WO2022058805A1

WO2022058805A1 - Packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2022058805A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/056802
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Dixon; Adrian Carmichael; Azam Khan
Original assignee: Colormatrix Holdings, Inc.
Priority date: 2020-09-15
Filing date: 2021-07-27
Publication date: 2022-03-24
Also published as: EP3996998A1; CN114402033A; GB202014517D0; GB202108350D0

Abstract

A container body comprises a base and a side wall extending from the base, wherein said container body includes a polyester and a poly(phenylene ether) (PPE).

Description

Packaging

This invention relates to packaging and materials therefor. Preferred embodiments relate to containers, such as PET bottles, which are white in colour and are arranged to block and/or restrict light from entering the container to reduce the risk of the contents of the container degrading during storage due to exposure to light.

It is known to produce containers with light protection obtained by incorporating thermoplastic polymers and/or inorganic shielding fillers into PET. For example, WO2019117725A1 and W02020106156A1 relate to a single-layer plastic container with light shielding, wherein polymethylpentene and cyclic olefin copolymer respectively are added, to a main PET plastic base along with inorganic shielding fillers including TiC>2 .

Other plastic containers which address the same problem to protect their contents (e.g. UHT long-life milk) from light radiation are available in different plastic media and with different types of structures, for example: three-layer polyethylene, three-layer PET, two-layer PET or singlelayer PET.

Conventionally, plastic containers which incorporate light protection have a white-coloured surface due to the fact that one of the most widespread uses for such containers is the bottling of long-life milk (e.g. UHT milk) and/or UHT milk products. There are known solutions to the problem in which TiC>2, a white pigment with a high concealing power, is combined with light absorbers that effectively reinforce the shield provided by the TiC>2. However, these light absorbers necessarily darken the surface of the containers rendering an unattractive and undesirable greyish colour and this means that the concentrations that can be used in the containers and hence the threshold of their efficacy are limited.

Commercially-available plastic bottles have tended to include relatively high levels of TiC>2 in view of its very high light blocking ability and its whiteness. Such TiC>2-containing bottles have excellent performance including very low light transmission (e.g. very low LT% at 550nm) (i.e. high opacity) and high whiteness (e.g. high L*). However, legislation relating to the hazard classification of TiC>2 has made it desirable to endeavour to reduce the amount of TiC>2 in bottles. In addition, for recyclability reasons, it is desirable to reduce total levels of inorganic additives in general. However, solving such problems, especially in monolayer bottles, is challenging. In particular, whilst it is straightforward to produce highly opaque bottles, it is challenging to achieve both high opacity and high lightness. In addition, the Applicant has appreciated that, with certain formulations proposed to address the above-described problems, a further problem can become apparent, namely that the necks of blown bottles can appear less white compared to bottle walls. A significant (e.g. observable by the eye) contrast between the whiteness (or L*) of bottle necks and bottle side walls is aesthetically (and, therefore, commercially) unacceptable.

Cyclic-olefin copolymers (COCs) and polymethylpentene (PMP) have been proposed for use as opacifiers in bottles. However, Applicant has appreciated that, in some circumstances, the inclusion of such polymers in formulations for producing containers may increase the risk that a bottle will be produced with the above described unacceptable contrast between the whiteness of the bottle neck and the bottle wall.

It is an object of the present invention to address the above described problems.

In addition to it being desirable to provide containers which are white in colour and are substantially opaque, it may be desirable, in some cases, for a container to have a matte surface appearance or, in other cases, for a container to have a gloss surface appearance. It may also be desirable to be able to adjust the level of glossiness of a container (hereinafter referred to as the “glossiness problem”) between the extremes of substantially matte and, on the other hand, substantially glossy.

It is another object of the present invention to address the glossiness problem.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a container body which comprises a base and a side wall extending from the base, wherein said container body includes a polyester and a poly(phenylene ether) (PPE).

Said polyester is preferably a polyethylene terephthalate which term, in the context of the present specification, is intended to encompass co-polyethylene terephthalates. Co-polyethylene terephthalates of polyethylene terephthalate may contain repeat units from at least 85 mole % terephthalic acid and at least 85 mole % of ethylene glycol. Dicarboxylic acids which can be included, along with terephthalic acid, are exemplified by phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, cyclohexanediacetic acid, diphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid and sebacic acid. Other diols which may be incorporated in the co-polyethylene terephthalates, in addition to ethylene glycol, include diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, propane-1 ,3-diol, butane-1 ,4-diol, pentane-1 ,5-diol, hexane-1 ,6-diol, 3-methylpentane-2,4-diol, 2-methyl pentane-1 ,4-diol, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane-1 ,3-diol, 2-ethylhexane-1 ,3-diol, 2,2- diethylpropane-1 ,3-diol, hexane-1 ,3-diol, 1 ,4-di(hydroxyethoxy)-benzene, 2,2-bis-(4- hydroxycyclohexyl)-propane, 2,4-dihydroxy-1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethyl-cyclobutane, 2,2-bis-(3- hydroxyethoxyphenyl)-propane, and 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxypropoxyphenyl)-propane. In a preferred embodiment said polyethylene terephthalate has less than 10mole%, more preferably less than 6mole% especially less than 2 mole% comonomer substitution. Preferably, said co-polyethylene terephthalate does not comprise co-polyethylene terephthalate; it suitably comprises substantially a homopolymer produced by esterification or transesterification of terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol to produce bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate which is then subjected to polycondensation at high temperatures in vacuum in the presence of a catalyst.

Said polyester may have a Tg of less than 90°C, for example of less than 85°C. The Tg may be at least 60°C or 65°C.

As used herein the term “IV” refers to the Inherent Viscosity of the polymeric material. It may be determined on a solution of 0.5 g of polymer dissolved in 100 ml of a mixture of phenol (60% by volume) and tetrachloroethane (40% by volume).

The IV of the polyester is preferably greater than 0.5 dL/g, more preferably greater than 0.65 dL/g.

Said PPE may have a melt flow (load 5kg, temperature 280°C, using ASTM D1238) of at least 1 .0 g/10 min, for example at least 1 .2 g/10 min. The melt flow may be less than 1 .6 g/10 min.

Said PPE may have a Vicat softening temperature (VST) (Rate B/50: D1525) of less than 190°C or less than 167°C. Said Vicat softening temperature may be at least 140°C, at least 150°C or at least 160°C.

The VST of said polyester may be 75-80°C measured as aforesaid. The difference between the VST of the PPE and that of said polyester may be at least 40°C, suitably at least 60°C, preferably at least 70°C. The difference may be less than 100°C.

Said PPE may have a density in the range 1200 to 1450 kg/m³, measured as described in ASTM D792.

Said PPE may have a Tensile Strength at break (Type 1 , 5mm/min), measured as described in ASTM D638, of greater than 85 MPa. It may be in the range 85 to 110 MPa.

Said PPE can have an intrinsic viscosity of greaterthan or equal to 0.04 to 2 deciliters per gram, preferably 0.06 to 2 deciliters per gram, more preferably 0.8 to 2 deciliters per gram, even more preferably 0.08 to 1.6 deciliters per gram, or 0.06 to 1 .0 deciliters per gram as measured in chloroform at 25° C using an Ubbelohde viscometer. Said PPE may have a dispersity of less than 3, for example 1 .2 to 2.9, or 1 .5 to 2.9, or 1 .5 to

2.7. Dispersity can be determined using gel permeation chromatography using chloroform relative to polystyrene standards.

Said PPE may be made as described in US2020231750A1 .

