packaging

Abstract

A container body comprising a base, a sidewall extending from the base, and a neck arranged to engage a closure of the container body, wherein: (i) the container body comprises a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and a polyester; or (ii) the container body comprises a polymethylpentene (PMP) and a polyester; wherein, in both cases (i) and (ii), the sidewall of the container body has an L* of at least 90 and the neck has an L* of at least 84.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging and materials therefor. Preferred embodiments relate to containers, such as PET bottles, which are white in colour and arranged to block and / or limit light from entering the container to reduce the risk of degradation of the contents of the container during storage due to exposure to light. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to obtain containers with light protection by incorporating inorganic shielding fillers into PET. For example, EP 3023458 Al relates to a single-layer plastic container with light shielding function, the step of incorporating the light shielding filler being carried out by adding to the main PET plastic base a concentrated additive containing a high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and / or polypropylene (PP) polymer base in which an inorganic shielding filler containing Ti02 and Al is previously dispersed.

[0003] Other plastic containers that solve the same problem to protect their contents, such as UHT long shelf-life milk, can employ different plastic media and different types of structure, such as: three-layer polyethylene, three-layer PET, two-layer PET or single-layer PET.

[0004] Traditionally, plastic containers with light protection function have a white surface, since one of the most widespread uses of such containers is the bottling of long shelf-life milk, such as UHT milk, and / or UHT milk products. For this problem, the known solution is to combine the white pigment Ti02, which has a high hiding power, with light absorbers that are effective in enhancing the shielding provided by Ti02. However, these light absorbers necessarily darken the surface of the container, presenting an unattractive and undesirable grey colour, which means that the threshold of the concentration that can be used in the container and therefore its efficacy is limited.

[0005] The Applicant's co-pending application GB 1915770.0 discloses the use of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) to produce opacity and / or light blocking in a single-layer PET-based container. Subsequent SEM analysis by the Applicant (not in the public domain) has been used to investigate the mechanism by which the COC produces opacity and / or blocks light. The SEM results show that a preform containing a large amount of PET and a small amount of COC includes a discrete phase comprising generally spherical COC particles distributed in the PET phase. When a preform of this kind, typically with a wall thickness of 3.5 to 4 mm, is blown into a bottle, the preform is heated and stretched. This stretching produces a container with a wall thickness typically of 0.3 mm. During the stretching, the PET is oriented, but it is confirmed by SEM by the Applicant on blown bottles that the COC remains in the form of generally spherical particles in a discrete phase, separate from the PET phase. The structure resulting from the stretching of the bottle wall is found to be white, highly opaque and to exhibit a high level of light blocking.

[0006] However, it has been found that the blown neck does not appear as white as the bottle wall. This is believed to be due to the fact that the neck of the preform is not stretched during the production of the bottle, and in fact, it has been found that the neck of the preform and the neck of the bottle are essentially the same in terms of PET / COC distribution and whiteness / opacity.

[0007] For the reasons described above, applicants have found that bottles comprising PET / COC may include a relatively white and opaque sidewall but a darker neck. If the difference in brightness between the sidewall and neck is too great, the bottle may be at least aesthetically unacceptable and may also have unacceptable performance.

[0008] Polymethylpentene (PMP) has also been proposed as an opacifier in bottles. However, for bottles comprising PET / COC, it has been found that for some formulations used to produce white opaque bottles, the neck of the blown bottle does not appear as white compared to the bottle wall. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0010] The present invention is based on the understanding that if the brightness of a preform for blowing a bottle is greater than a predetermined value, a bottle having an acceptable brightness both in the neck and in the sidewall can be blown therefrom.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a container body comprising a base, a sidewall extending from the base and a neck arranged to engage a closure of the container body, wherein:

[0012] (i) the container body comprises cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and polyester; or

[0013] (ii) the container body comprises polymethylpentene (PMP) and polyester;

[0014] Wherein, in both cases (i) and (ii), the sidewall of the container body has an L* of at least 90 and the neck has an L* of at least 84.

[0015] The L* of the container body can be assessed using a reflectance technique (suitably so that the thickness of any sample is generally irrelevant), as described in Test 2 below.

[0016] The L* of the neck of the container body is suitably taken as the L* of the side wall of the preform from which the container body is blown. It can be assessed as described in Test 1 below.

[0017] To reduce the risk of the brightness of the side wall being too light compared to the brightness of the neck (which can result in the container body being aesthetically unacceptable due to the brightness contrast between the side wall and the neck), the difference between the L* of the side wall and the preform is suitably less than a predetermined level determined by the Applicant. The difference is suitably less than 12, suitably less than 10, preferably less than 9, especially 8 or less.

