Ultraviolet-Blocking Recyclable Plastic Container

Abstract

A beverage container includes a recyclable, multilayered, polymer bottle covered by an ultraviolet-absorbent, biodegradable and removable overlay. The container is thus both suitable for light sensitive products, such as beer, and ecologically sound in design for recycling. In one embodiment the bottle is a polyethylene terephthalate bottle covered by a biodegradable plastic, upon which has been printed various materials desired by the producer or consumer. The biodegradable plastic is removed by the consumer before disposal to facilitate the recycling process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 61 / 560,982 filed Nov. 17, 2011 and entitled: “Ultraviolet-Blocking Recyclable Plastic Container” hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a plastic bottle, for example, a soda bottle or beer bottle, providing improved blocking of ultraviolet light which may adversely affect the bottle's contents. In particular, the invention provides a bottle balancing consumer desire to be ecologically responsible with the desire to obtain a high-quality product for a reasonable price.[0003]In the beverage industry, cost-saving and safety considerations have driven many companies towards the use of plastics instead of glass as the material for the production of bottles. There has also been an increasing need from consumers for bottling that is convenient, lightweight, unbreakable, and recyclable, for examp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a container with a removable UV blocking film to protect its contents from UV exposure and spoilage. The film can be used in both aerobic and anaerobic environments and is easy to process.

Problems solved by technology

Some beverages, such as beer, are easily ruined if the packaging does not meet certain criteria.

At the same time, oxygen molecules diffuse into the beverage from the outside, producing off-flavors and affecting foam stability.

A beer's flavor can also be ruined by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which causes the light to act on certain chemicals in humulus lupulus or hops (a common bittering agent in beer) making the beer taste “skunky”.

Unfortunately, these polymers are not necessarily recycling-friendly and in particular, some colors of plastic (for example, UV blocking brown or green) cannot be recycled using the current recycling infrastructure.

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