Said PPE may comprise repeating structural units having the formula

wherein each occurrence of Q¹ is independently halogen, unsubstituted or substituted C1-12 primary or secondary hydrocarbyl, C1-12 hydrocarbylthio, C1-12 hydrocarbyloxy, or C2-12 halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at least two carbon atoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms; and wherein each occurrence of Q² is independently hydrogen, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted C1-12 primary or secondary hydrocarbyl, C1-12 hydrocarbylthio, C1-12 hydrocarbyloxy, or C2-12 halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at least two carbon atoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms. In some embodiments, each occurrence of Q¹ is methyl and each occurrence of Q² is hydrogen and the PPE may be prepared by reaction of 2,6-xylenol (also referred to as dimethyl phenol). In some embodiments, each occurrence of Q¹ is methyl, one occurrence of Q² is hydrogen and the other is methyl, and the PPE may be prepared by reaction of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol.

The hydrocarbyl residue can also contain one or more carbonyl groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groups, or the like, or it can contain heteroatoms within the backbone of the hydrocarbyl residue.

PPEs are a well known class of compounds sometimes referred to as polyphenylene oxide resins. Examples of suitable PPE and processes for their preparation can be found in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,306,874, 3,306,875, 3,257,357 and 3,257,358. PPEs may comprise homopolymers, copolymers and graft copolymers obtained by the oxidative coupling of phenolic compounds. Preferred PPEs maybe derived from 2,6-dimethyl phenol. Said polyester and said polymer PPE are preferably not wholly miscible. Hence, a mixture comprising said polyester and said PPE may include observable regions of PPE dispersed in the polyester. Such regions may be observed by SEM. The observable regions of PPE may be particulate for example generally spherical.

Said container body may include a third polymer. Said third polymer may be a non-elastomeric polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin. Suitable polymers of this type may be prepared by methods known in the art including bulk, suspension and emulsion polymerization. They generally contain at least about 25% by weight of structural units derived from an alkenylaromatic monomer of the formula:

wherein R¹ is hydrogen, lower alkyl or halogen; Z is vinyl, halogen or lower alkyl; and p is from 0 to 5. These resins include homopolymers of styrene, chlorostyrene and vinyltoluene, random copolymers of styrene with one or more monomers illustrated by acrylonitrile, butadiene, a- methylstyrene, ethylvinylbenzene, divinylbenzene and maleic anhydride, and rubber-modified polystyrenes comprising blends and grafts, wherein the rubber is a polybutadiene or a rubbery copolymer of about 98-68% styrene and about 2-32% diene monomer. These rubber modified polystyrenes include high impact polystyrene (commonly referred to as HIPS). Non-elastomeric block copolymer compositions of styrene and butadiene can also be used that have linear block, radial block or tapered block copolymer architectures.

In one embodiment, said third polymer may be a rubber-modified polystyrene which reference includes blends and grafts. Said third polymer may be a rubber-modified polystyrene wherein the rubber is a polybutadiene or a rubbery copolymer, for example of about 98-68% styrene and about 2-32% diene monomer. Said third polymer may be HIPS.

In another embodiment, said third polymer may be General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS).

In a preferred embodiment, said PPE and said third polymer, for example HIPS or GPPS, are miscible in all proportions, for example at 25°C.

A ratio (AA) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of PPE in the container body may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40. A ratio (BB) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of PPE in a layer of the container body may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40 In preferred embodiments, said container body is defined by a single layer, in which case, said sidewall of the container body may consist of a single layer and ratio (B) suitably defines the weight of polyester divided by the weight of PPE in said single layer of the container body.

Said container body may include 1 to 10 wt% of PPE, preferably 1 to 5wt% of PPE, more preferably 2 to 4wt% of PPE. Said container body may include 85 to 95wt% of polyester. Said container body may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, said container body includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1 .5 to 5.0wt% of PPE and 1 .0 to 7.0 wt% of other ingredients.

A single layer of said container body may include 1 to 10 wt% of PPE, preferably 1 to 5wt% of PPE, more preferably 2 to 4wt% of PPE. A single layer of said container body may include 85 to 95wt% of polyester. A single layer of said container body may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, a single layer of said container body includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1.5 to 5.0wt% of PPE and 1 .0 to 7.0 wt% of other ingredients.

A ratio (CC) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) in the container body may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40.

A ratio (DD) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) in a layer of the container body may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40 In preferred embodiments, said container body is defined by a single layer, in which case, said sidewall of the container body may consist of a single layer and ratio (DD) suitably defines the weight of polyester divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) in said single layer of the container body.

Said container body may include 1 to 10 wt%, preferably 1 to 5wt%, more preferably 2 to 4wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS). Said container body may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE, 1 to 5wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, said container body includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of PPE, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of HIPS or GPPS and 1 .0 to 6.0 wt% of other ingredients. A single layer of said container body may include 1 to 10 wt%, preferably 1 to 5wt%, more preferably 2 to 4wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS). A single layer of said container body may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE, 1 to 5wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, a single layer of said container body includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of PPE, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of HIPS and 1 .0 to 6.0 wt% of other ingredients.

The sum of the wt% of thermoplastic polymers (eg polyester, PPE and said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) (when provided)) in said container body may be at least 88 wt%, preferably at least 92 wt%, more preferably at least 94 wt%. The sum may be less than 99wt% or less than 97wt%.

A ratio (EE) defined as the weight of PPE divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) in the container body may be in the range 0.1 to 10, preferably in the range 0.3 to 2.5, more preferably in the range 0.66 to 1 .50, especially in the range 0.8 to 1 .2.

Said container body may include a fourth polymer which is preferably a polystyrene resin which is preferably different from that of said third polymer. For example, said third polymer may include different and/or additional functional groups compared to said fourth polymer. Said fourth polymer may have any feature of the third polymer described above provided said third and fourth polymers are different as described. Said fourth polymer is preferably not a HIPS. Said fourth polymer is preferably GPPS and, in this case, suitable the third polymer is HIPS.

A ratio (CCC) defined as the weight of polyester divided by sum of the weights of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and GPPS) in the container body may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40.

A ratio (DDD) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the sum of the weights of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and GPPS) in a layer of the container body may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40 In preferred embodiments, said container body is defined by a single layer, in which case, said sidewall of the container body may consist of a single layer and ratio (DDD) suitably defines the weight of polyester divided by the sum of the weights of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and GPPS) in said single layer of the container body.

The sum of the wt% of said third and fourth polymer (eg HIPS and/or GPPS) in said container body may be in the range 1 to 10 wt%, preferably 1 to 5wt%, more preferably 2 to 4wt%. Said container body may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE, a sum of the wt% of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and/or GPPS) in the range 1 to 5wt% and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, said container body includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of PPE, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% provided by the sum of the wt% of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and/or GPPS) and 1 .0 to 6.0 wt% of other ingredients.

A single layer of said container body may include 1 to 10 wt%, preferably 1 to 5wt%, more preferably 2 to 4wt% provided by the sum of the wt% of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and/or GPPS). A single layer of said container body may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE, 1 to 5wt% provided by the sum of the wt% of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and/or GPPS) and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, a single layer of said container body includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of PPE, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% provided by the sum of the wt% of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and/or GPPS) and 1 .0 to 6.0 wt% of other ingredients.

The sum of the wt% of thermoplastic polymers (eg polyester, PPE, said third polymer (eg HIPS), and said fourth polymer (eg GPPS) (when provided)) in said container body may be at least 88 wt%, preferably at least 92 wt%, more preferably at least 94 wt%. The sum may be less than 99wt% or less than 97wt%.