[0018] The L* of the side wall of the container body can be at least 90 or at least 92. The L* can be less than 98, less than 96 or less than 94. The L* can be in the range 90 to 95.

[0019] The L* of the neck can be at least 83, preferably at least 84, more preferably at least 85. The L* of the neck can be less than 90 or 88. The L* of the neck can be in the range 83-89 or 83-87.

[0020] A first ratio defined as the L* of the side wall of the container body divided by the L* of the neck can be at least 1.03 or at least 1.05; it can be less than 1.15 or less than 1.10.

[0021] The difference between the b* of the side wall of the container body and the b* of the neck of the container body can be greater than 1.0. It can be less than 3.0.

[0022] The difference between the b* of the side wall of the container body and the b* of the neck of the container body can be less than 1.0.

[0023] The container body preferably has a light transmission (LT%) at 550nm of less than 1.0%, preferably less than 0.5%, more preferably less than 0.2% as described in Test 3.

[0024] The neck is suitably part of the container body, the part comprising a polyester (e.g. PET) which is substantially, preferably entirely, unstretched (e.g. during blow moulding) and / or suitably substantially the same as the neck portion in the preform from which the container body is blown.

[0025] The neck preferably extends suitably inwardly from the open end of the container body. It can extend a distance of at least 1 cm or at least 1.5 cm. 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 can be at least 5 or at least 10.

[0026] The neck preferably comprises a recess, e.g. a thread for releasably engaging a closure.

[0027] The container body can have a volume in the range 0.1 to 5 litres or 0.2 to 1.5 litres.

[0028] The ratio (A) defined as the weight of polyester in the container body divided by the weight of COC or PMP can be in the range of 8 to 32, preferably in the range of 15 to 30, more preferably in the range of 15 to 25.

[0029] The ratio (B) defined as the weight of polyester in the layer of the container body divided by the weight of COC or PMP can be in the range of 8 to 32, preferably in the range of 15 to 30, more preferably in the range of 15 to 25. In a preferred embodiment, the container body is defined by a single layer, in which case the side wall of the container body can consist of a single layer, and the ratio (B) suitably defines the weight of polyester in the single layer of the container body divided by the weight of COC or PMP.

[0030] The container body can comprise 1 to 10 wt% COC or PMP, preferably 3 to 8 wt% COC or PMP, more preferably 3 to 6 wt% COC or PMP. The container body can comprise 85 to 97 wt% polyester. The container body can comprise 88-96 wt% polyester, 3-8 wt% COC or PMP, and 1-7 wt% other ingredients. In a preferred embodiment, the container body comprises 88.0 to 94.0 wt% polyester, 3.0 to 6.0 wt% COC, and 1.0 to 7.0 wt% other ingredients. In another preferred embodiment, the container body comprises 88.0-94.0 wt% polyester, 3.0-6.0 wt% PMP, and 1.0-7.0 wt% other ingredients.

[0031] The single layer of the container body can comprise 1 to 10 wt% COC or PMP, preferably 3 to 8 wt% COC or PMP, more preferably 3 to 6 wt% COC or PMP. The single layer of the container body can comprise 85 to 97 wt% polyester. The single layer can comprise 88-96 wt% polyester, 3-8 wt% COC or PMP, and 1-7 wt% other ingredients. In a preferred embodiment, the single layer comprises 88.0 to 94.0 wt% polyester, 3.0 to 6.0 wt% COC, and 1.0 to 7.0 wt% other ingredients. In another preferred embodiment, the single layer comprises 88.0-94.0 wt% polyester, 3.0-6.0 wt% PMP, and 1.0-7.0 wt% other ingredients.

[0032] The COC can comprise recurring units of the formula

[0033]

[0034] which can optionally be substituted (but is preferably unsubstituted).

[0035] The COC can include repeat units of the following formula

[0036]

[0037] which can be optionally substituted (but is preferably unsubstituted);

[0038] The COC can include at least 40 mol%, preferably at least 45 mol% of repeat units of the formula I. It can include less than 70 mol% or less than 65 mol% of repeat units of the formula I.

[0039] The COC can include less than 60 mol%, preferably less than 55 mol% of repeat units of the formula II. It can include at least 30 mol% or at least 35 mol% of repeat units of the formula II.

[0040] The COC can have a density in the range of 1000 to 1050 kg / m 3 as measured in ISO 1183.

