in a multi-layered wall of a packaging article such as a bottle, can or film. The compositions are usually used in conjunction with added transition metal catalyst to enhance the uptake of oxygen. Use of the compositions and package constructions disclosed serves to lengthen the shelf life of packaged oxygen sensitive substances and/or diminish the need for refrigeration of the packages.