A ratio (EEE) defined as the weight of PPE divided by the sum of the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS) and said fourth polymer (eg GPPS) in the container body may be in the range 0.1 to 10, preferably in the range 0.3 to 2.5, more preferably in the range 0.66 to 1 .50, especially in the range 0.8 to 1 .2.

Said container body may include a first light shielding pigment. Such a pigment may interact with incident light by primarily diffracting light and optionally scattering and/or absorbing. Diffraction occurs as a result of a difference in refractive index between the light shielding pigment and the polyester and/or other thermoplastic polymers. Light shielding pigments may solely diffract, as in the case of titanium dioxide (TiO2), or they may both scatter and absorb, as in the case of black iron oxide (PBIk 11). Some examples of light shielding pigments include titanium dioxide (TiO2), ultramarine blue (PB 29), metal oxide particles such as red iron oxide (PR 101), black iron oxide (PBIk 11), chromium green-black hematite (PG 17), cobalt aluminate (PB 28), aluminium trihydrate (AI(OH)3), barium sulfate (BaSO4), zinc sulphide (ZnS), zinc oxide, metal flake (eg aluminium or bronze flakes), calcium carbonate and mica.

Said first light shielding pigment is preferably zinc sulphide (ZnS). Said first light shielding pigment preferably includes at least 95wt%, especially at least 99wt% zinc sulphide (ZnS).

Said container body may include less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, especially no more than 4.5 wt% of said first light shielding pigment (eg zinc sulphide). Said container body may include at least 1 wt% or at least 2 wt% of said first light shielding pigment (eg zinc sulphide). Said container body may include 2 to 5 wt% of said first light shielding pigment (eg zinc sulphide).

In one embodiment, said container body may include less than 5.0 wt%, preferably 4.0 wt% or less of titanium dioxide.

In another embodiment, said container body may include less than 2 wt%, preferably less than 1 .5 wt%, more preferably no greater than 1 .0wt% of titanium dioxide. Said container body may include 0 to 2 wt%, preferably 0 to 1.5wt%, of titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, said container body may include 0wt% of titanium dioxide.

A single layer of said container body may include less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, especially no more than 4.5 wt% of said first light shielding pigment. A single layer of said container body may include at least 1 wt% or at least 2 wt% of said first light shielding pigment. A single layer of said container body may include 2 to 5 wt% of said first light shielding pigment.

A single layer of said container body may include less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, especially no more than 4.5 wt% of zinc sulphide. A single layer of said container body may include at least 1 wt% or at least 2 wt% of said zinc sulphide. A single layer of said container body may include 2 to 5 wt% of said zinc sulphide.

Said container body may include a second light shielding pigment. Said second light shielding pigment may be selected from titanium dioxide (TiC>2), ultramarine blue (PB 29), metal oxide particles such as red iron oxide (PR 101), black iron oxide (PBIk 11), chromium green-black hematite (PG 17), cobalt aluminate (PB 28), aluminium trihydrate (AI(OH)3), barium sulfate (BaSC ), zinc sulphide (ZnS), zinc oxide, metal flake (eg aluminium or bronze flakes), calcium carbonate and mica. Said first and second light shielding pigments are preferably different and/or do not include all of the same elements.

Said second light shielding pigment is preferably particulate metal, for example a metal flake, for example particulate aluminium or aluminium flake. Said second light shielding pigment preferably includes at least 95wt%, especially at least 99wt% aluminium.

Said container body may include less than 1 .00 wt%, suitably less than 0.50 wt%, preferably less than 0.10 wt%, more preferably less than 0.05 wt% of said second light shielding pigment. Said container body may include at least 0.001 wt% or at least 0.025 wt% of said second light shielding pigment. Said container body may include 0.025 to 0.050wt% of said second light shielding pigment.

The sum of the wt% of light shielding pigments (eg said first, said second and/or any other light shielding pigments) in said container body may be less than 8wt%, preferably less than 6wt%, especially less than 5wt%. The sum may be at least 1wt% or at least 3wt%. The sum may be in the range 2.0 to 4.0wt%.

In one embodiment, said container body includes 88-94wt% of said polyester (eg PET), 1-6wt% zinc sulphide, 1.5-3.5wt% of said PPE, 1 .5-3.5wt% of said HIPS, and 0.01 to 0.20wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake); or said container body may include 88-94wt% of said polyester (eg PET), 1-6wt% zinc sulphide, 1.5-3.5wt% of said PPE, 1 .5-3.5wt% of GPPS, and 0.01 to 0.20wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake).

In a preferred embodiment, said container body includes 89-93wt% polyester (eg PET), 2-5wt% zinc sulphide, 2.0-3.0wt% of PPE, 2.0-3.0wt% of said HIPS, and 0.01 to 0.05wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake); or said container body includes 89-93wt% polyester (eg PET), 2-5wt% zinc sulphide, 2.0-3.0wt% of PPE, 2.0-3.0wt% of GPPS and 0.01 to 0.05wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake). Preferably, in said container body, the ratio of the wt% of PPE divided by the wt% of HIPS or GPPS is in the range 0.8 to 1 .2.

As described, said container body comprises said polyester. Said container body preferably comprises polyester as the major thermoplastic polymer in the container body. Polyester (especially PET) preferably makes up at least 75wt%, preferably at least 85wt%, of the total wt% of thermoplastic polymers in the container body.

Said container body may define a receptacle for example a bottle, suitably excluding any closure (e.g. cap) thereof. Said container body may include a ridged, for example screw-threaded, neck arranged to cooperate with a closure, for example a screw-threaded closure.

Said container body and/or a sidewall thereof preferably includes only one layer of material which suitably defines the container body (excluding any closure for the container body). Thus, said container body and/or a sidewall thereof preferably do not include any laminated region or multi-layered region.

Said container body preferably comprises and/or is defined by a mixture, for example a substantially homogenous mixture, of said polyester, said PPE and, when provided, said first light shielding pigment, said second light shielding pigment and said third polymer. In one embodiment, there is provided a container body which comprises a base, a side wall extending from the base and a neck portion arranged to engage a closure for the container body, wherein said container body includes PPE and polyester (eg PET), wherein the side wall of the container body has an L* of at least 90 and the neck portion has an L* of at least 84. In a preferred embodiment, said container body includes 89-93wt% polyester (eg PET), 2-5wt% zinc sulphide, 2.0-3.0wt% of PPE, 2.0-3.0wt% of said HIPS or GPPS and 0.01 to 0.05wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake) and the L* of the container body and neck are as described herein.

The L* of the container body may be assessed using a reflectance technique (suitably so the thickness of any sample is not generally relevant) as described in Test 2 hereinafter.

The L* of the neck portion of the container body is suitably taken to be the L* of the side wall of a preform from which the container body is blown. It may be assessed as described in Test 1 hereinafter.

To reduce the risk the lightness of the side wall is too light compared to the lightness of the neck (which may lead to the container body being aesthetically unacceptable due to the lightness contrast between side wall and neck), the difference between the L* of the side wall and preform is suitably less than a predetermined level as determined by Applicant. The difference is suitably less than 12, suitably less than 10, preferably less than 9, especially 8 or less.

The L* of the side wall of the container body may be at least 90 or at least 92. The L* may be less than 98, less than 96 or less than 94. The L* may be in the range 90 to 95.

The L* of the neck portion may be at least 83, preferably at least 84, more preferably at least 85. The L* of the neck portion may be less than 90 or 88. The L* of the neck portion may be in the range 83-89 or 83-87.