[0041] The COC can have a melt volume rate (MVR) in the range of 1 to 50 cm 3 / 10 min as measured in ISO 1183. In some embodiments, the MVR can be less than 25 cm 3 / 10 min.

[0042] The COC can have a tensile modulus (1 mm / min) of greater than 2700 MPa as measured in ISO 527-2 / 1A. It can be in the range of 2750 MPa to 3400 MPa.

[0043] The COC can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) (10 °C / min) of greater than 100 °C, preferably greater than 130 °C as measured in ISO 11357-1, -2, -3. The Tg can be less than 190 °C. The Tg can be in the range of 135 °C to 185 °C.

[0044] The COC can have a DTUL @ 0.45 MPa of greater than 100 °C, preferably greater than 120 °C as measured in ISO 75-1, -2. The DTUL can be less than 190 °C. The DTUL can be in the range of 118 °C to 180 °C.

[0045] The PMP can refer to a thermoplastic homopolymer or copolymer, which is suitably a 4-methyl-1-pentene-based polyolefin having the following repeat unit formula:

[0046]

[0047] The integer n is sufficiently high (e.g., at least 30) on a number average basis to result in a number average molecular weight of the polymer that is higher than the number average molecular weight of the oligomer. The monomer units (i.e., the units described above other than the integer n) can be homopolymerized or copolymerized, e.g., with the alkylene portion. Suitable examples of comonomers include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, nonene, and 1-decene. The PMP can include a copolymer with decene (e.g., decene, hexadecene, octadecene, especially with 1-decene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene), or combinations thereof.

[0048] A typical PMP can have a melting point of about 240 °C and be nearly transparent, with a low specific gravity of about 0.83 g / cm. A reported haze is less than 1%, and a transmittance is greater than 90%. A refractive index of a typical PMP is 1.46.

[0049] A preferred PMP has a very low surface tension, e.g., less than 30 mN / m or less than 25 mN / m.

[0050] PMPs are available from Mitsui Chemicals America, Inc. PMP grades RT-31 and / or RT-18 can be preferred.

[0051] The PMP can have an MFR of 15-30 g / 10 min, preferably 20-27 g / 10 min, measured by the MCI method at 260°C with an applied force of 5 kgf; and / or the PMP can have a melting point of at least 229°C, preferably in the range of 230-235°C, measured by DSC according to ASTM D3418; and / or the PMP can have a Vicat softening temperature of 165 to 170°C, preferably 167 to 169°C, measured by ASTM-D1525 (injection molded samples (2 mm thick x 2 pcs), heating rate: 50°C / hour, applied load of 10 N); and / or the PMP can have a heat distortion temperature of 127°C, measured by ASTM-D648 (injection molded samples (0.25 inch thick, heating rate of 120°C / hour and applied stress of 0.45 MPa); and / or the PMP can have a flexural modulus of 1425 to 1475 MPa, preferably about 1450 MPa, measured according to ASTM-D790 on injection molded samples (3.2 mm thick, crosshead speed 1.3 mm / in, span 51 mm); and / or a flexural strength of 34 to 39 Mpa, preferably about 36 MPa, measured by ASTM-D790 and same conditions; and / or the PMP can have an Izod impact strength of 21 to 27 J / m, preferably about 24 J / m, measured according to ASTM-D256 on injection molded samples (notched machined); and / or the PMP can have a Rockwell hardness, measured on injection molded samples, of 75 to 90, preferably 80 to 85, measured on the R scale according to ASTM-D785; and / or the PMP can have a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.5, for example 1.462, measured according to ASTM-D542 on injection molded samples (2 mm thick) at a wavelength of 589 nm.

[0052] As mentioned above, the container body comprises a polyester. The polyester is preferably polyethylene terephthalate, in the context of the present specification this term is intended to include copolyethylene terephthalate. The copolyethylene terephthalate of the polyethylene terephthalate can comprise repeat units from at least 85 mole % terephthalic acid and at least 85 mole % ethylene glycol. Examples of dicarboxylic acids that can be included with the terephthalic acid are phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane diacetic acid, diphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid and sebacic acid. In addition to ethylene glycol, other diols that can be incorporated into the copolyethylene terephthalate also include diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, propane-1,3-diol, butane-1,4-diol, pentane-1,5-diol, hexane-1,6-diol, 3-methylpentane-2,4-diol, 2-methylpentane-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-bis(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 one preferred embodiment, the polyethylene terephthalate has less than 10 mole %, more preferably less than 6 mole %, especially less than 2 mole % of comonomer substitution. Preferably, the copolyethylene terephthalate does not include copolyethylene terephthalate; it suitably comprises substantially a homopolymer resulting from the esterification or transesterification of terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol to produce bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate which is then polycondensed at elevated temperature in vacuo in the presence of a catalyst.

