A container (22) includes a shell (24) made from a
polymer, for example PET, and incorporating a catalyst, for example a
palladium catalyst. A closure (40) incorporates a plug which includes a source of
hydrogen, for example a
hydride. In use, with container (22) including a beverage and closure (40) in position, the headspace in the container will be saturated with
water vapor. This vapor contacts the
hydride associated with plug (42) and as a result the
hydride produces molecular
hydrogen which migrates into the
polymer matrix of shell (24) and combines with
oxygen which may have entered the container through its permeable walls. A reaction between the
hydrogen and
oxygen takes place, catalysed by the catalyst, and water is produced. Thus,
oxygen which may ingress the container is scavenged and the contents of the container are protected from oxidation.