A first ratio defined as the L* of the side wall of the container body divided by the L* of the neck portion may be at least 1 .03 or at least 1 .05; it may be less than 1 .15 or less than 1 .10.

The difference between the b* of the side wall of the container body and the neck portion of the container body may be greater than 1 .0. It may be less than 3.0.

The difference between the b* of the side wall of the container body and the neck portion of the container body may be less than 1 .0. Said container body preferably has a light transmission (LT%) at 550nm as described in Test 3 of less than 1 .0%, preferably less than 0.5%, more preferably less than 0.2%.

Said neck portion is suitably a portion of the container body which includes said polyester (eg PET) which is substantially, preferably entirely, unstretched (eg in a blow molding process) and/or is suitably substantially identical to the neck portion in a preform from which the container body is blown.

Said neck portion preferably extends from an open end of the container body, suitably inwards. It may extend a distance of at least 1 cm or at least 1 ,5cm. A second ratio, defined as the total length of the container body (suitably measured from the base to the neck portion) divided by the length of the neck portion may be at least 5 or at least 10.

Said neck portion preferably includes grooves, for example, screw-threads for releasably engaging a closure.

Said container body may have volume in the range 0.1 to 5 litres or in the range 0.2 to 1 .5 litres.

Said container body may comprise virgin polyester or recycled polyester, for example PET.

Said container body is preferably part of a beverage container. It may have a volume of no more than 5 litres, for example no more than 2 litres or no more than 1 litre.

Said container body for example a sidewall thereof, may have a thickness of at least 100 microns or at least 200 microns. The thickness may be less than 500 microns or less than 400 microns or less than 398 microns. The thickness may be in the range 102 to 398 microns and may comprise PET.

The neck of said container body may have a maximum internal diameter of at least 10mm or at least 15mm. The maximum internal diameter may be less than 70mm. The maximum internal diameter may be in the range 11 to 40mm. The footprint of the bottle (when stood on its base) may have an area in the range 1000 to 10000 mm³. The ratio defined as the maximum internal diameter of the neck divided by the area of the footprint of the bottle may be in the range 0.001 to 0.04.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a container body which comprises a base and a side wall extending from the base, wherein said container body includes a polyester, a polymer YY and a third polymer which is a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin. The invention of the third aspect addresses the glossiness problem. In this regard, the polymer YY and/or the third polymer may be selected according to the desired level of glossiness of the outer wall of the bottle between substantially matte and substantially glossy finishes. In a preferred example wherein it is desired to provide a matte surface, the third polymer may comprise HIPS, which has been found to reduce glossiness and/or facilitate provision of a matte surface of said outer wall of said bottle. A third polymer (eg HIPS) as described may be used to provide a relatively low gloss container, for example having a gloss assessed as described in Test 4 of less than 70 or less than 60.

Said third polymer have any feature of the third polymer described in the first aspect.

Said polymer YY may be a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin; or may be a polymer (referred to as a “NWM polymer”) which is not wholly miscible with the polyester. For example, a mixture comprising said polyester and said NWM polymer may include observable regions of the NWM polymer dispersed in the polyester. Such regions may be observed by SEM. The observable regions of NWM polymer may be particulate for example generally spherical. Examples of NWM polymers include poly(phenylene ether) (PPE), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and polymethylpentene (PMP).

A PPE may have any feature of PPE described in the first aspect.

A said COC may include a repeat unit of formula

which may be optionally substituted (but is preferably not substituted); and/or said COC may include a repeat unit of formula

which may be optionally-substituted (but preferably is not substituted).

Said COC may include at least 40 mol%, preferably at least 45 mol%, of said repeat unit of formula XI. It may include less than 70 mol% or less than 65 mol% of said repeat unit of formula XI. Said COC may include less than 60 mol%, preferably less than 55 mol% of said repeat unit of formula XII. It may include at least 30 mol% or at least 35 mol% of said repeat unit of formula

XII. An example of a COC is Topas 6013 M-07 - Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) obtained from Topas Advanced Polymers.

A said PMP may refer to a thermoplastic homopolymer or copolymer which suitably is a 4- methyl-1 -pentene based polyolefin having a repeat unit formula:

Integer n is suitably high enough on a number average basis (e.g. being at least 30) for the polymer to have a number average molecular weight higher than the number average molecular weight of an oligomer. The monomeric unit (ie the unit above excluding integer n) can homopolymerize or copolymerize, such as with an alkylene moiety. Suitable examples of comonomers include ethylene, propylene, 1 -butene, 1 -pentene, 1 -hexene, 1 -heptane, 1 -octene, nonene and 1 -decene. PMP may include copolymers with a decene (eg decene, hexadecene, octadecene, especially with 1 -decene, 1 -hexadecene, 1 -octadecene) or combinations thereof. PMP is available from Mitsui Chemicals America, Inc. PMP grades RT-31 and/or RT-18 may be preferred.

In an embodiment (A) of the invention of the second aspect, said container body may comprise a polyester, a polymer YY which is a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin and said third polymer which is a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin, provided polymer YY and said third polymer are different. In this case said polymer YY may have any feature of the fourth polymer of the first aspect and said third polymer may have any feature of the third polymer of the first aspect.

In embodiment (A), said third polymer may be HIPS and said polymer (YY) may be a said fourth polymer as described in the first aspect and is preferably GPPS. GPPS may be used to to provide a relatively high gloss container, for example having a gloss assessed as described in Test 4 of greater than 75 or greater than 80. A ratio (CCC) defined as the weight of polyester divided by sum of the weights of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and GPPS) in the container body may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40. A ratio (DDD) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the sum of the weights of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and GPPS) in a layer of the container body may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40 In preferred embodiments, said container body is defined by a single layer, in which case, said sidewall of the container body may consist of a single layer and ratio (DDD) suitably defines the weight of polyester divided by the sum of the weights of said third and fourth polymers (eg HIPS and GPPS) in said single layer of the container body. In a preferred example of embodiment (A), said container body comprises a polyester, a polymer YY which is GPPS and a third polymer which is HIPS.

In an embodiment (B) of the invention of the second aspect, said container body may comprise a polyester, a polymer YY which is a PPE and said third polymer which is a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin. In this case said PPE may have any feature of the PPE of the first aspect and said third polymer may have any feature of the third polymer of the first aspect. In a preferred example of embodiment (B), said container body comprises a polyester, a polymer YY which is PPE, a third polymer which is HIPS and a fourth polymer which is GPPS.

Said container body of the second aspect may include a first light shielding pigment and/or a second light shielding pigment as described in the first aspect (eg n terms of its identity and/or amount).

The invention extends, in a third aspect, to a container comprising a container body according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein a closure is secured, for example releasably secured, to the container body.

The container may include a beverage. It may include at least 100ml or at least 500ml of beverage. The beverage may include at least 90wt% water. The beverage may include at least 0.1 wt% for example at least 1wt% fat. It may include less than 10wt% fat. Said beverage is preferably a milk, for example animal milk.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a preform for making a container body, for example according to the first aspect or second aspect, the preform comprising a polyester and a poly(phenylene ether) (PPE).

The L* of the preform may be at least 83, preferably at least 84, more preferably at least 85. The L* of the preform may be less than 90 or 88. The L* of the preform may be in the range 83-89 or 83-87. Said preform preferably includes polyester (eg PET) which is substantially, preferably entirely, unstretched.

A neck portion of said preform preferably includes grooves, for example, screw-threads for releasably engaging a closure.

Polyester may be as described in the first aspect. It is preferably PET.

Said PPE may be as described in the first aspect.

A ratio (AA) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of PPE in the preform may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40.