[0053] The polyester can have a Tg of less than 90°C, for example less than 85°C. The Tg can be at least 60°C or 65°C.

[0054] The difference between the Tg of the polyester and the Tg of the COC or the PMP can be at least 30°C; the difference can be less than 90°C, or less than 60°C.

[0055] As used herein, the term "IV" refers to the inherent viscosity of a polymeric material. It can be determined by a solution of 0.5 g of polymer dissolved in a 100 ml mixture of phenol (60% by volume) and tetrachloroethane (40% by volume).

[0056] The IV of the polyester is preferably greater than 0.5 dL / g, more preferably greater than 0.65 dL / g.

[0057] The polyester and the COC or PMP are preferably not completely miscible. Thus, a mixture comprising the polyester and the COC or PMP may include observable regions of the COC or PMP dispersed within the polyester. Such regions may be observed using a SEM. The observable regions of the COC or PMP may be particulate, for example, generally spherical.

[0058] The total weight percent of the thermoplastic polymer (e.g., one or more polyesters), one or more COCs, and one or more PMPs in the container body may be at least 88 weight percent, preferably at least 92 weight percent, and more preferably at least 94 weight percent. This total may be less than 99 weight percent or less than 97 weight percent.

[0059] As mentioned above, the container body comprises polyester. The container body preferably comprises polyester as the main thermoplastic polymer in the container body. Polyester (especially PET) preferably accounts for at least 75wt%, preferably at least 85wt% of the total wt% of thermoplastic polymers in the container body.

[0060] The container body may define a receptacle, such as a bottle, suitably excluding any closure thereof (such as a cap).The container body may include a ridged, such as a threaded, neck arranged to cooperate with a closure, such as a threaded closure.

[0061] The container body and / or its side wall preferably comprises only one layer of material that properly defines the container body (excluding any closure for the container body).Thus, the container body and / or its side wall preferably does not comprise any laminated or multilayered regions.

[0062] The container body may include a first light-shielding pigment. This pigment may interact with incident light by primarily diffracting light and optionally scattering and / or absorbing. Diffraction occurs due to the difference in refractive index between the light-shielding pigment and the COC / PMP or polyester. Light-shielding pigments may diffract alone, as in the case of titanium dioxide (TiO2), or they may both scatter and absorb, as in the case of black iron oxide (PB1k11). Some examples of light-shielding pigments include titanium dioxide (TiO2), ultramarine (PB 29), metal oxide particles, such as red iron oxide (PR 101), black iron oxide (PB1k11), chrome green-black hematite (PG 17), cobalt aluminate (PB 28), aluminum trihydrate (Al(OH)3), barium sulfate (BaSO4), zinc sulfide (ZnS), metal fragments (e.g., aluminum or bronze flakes), calcium carbonate, and mica.

[0063] The first light-shielding pigment is preferably zinc sulfide (ZnS). The first light-shielding pigment preferably includes at least 95 wt%, especially at least 99 wt%, of zinc sulfide (ZnS).

[0064] The container body can comprise less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, especially no more than 4.5 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment. The container body can comprise at least 1 wt% or at least 2 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment. The container body can comprise 2 to 5 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment.

[0065] The container body can comprise less than 2 wt%, preferably less than 1.5 wt%, more preferably no more than 1.0 wt% of titanium dioxide. The container body can comprise 0 to 2 wt%, preferably 0 to 1.5 wt% of titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, the container body can comprise 0 wt% of titanium dioxide.

[0066] The single layer of the container body can comprise less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, especially no more than 4.5 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment. The single layer of the container body can comprise at least 1 wt% or at least 2 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment. The single layer of the container body can comprise 2 to 5 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment.

[0067] The single layer of the container body can comprise less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, especially no more than 4.5 wt% of zinc sulfide. The single layer of the container body can comprise at least 1 wt% or at least 2 wt% of the zinc sulfide. The single layer of the container body can comprise 2 to 5 wt% of the zinc sulfide.