A ratio (BB) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of PPE in a layer of the preform may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40 In preferred embodiments, said preform is defined by a single layer, in which case, said sidewall of the preform may consist of a single layer and ratio (B) suitably defines the weight of polyester divided by the weight of PPE in said single layer of the preform.

Said preform may include 1 to 10 wt% of PPE, preferably 1 to 5wt% of PPE, more preferably 2 to 4wt% of PPE. Said preform may include 85 to 95wt% of polyester. Said preform may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, said preform includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1 .5 to 5.0wt% of PPE and 1 .0 to 7.0 wt% of other ingredients.

A single layer of said preform may include 1 to 10 wt% of PPE, preferably 1 to 5wt% of PPE, more preferably 2 to 4wt% of PPE. A single layer of said preform may include 85 to 95wt% of polyester. A single layer of said preform may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, a single layer of said preform includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1 .5 to 5.0wt% of PPE and 1 .0 to 7.0 wt% of other ingredients.

A ratio (CC) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS) in the preform may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40.

A ratio (DD) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS) in a layer of the preform may be in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 20 to 60, more preferably in the range 30 to 40 In preferred embodiments, said preform is defined by a single layer, in which case, said sidewall of the preform may consist of a single layer and ratio (DD) suitably defines the weight of polyester divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS) in said single layer of the preform.

Said preform may include 1 to 10 wt%, preferably 1 to 5wt%, more preferably 2 to 4wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS). Said preform may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE, 1 to 5wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS) and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, said preform includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of PPE, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of HIPS and 1 .0 to 6.0 wt% of other ingredients.

A single layer of said preform may include 1 to 10 wt%, preferably 1 to 5wt%, more preferably 2 to 4wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS). A single layer of said preform may include 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE, 1 to 5wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS) and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, a single layer of said preform includes 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of PPE, 1 .5 to 4.0wt% of HIPS and 1 .0 to 6.0 wt% of other ingredients.

The sum of the wt% of thermoplastic polymers (eg polyester, PPE and said third polymer (eg HIPS) (when provided)) in said preform may be at least 88 wt%, preferably at least 92 wt%, more preferably at least 94 wt%. The sum may be less than 99wt% or less than 97wt%.

A ratio (EE) defined as the weight of PPE divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS) in the preform may be in the range 0.1 to 10, preferably in the range 0.3 to 2.5, more preferably in the range 0.66 to 1 .50, especially in the range 0.8 to 1 .2.

Said preform may include a first light shielding pigment as described in the first aspect.

Said preform may include less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, especially no more than 4.5 wt% of said first light shielding pigment (eg zinc sulphide). Said preform may include at least 1 wt% or at least 2 wt% of said first light shielding pigment (eg zinc sulphide). Said preform may include 2 to 5 wt% of said first light shielding pigment (eg zinc sulphide).

Said preform may include less than 2 wt%, preferably less than 1.5 wt%, more preferably no greater than 1.0wt% of titanium dioxide. Said preform may include 0 to 2 wt%, preferably 0 to 1.5wt%, of titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, said preform may include 0wt% of titanium dioxide. A single layer of said preform may include less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, especially no more than 4.5 wt% of said first light shielding pigment. A single layer of said preform may include at least 1 wt% or at least 2 wt% of said first light shielding pigment. A single layer of said preform may include 2 to 5 wt% of said first light shielding pigment.

A single layer of said preform may include less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, especially no more than 4.5 wt% of zinc sulphide. A single layer of said preform may include at least 1 wt% or at least 2 wt% of said zinc sulphide. A single layer of said preform may include 2 to 5 wt% of said zinc sulphide.

Said preform may include a second light shielding pigment as described in the first aspect.

Said preform may include less than 1 .00 wt%, suitably less than 0.50 wt%, preferably less than 0.10 wt%, more preferably less than 0.05 wt% of said second light shielding pigment. Said preform may include at least 0.001 wt% or at least 0.025 wt% of said second light shielding pigment. Said preform may include 0.025 to 0.050wt% of said second light shielding pigment.

The sum of the wt% of light shielding pigments (eg said first, said second and/or any other light shielding pigments) in said preform may be less than 8wt%, preferably less than 6wt%, especially less than 5wt%. The sum may be at least 1wt% or at least 3wt%. The sum may be in the range 2.0 to 4.0wt%.

In one embodiment, said preform includes 88-94wt% of said polyester (eg PET), 1-6wt% zinc sulphide, 1.5-3.5wt% of said PPE, 1.5-3.5wt% of said HIPS, and 0.01 to 0.20wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake).

In a preferred embodiment, said preform includes 89-93wt% polyester (eg PET), 2-5wt% zinc sulphide, 2.0-3.0wt% of PPE, 2.0-3.0wt% of said HIPS, and 0.01 to 0.05wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake). Preferably, in said preform, the ratio of the wt% of PPE divided by the wt% of HIPS is in the range 0.8 to 1 .2.

Said preform for example a sidewall thereof, may have a thickness of at least 1 mm, at least 2mm or at least 3mm. The thickness may be less than 5mm.

The neck of said preform may have a maximum internal diameter of at least 10mm or at least 15mm. The maximum internal diameter may be less than 70mm. The maximum internal diameter may be in the range 11 to 40mm. According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a preform for making a container body, for example according to the second or third aspects, the preform comprising a polyester, a polymer (YY) and a third polymer which is a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin.

The L* of the preform may be as described in the fourth aspect. Said preform preferably includes polyester (eg PET) which is substantially, preferably entirely, unstretched. Said preform may be as described in the fourth aspect. Said polymer (YY) and said third polymer may be as described in the second aspect. Said preform may include a fourth polymer as described in the second aspect. Said preform may include a first light shielding pigment as described in the second aspect. Said preform may include a second light shielding pigment as described in the second aspect.

In one embodiment, said preform includes 88-94wt% of said polyester (eg PET), 1-6wt% zinc sulphide, 1.5-3.5wt% of said polymer (YY), 1 .5-3.5wt% of said third polymer, and 0.01 to 0.20wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake), wherein, suitably, said polymer (YY) and said third polymer are as described in the second aspect and/or preferably said third polymer is HIPS and/or GPPS.

In a preferred embodiment, said preform includes 89-93wt% polyester (eg PET), 2-5wt% zinc sulphide, 2.0-3.0wt% of polymer (YY), 2.0-3.0wt% of said third polymer and 0.01 to 0.05wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake), wherein, suitably, said polymer (YY) and said third polymer are as described in the second aspect and/or preferably said third polymer is HIPS and/or GPPS.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a formulation for use in a method of making a preform according to the fourth aspect, the formulation comprising a poly(phenylene ether) (PPE) which is suitably as described in the first aspect.

Said formulation may include a first light shielding pigment as described in the first aspect. Said first light shielding pigment is preferably zinc sulphide. Said formulation may include at least 10wt%, preferably at least 15wt%, more preferably at least 20wt%, especially at least 25wt% of said first light shielding pigment. Said formulation may include less than 60wt%, preferably less than 52wt%, more preferably less than 47wt%, of said first light shielding pigment.

Said formulation may include a second light shielding pigment as described in the first aspect. Said second light shielding pigment is preferably particulate metal, for example a metal flake, for example particulate aluminium or aluminium flake. Said second light shielding pigment preferably includes at least 95wt%, especially at least 99wt% aluminium. Said formulation may include at least 0.05wt%, preferably at least 0.10wt%, more preferably at least 0.15wt%, especially at least 0.20wt%, of said second light shielding pigment. Said formulation may include less than 1wt%, preferably less than 0.50wt%, more preferably less than 0.40wt%, of said second light shielding pigment.

Said formulation preferably includes less than 20wt%, preferably less than 15wt%, more preferably less than 12wt% titanium dioxide. In some embodiments, the formulation may include 0wt% titanium dioxide.

Said formulation preferably includes less than 5wt%, preferably 0wt% of polyester, for example PET.

Said formulation may include 15-40wt% of PPE, 15-40wt% of HIPS, 20-50wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-1 .00wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and 0-15wt% of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation may include 20-35wt% of PPE, 20-35wt% of HIPS, 20-50wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-1 .00wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and 0-15wt% of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation may include 24-30wt% of PPE, 24-30wt% of HIPS, 25-48wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-0.50wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and 0-12wt% of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation may include 24-30wt% of PPE, 24-30wt% of HIPS, 25-48wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-0.50wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and less than 1wt% (preferably 0wt%) of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation is preferably in the form of pellets.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a formulation for use in a method of making a preform according to the fifth aspect, the formulation comprising a polymer (YY) and a third polymer which is a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin.

Polymer (YY) and said third polymer may be as described in the second aspect.

Said formulation of the seventh aspect may include a first light shielding pigment as described in the first aspect. Said first light shielding pigment is preferably zinc sulphide. Said formulation may include at least 10wt%, preferably at least 15wt%, more preferably at least 20wt%, especially at least 25wt% of said first light shielding pigment. Said formulation may include less than 60wt%, preferably less than 52wt%, more preferably less than 47wt%, of said first light shielding pigment.

Said formulation may include 15-40wt% of polymer (YY), 15-40wt% of said third polymer, 20- 50wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-1 .00wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and 0-15wt% of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation may include 20-35wt% of polymer (YY), 20-35wt% of said third polymer, 20- 50wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-1 .00wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and 0-15wt% of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation may include 24-30wt% of polymer (YY), 24-30wt% of said third polymer, 25- 48wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-0.50wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and 0-12wt% of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation may include 24-30wt% of polymer (YY), 24-30wt% of HIPS, 25-48wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-0.50wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and less than 1wt% (preferably 0wt%) of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation may include an optional fourth polymer as described in the first aspect. In this case, said formulation may include 15-40wt% of polymer (YY), 15-40wt% provided by the sum of the wt% of said third polymer and said fourth polymer, 20-50wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-1 .00wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and 0-15wt% of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation may include 24-30wt% of polymer (YY), 24-30wt% provided by the sum of the wt% of HIPS and GPPS, 25-48wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05-0.50wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and less than 1wt% (preferably 0wt%) of titanium dioxide.

Said formulation is preferably in the form of pellets.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a container body of the first or second aspect, the method comprising:

(i) selecting a preform according to the third or fifth aspect;

(ii) stretch blow moulding the preform to produce the container body of the first and/or second aspect.

Preferably, during said stretch blowing moulding the preform is not heated to a temperature which is greater than 130°C, or greater than 125°C. Said preform is preferably stretch blow moulded at a temperature which is less than 130°C, preferably less than 125°C.

Preferably, during said stretch blowing moulding, the preform is not heated to a temperature which is greater than the Vicat Softening Temperature (VST) of the PPE (when provided). Said preform is preferably stretch blow moulded at a temperature which is less than the VST of the PPE (when provided).

The method may comprise selecting a formulation according to the sixth or seventh aspect and contacting said formulation with polyester as described according to the first aspect. The method may comprise contacting 5 to 15wt% of said formulation with 85 to 95wt% of polyester. The method may comprise contacting 7 to 12wt% of said formulation with 88 to 93wt% of polyester.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a formulation according to the sixth aspect, the method comprising contacting said PPE with said first light shielding pigment and/or other ingredients in the formulation. The method may comprise mixing said PPE and said HIPS (described in the first aspect) with said first light shielding pigment and/or other ingredients. The method may comprise extruding said PPE, and said HIPS with said first light shielding pigment and/or other ingredients in the formulation. An extrudate may be formed into pellets which may comprise masterbatch pellets. Any feature of any aspect of any invention or embodiment described herein may be combined with any feature of any aspect of any other invention or embodiment described herein mutatis mutandis.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-section through a preform;

Figure 2 shows the preform of Figure 1 superimposed on a bottle blown from the preform to illustrate that a neck of the preform is unchanged on blowing to produce a bottle;

Figure 3 includes graphs of light transmission v. wavelength for bottles of Examples 8 to 12;

Figure 4 includes graphs of light transmission v. wavelength for bottles of Examples 25 to 27;

Figure 5 includes graphs of light transmission v. wavelength for bottles of Examples 28 to 31 ; and

Figure 6 includes graphs of light transmission v. wavelength for bottles of Examples 32 to 35.

The following materials are referred to hereinafter:

PET-X - refers to a proprietary bottle grade PET (Lighter C93 from Equipolymers, with an Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) of 0.80 +/- 0.02)).

PMP TPX RT18 is a polymethylpentene copolymer, obtained from Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

Topas 6013 M-07 - Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) obtained from Topas Advanced Polymers. It has the following properties, assessed using the standards referred to:

Cyclic Olefin polymer (COP) - refers to Zeonor 1420R from Zeon. The material has the following properties:

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) - refers to HIPS Grade Edistir SR550 from Versalis. The material has the following properties:

Polyphenylether (PPE) - refers to Noryl PPE 640 from Sabie. The material is a medium-high molecular weight polymer based on polyphenylene ether with the following properties:

Aluminium paste - refers to STAPA WM Chromal Aluminium flake comprising 80wt% +/- 2wt% aluminium pigment and 20wt% +/- 2 wt% medical white oil and other additives. 98 wt% of the particles can pass though a 45 micron sieve. The D10 is approximately 4microns; the D50 approximately 13 microns; and the D90 approximately 28 microns.

Tioxide TR28 - a surface treated fine crystal rutile titanium dioxide obtained from Huntsman.

Zinc sulphide - SACHTOLITH HD-S supplied by Venator.

Noryl (Trade Mark) 6850H - a granular resin concentrate of polyphenylene ether (PPE) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) at a ratio of 50:50.

Noryl (Trade Mark) 6850C - a granular resin concentrate of polyphenylene ether (PPE) and general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) at a ratio of 50:50.

Referring to Figure 1 , a preform 2 for a blow-molded PET bottle 4 (Figure 2) includes a body 6 which is arranged to expand when the preform 2 is heated in a bottle mold. Above the body 6 is a ring 8 which is generally held by a machine (not shown) during liquid filling of the blow- molded bottle. Above the ring 8 is a cap region 10 with grooves arranged to cooperate with a bottle cap for releasably closing the bottle. Neck region 12 is a portion of the preform 2 which includes cap region 10 and does not expand during blow molding of the preform to produce the bottle. Thus, as illustrated by comparing Figures 1 and 2, the neck region 12 is substantially the same size and shape in both the preform and blow-molded bottle. Figure 2 includes annotated typical preform/bottle dimensions in mm. The following tests are referred to herein:

Test 1 - L* a* b* colour space assessment of preforms

Preform colour is measured using a Minolta CM2600d spectrophotometer in reflectance mode using D65 illuminant. A preform is positioned on a metal frame (with the main elongate axis of the preform extending substantially horizontally. This allows the spectrophotometer to be positioned in contact with the preform wall at the point of the spectrophotometer aperture. L*, a* and b* values are recorded.