[0068] The container body can comprise a second light-shielding pigment. The second light-shielding pigment can be selected from titanium dioxide (Ti02), ultramarine (PB 29), metallic oxide particles such as red iron oxide (PR 101), black iron oxide (PB1 1), chrome green-black hematite (PG 17), cobalt aluminate (PB 28), aluminium trihydrate (Al(OH)3), barium sulfate (BaS04), zinc sulfide (ZnS), metallic flakes (e.g. aluminium or bronze flakes), calcium carbonate and mica. The first and second light-shielding pigments are preferably different and / or do not comprise all the same elements.

[0069] The second light-shielding pigment is preferably a particulate metal, such as metallic flakes, for example particulate aluminium or aluminium flakes. The second light-shielding pigment preferably comprises at least 95 wt%, especially at least 99 wt% of aluminium.

[0070] The container body can comprise less than 1.0 wt%, preferably less than 0.50 wt%, more preferably less than 0.050 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment. The container body can comprise at least 0.001 wt% or at least 0.025 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment. The container body can comprise 0.025 wt% to 0.50 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment.

[0071] The sum of the wt% of light-shielding pigments in the container body (e.g. the first, the second and / or any other light-shielding pigment) can be less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt%, especially less than 5 wt%. The sum can be at least 1 wt% or at least 3 wt%. The sum can be in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 wt%.

[0072] In one embodiment, the container body comprises 88-93 wt% of a polyester (e.g. PET), 1-6 wt% of zinc sulfide, 3-7 wt% of COC, 0.01-0.2 wt% of particulate aluminium (e.g. chips). In another embodiment, the container body comprises 88-93 wt% of a polyester (e.g. PET), 1-6 wt% of zinc sulfide, 3-7 wt% of PMP, 0.01-0.2 wt% of particulate aluminium (e.g. chips).

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the container body comprises 88-93 wt% of a polyester (e.g. PET), 2-5 wt% of zinc sulfide, 4-7 wt% of COC, 0.01-0.10 wt% of particulate aluminium (e.g. chips). In another preferred embodiment, the container body comprises 88-93 wt% of a polyester (e.g. PET), 2-5 wt% of zinc sulfide, 4-7 wt% of PMP, 0.01-0.10 wt% of particulate aluminium (e.g. chips).

[0074] The container body preferably comprises and / or is defined by a mixture, e.g. a substantially uniform mixture, of the polymer and the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or PMP and, when provided, the first light-shielding pigment and the second light-shielding pigment.

[0075] The container body can comprise virgin polyester or recycled polyester, e.g. PET.

[0076] The container body is preferably part of a beverage container. It can have a volume of no more than 5 litres, e.g. no more than 2 litres or no more than 1 litre.

[0077] The container body, for example its side wall, can have a thickness of at least 100 microns or at least 200 microns. The thickness can be less than 500 microns or less than 400 microns or less than 398 microns. The thickness can be in the range 102 to 398 microns and can comprise PET.

[0078] The neck of the container body can have a maximum internal diameter of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. The maximum internal diameter can be less than 70 mm. The maximum internal diameter can be in the range 11 to 40 mm. The footprint (when it is standing on the base) of the bottle can be in the range 1000 to 10000 mm 3 The ratio defined as the maximum internal diameter of the neck divided by the footprint of the bottle can be in the range 0.001 to 0.04.

[0079] Advantageously, the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and the polymethylpentene (PMP) are found not to significantly deactivate oxidisable organic materials for scavenging oxygen in the container body, which can be as described in GB 2207439 A or US 6083585. Thus, the present application extends to the described container body incorporating an oxidisable organic material for scavenging oxygen in use. The oxidisable organic material can be mixed with the polymer and the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or polymethylpentene (PMP).

[0080] The oxidisable organic material can be as described in GB 2207439 A or US 6083585. It can comprise AMOSORB TM from Colormatrix, Monoxbar TM from Constar, Polyshield TM from Invista or ValOR from Valspar.

[0081] The oxidisable organic material can comprise an oxygen scavenging polymer, for example a polyolefin polymer or oligomer. The container body can comprise a polyester comprising polyester segments and polyolefin oligomer segments, for example as described in US 6083585. The container body can comprise a catalyst for catalysing oxidation of the oxidisable organic material.

[0082] In a second aspect, the present application extends to a container body comprising a base, a side wall extending from the base and a neck arranged to engage a closure for the container body, wherein:

[0083] (i) the container body comprises a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and a polyester; or

[0084] (ii) the container body comprises a polymethylpentene (PMP) and a polyester;

[0085] wherein, optionally, in both (i) and (ii), the sidewall of the container body has an L* of at least 90 and the neck has an L* of at least 84. The container body of the second aspect can have any feature of the container body of the first aspect.