Test 2 - L* a* b* colour space assessment of blow-molded bottle

A small (60mm x 60mm) square section is cut from a bottle wall. This section is placed on the holder of a Minolta CM3600A spectrophotometer, with the outer surface of the bottle section towards the instrument aperture. The Large Area View (LAV) aperture is used, and the colour of the sample is measured in reflectance mode using D65 illuminant. L*,a* and b* values are recorded.

Test 3 - Measurement of light transmission of blow-molded bottle

Light transmission of each bottle is assessed on a cut section from the bottle wall, using a Shimadzu UV Visible Spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere, across the wavelength range 300 - 700nm.

Test 4 - Measurement of glossiness of wall of blow-molded bottle

A bottle wall section of approximate dimensions 10cm x 5 cm was cut out from a bottle to be assessed and placed on a flat surface. Then a BYK Micro Tri Gloss Meter from BYK Instruments was used to measure gloss. The meter was placed on the sample on the flat surface (and urged against the sample to flatten it against the surface) and the meter operated to measure the gloss at a 60° angle. Six measurements were taken across the cut section, and a mean result quoted.

Examples 1 and 2 - Preparation of compounds comprising mix of polymers

The following compounds were prepared by blending the stated materials on a Rondol twin screw extruder and pelletizing the extruded mixture.

Examples 3 to 5- Preparation of preforms

Example 3 and 4 preforms were manufactured in a Husky GL160 injection moulder, with a two cavity mould installed. PET-X (98 wt%) was premixed manually with 2 wt% of the compounds of Examples 1 and 2 and manually added into a hopper installed above the feed throat of the injection moulder machine. A standard PET injection moulding process was employed to produce preforms.

A further preform (Example 5) was manufactured as described by addition of 1wt% PPE into PET-X (99 wt%). The composition of the preforms made is summarised in the table below:

In each of Examples 3 to 5, it will be appreciated that 1wt% of PPE is included in the PET-X.

Example 6 -Producing bottles from preforms

The preforms of Examples 3 to 5 were stretch blow moulded using a Sidel SB01 blow moulding machine into a 1 litre cylindrical bottle. A standard blowing process was utilised. The overall power % of the heating ovens was adjusted to achieve a preform temperature of 115°-120°C as the preform exits the oven and before it enters the blow mould. This is referred to as the blowing temperature.

Example 7 - Assessment of bottles produced from the preforms of Examples 3 to 5

The bottle walls of bottles produced from the_preforms of Examples 3 to 5 were microscopically assessed and it was found that the Example 5 bottle exhibited substantial crazing of the bottle wall which was aesthetically unacceptable. The bottle produced from the_preform of Example 4 had no observable crazing, whilst the bottle produced from the_preform of Example 3 had a small amount. However, both the bottles produced from the_preforms of Examples 3 and 4 were deemed aesthetically acceptable. Examples 8 to 12 - Assessment of light transmission of bottles

Following the procedures described for Examples 3 to 6, bottles were produced using PET-X and additives as specified in the table below

Bottles produced were assessed by cutting a_small section from each bottle wall and the wall thickness measured using a Magna Mike. A typical wall thickness was 200 - 300um. The small sections were then measured for light transmission using a Shimadzu UV Visible Spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere, across the wavelength range 300 - 700nm. A light transmission of 50% is considered a good result, as it indicates a significant reduction in light transmission compared to a PET-only wall section.

Results are provided in Figure 3. The figure shows that addition of the compound of Example 2, which delivers 1wt% of PPE into the PET-X significantly reduces light transmission (and so increases opacity) of the bottle wall and the reduction is outstanding compared to inclusion of other polymers at 1wt%, namely polymethylpentene, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and cyclic olefin polymer (COP).

The blend of Example 2 in particular can, in view of the result described, be formulated with other ingredients to produce formulations which can advantageously be used to produce masterbatches, preforms and bottles as described below.

Example 13 - General procedure for preparing masterbatch formulations

A premix is prepared where polymer raw materials are weighed and manually mixed together with some of the other materials, aluminium paste and zinc sulphide. The extrusion line is a ZE25UTXi 50D twin screw extruder with a main feeder and a side feeder. The premix is introduced into the extruder via the main feeder and the titanium dioxide (if applicable) is introduced via the side feeder. The extrusion process is a PET process. The strands are cooled down in a water bath and pelletized in a standard pelletizer.

Examples 14 and 15 - Preparation of masterbatch formulations

Following the general procedure referred to in Example 13, a range of masterbatch formulations can be prepared as described below.

As an alternative, masterbatch pellets may be prepare by compounding PPE, HIPS and the inorganic additives identified in the table above in one operation.

Examples 16 and 17 - Preparation of preforms

The masterbatch formulations of Examples 14 and 15 can be used to produce preforms at a let- down-ratio (LDR) of 9%. 91wt% of PET-X is compounded with 9wt% of the formulations of Examples 14 and 15 and preforms manufactured in a Husky GL160 injection moulder machine, with a two cavity mould installed.

Preform compositions are detailed below.

Example 18 - Production of bottles

Following the procedure referred to in Example 6, the preforms of Examples 16 and 17 can be blown into bottles and assessed. The bottles produced have excellent opacity and whiteness. In addition, the neck portions of the bottles are sufficiently similar in colour to the body of the bottle to be aesthetically acceptable - ie to the naked eye, any differences in colour as between the neck and body of the bottle were not significant enough to lessen the perceived aesthetic acceptability of the bottle.

In the following examples, comparisons are made between formulations comprising different types of polystyrenes, namely HIPS and GPPS.

Examples 19 to 24 - Preparation of Masterbatch Formulations

Following the general procedure referred to in Examples 13 to 15, masterbatch formulations were prepared using the ingredients described in the table below.

Examples 25 to 36 - Preparation of preforms and bottles

Preforms were made as described for Examples 16 and 17 with compositions detailed below. The preforms were blown into bottles having the compositions and bottle wall thickness also detailed below.

Examples 37 - Light transmission of bottes of Examples 25 to 36

The light transmission of each of the bottles of Examples 25 to 36 was assessed as 5 described in Test 3 and results are presented in Figures 4 to 6 from which it should be noted as follows:

(i) Each bottle has very low light transmission (L*) meaning each has high opacity; and 0 (ii) Each bottle comprising GPPS (e.g. included in Noryl 6850C) had a lower light transmission (higher opacity) than the corresponding bottle, shown in the same figure, except it included HIPS (e.g. included in Noryl 6850H). Thus, GPPS can be used to enhance opacity compared to use of HIPS. 5 Examples 38 to 51 - Preparation and assessment of glossiness of blown bottles (without any light-shielding pigments)

Following the procedure described for Examples 3 to 5 preforms were made having the compositions described in the table below. Bottles were produced from the preforms as described in Example 6 and the glossiness of the bottles was assessed as described in Test 4.

Gloss results are also provided in the table below.

The results show:

(i) Compositions comprising GPPS produce bottles which have higher gloss than eguivalent bottles which comprise HIPS instead of GPPS; and (ii) By varying the relative amounts of GPPS and HIPS, the gloss levels can be varied from a relatively low level (where gloss is low and a bottle has a relatively matte appearance (see Example 41)) up to a high gloss appearance (see Example 48).

Examples 52 and 53 - Preparation and assessment of blown bottles (including titanium dioxide as a light-shielding pigment).

Following the procedure described for Examples 38 to 51 , bottles were prepared having compositions and gloss values described in the table below.

The results for Examples 52 and 53 are consistent with the results for Examples 38 to 51 and show the effects of GPPS and HIPS on glossiness apply even in the presence of lightshielding pigment.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

34

1 A container body which comprises a base and a side wall extending from the base, wherein said container body includes a polyester and a poly(phenylene ether) (PPE).

2 A container body according to claim 1 , wherein said polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

3 A container body according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said PPE has a Vicat softening temperature (VST) (Rate B/50: D1525) of less than 190°C or less than 167°C; and said Vicat softening point may be at least 140°C or at least 160°C.

4 A container body according to claim 3, wherein the difference between the VST of the PPE and that of said polyester is at least 40°C, and preferably at least 70°C; and, preferably, the difference is less than 100°C.

5 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein a ratio (AA) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of PPE in the container body is in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 30 to 40.

6 A container body according to claim 5, wherein said container body is defined by a single layer and ratio (BB) defines the weight of polyester divided by the weight of PPE in said single layer of the container body.

7 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein said container body includes 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients.

8 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein said container body includes a third polymer which is a non-elastomeric polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin.

9 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein said container body includes a third polymer which is a HIPS or GPPS.

10 A container body according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein a ratio (CC) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) in the container body is in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 30 to 40. 35

11 A container body according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein a ratio (DD) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) in a layer of the container body is in the range 15 to 90, preferably in the range 30 to 40

12 A container body according to any of claims 8 to 11 , wherein said container body includes 1 to 10 wt%, preferably 2 to 4wt%, of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS).

13 A container body according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein said container body includes 87 to 95 wt% of polyester, 1 to 5wt% of PPE, 1 to 5wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) and 1 to 8 wt% of other ingredients.

14 A container body according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein a ratio (EE) defined as the weight of PPE divided by the weight of said third polymer (eg HIPS or GPPS) in the container body is in the range 0.1 to 10, preferably in the range 8 to 1 .2.

15 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein said container body includes a first light shielding pigment which is preferably zinc sulphide.

16 A container body according to claim 15, wherein said container body includes less than 8 wt%, preferably than 5 wt%, of said first light shielding pigment; and includes at least 1 wt% of said first light shielding pigment.

17 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein said container body includes less than 2 wt%, preferably no greater than 1.0wt% of titanium dioxide; and optionally said container body includes 0wt% of titanium dioxide

18 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein said container body includes a second light shielding pigment which is preferably a particulate metal, for example particulate aluminium or aluminium flake.

19 A container body according to claim 18, wherein said container body include less than 1 .0 wt%, preferably less than 0.050 wt% of said second light shielding pigment.

20 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein the sum of the wt% of light shielding pigments (eg said first, said second and/or any other light shielding pigments) in said container body is less than 8wt%, preferably less than 5wt%. 21 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein said container body includes

88-94wt% of said polyester (eg PET), 1-6wt% zincsulphide, 1 ,5-3.5wt% of said PPE, 1 ,5-3.5wt% of a or said HIPS or GPPS, and 0.01 to 0.20wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake).

22 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein said container body includes

89-93wt% polyester (eg PET), 2-5wt% zinc sulphide, 2.0-3.0wt% of PPE, 2.0-3.0wt% of a or said HIPS or GPPS, and 0.01 to 0.05wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake), wherein the ratio of the wt% of PPE divided by the wt% of HIPS or GPPS is in the range 0.8 to 1 .2.

23 A container body which comprises a base and a side wall extending from the base, wherein said container body includes a polyester, a polymer YY and a third polymer which is a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin.

24 A container body according to claim 23, wherein said third polymer is HIPS and said polymer (YY) is, optionally, GPPS.

25 A container body according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein polymer YY is PPE, said third polymer is HIPS and said container body includes a fourth polymer which is GPPS.

26 A container body according to any of claims 23 to 25, wherein said container body includes a first light shielding pigment and/or a second light shielding pigment as described in any preceding claim (eg n terms of its identity and/or amount).

27 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein: said container body is part of a beverage container, having a volume of no more than 5 litres; and/or a sidewall of said container body has a thickness of at least 100 microns; and preferably less than 500 microns.

28 A container body according to any preceding claim, wherein said container body has a light transmission (LT%) at 550nm as described in Test 3 of less than 1 .0%, preferably less than 0.2%.

29 A container comprising a container body according to any preceding claim, wherein a closure is secured to the container body; and said container includes a beverage which includes at least 0.1 wt% fat and/or is a milk. 30 A preform for making a container body, for example according to any of claims 1 to 28, the preform comprising a polyester and a poly(phenylene ether) (PPE); or the preform comprising a polyester, a polymer (YY) and a third polymer which is a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin.

31 A preform according to claim 30, wherein said preform includes 88-94wt% of said polyester (eg PET), 1-6wt% zinc sulphide, 1.5-3.5wt% of said PPE, 1.5-3.5wt% of a HIPS or GPPS, and 0.01 to 0.20wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake).

32 A preform according to claim 31 , wherein said preform includes 89-93wt% polyester (eg PET), 2-5wt% zinc sulphide, 2.0-3.0wt% of PPE, 2.0-3.0wt% of said HIPS or GPPS, and 0.01 to 0.05wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake), wherein the ratio of the wt% of PPE divided by the wt% of HIPS or GPPS is in the range 0.8 to 1 .2.

33 A preform according to claim 30, wherein said preform includes 89-93wt% polyester (eg PET), 2-5wt% zinc sulphide, 2.0-3.0wt% of polymer (YY), 2.0-3.0wt% of said third polymer and 0.01 to 0.05wt% of particulate aluminium (eg flake).

34 A preform according to any of claims 30 to 33, wherein said preform includes 0wt% of titanium dioxide.

35 A formulation for use in a method of making a preform according to any of claims 30 to 34, the formulation comprising a poly(phenylene ether) (PPE); or the formulation comprising a polymer (YY) and a third polymer which is a polymer of an alkenylaromatic compound, for example a polystyrene resin.

36 A formulation according to claim 35, wherein said formulation includes a first light shielding pigment as described in any of claims 1 to 26, wherein said first light shielding pigment is preferably zinc sulphide; a second light shielding pigment as described in any of claims 1 to 26, wherein said second light shielding pigment is preferably particulate metal, for example particulate aluminium or aluminium flake; and HIPS or GPPS.

37 A formulation according to claim 35 or claim 36, wherein said formulation includes 15- 40wt% of PPE, 15-40wt% of HIPS or GPPS, 20-50wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05- 1.00wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and 0-15wt% of titanium dioxide.

38 A formulation according to any of claims 35 to 37, wherein said formulation includes 24- 30wt% of PPE, 24-30wt% of HIPS or GPPS, 25-48wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05- 38

0.50wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and less than 1wt% (preferably 0wt%) of titanium dioxide.

39 A formulation according to any of claims 35 to 38, wherein said formulation includes 15- 40wt% of polymer (YY), 15-40wt% provided by the sum of the wt% of said third polymer (eg HIPS) and a fourth polymer (eg GPPS), 20-50wt% of said first light shielding pigment, 0.05- 1.00wt% of said second light shielding pigment, and 0-15wt% of titanium dioxide.

40 A method of making a container body of any of claims 1 to 28, the method comprising:

(i) selecting a preform according to any of claims 30 to 34;

(ii) stretch blow moulding the preform to produce the container body.

41 A method according to claim 40, wherein, during said stretch blowing moulding, the preform is not heated to a temperature which is greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the PPE and/or, during said stretch blowing moulding, the preform is not heated to a temperature which is greater than 130°C.

42 A method according to claim 40 or claim 41 , wherein the method comprises selecting a formulation according to any of claims 35 to 39 and contacting said formulation with polyester.