[0086] According to a third aspect of the application, there is provided a preform for manufacturing a container body, for example according to the first or second aspects, the preform comprising

[0087] (iii) a polyester;

[0088] (iv) a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or a polymethylpentene (PMP).

[0089] The L* of the preform can be at least 83, preferably at least 84, more preferably at least 85. The L* of the preform can be less than 90 or 88. The L* of the preform can be in the range 83-89 or 83-87.

[0090] The preform preferably comprises a substantially, preferably entirely, unstretched polyester (e.g. PET).

[0091] The neck portion of the preform preferably comprises a recess, for example a thread for releasably engaging a closure.

[0092] The ratio (A) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of COC or PMP in the preform can be in the range 8 to 32, preferably in the range 15 to 30, more preferably in the range 15 to 25.

[0093] The preform can comprise 1 to 10 wt% COC or PMP, preferably 3 to 8 wt% COC or PMP, more preferably 3 to 6 wt% COC or PMP. The preform can comprise 85 to 97 wt% polyester. The preform can comprise 88-96 wt% polyester, 3-8 wt% COC or PMP and 1-7 wt% other ingredients. In one preferred embodiment, the preform comprises 88.0-94.0 wt% polyester, 3.0-6.0 wt% COC and 1.0-7.0 wt% other ingredients. In another preferred embodiment, the preform comprises 88.0-94.0 wt% polyester, 3.0-6.0 wt% PMP and 1.0-7.0 wt% other ingredients.

[0094] A single layer of the preform may comprise 1 to 10 wt% COC or PMP, preferably 3 to 8 wt% COC or PMP, more preferably 3 to 6 wt% COC or PMP. The single layer of the preform may comprise 85 to 97 wt% polyester. The single layer may comprise 88-96 wt% polyester, 3-8 wt% COC or PMP and 1-7 wt% other ingredients. In a preferred embodiment, the single layer comprises 88.0 to 94.0 wt% polyester, 3.0 to 6.0 wt% COC and 1.0 to 7.0 wt% other ingredients. In another preferred embodiment, the single layer comprises 88.0-94.0 wt% polyester, 3.0-6.0 wt% PMP and 1.0-7.0 wt% other ingredients.

[0095] The COC may be as described in the first aspect.

[0096] The PMP may be as described in the first aspect.

[0097] The polyester may be as described in the first aspect.

[0098] In the preform, the polyester and the COC or PMP are preferably not completely miscible. Thus, a mixture comprising the polyester and COC or PMP can include observable regions of COC or PMP dispersed within the polyester. Such regions can be observed using a SEM. The observable regions of COC can be particulate, for example, generally spherical.

[0099] The sum of the wt% of the thermoplastic polymer (e.g., one or more polyesters), one or more COCs, and one or more PMPs in the preform may be at least 88 wt%, preferably at least 92 wt%, more preferably at least 94 wt%. This sum may be less than 99 wt% or less than 97 wt%.

[0100] As mentioned above, the preform comprises polyester. The preform preferably comprises polyester as the main thermoplastic polymer in the preform. Polyester (especially PET) preferably accounts for at least 75wt%, preferably at least 85wt% of the total wt% of thermoplastic polymers in the preform.

[0101] The preform and / or its side walls preferably comprise only one layer of material which suitably defines the preform.Thus, the preform and / or its side walls preferably do not comprise any laminated or multilayered regions.

[0102] The preform may include a first light-shielding pigment. Such a pigment may be as described in the first aspect.

[0103] The first light-shielding pigment is preferably zinc sulfide (ZnS). The first light-shielding pigment preferably comprises at least 95 wt%, in particular at least 99 wt%, of zinc sulfide (ZnS).

[0104] The preform can comprise a second light-shielding pigment. Such a pigment can be as described in the first aspect.

[0105] The second light-shielding pigment is preferably a particulate metal, such as metal flakes, for example particulate aluminium or aluminium flakes. The second light-shielding pigment preferably comprises at least 95 wt%, in particular at least 99 wt%, of aluminium.

[0106] The sum of the wt% of light-shielding pigments (e.g. the first, the second and / or any other light-shielding pigment) in the preform can be below 8 wt%, preferably below 6 wt%, in particular below 5 wt%. The sum can be at least 1 wt% or at least 3 wt%. The sum can be in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 wt%.

[0107] The preform can comprise less than 2 wt%, preferably less than 1.5 wt%, more preferably not more than 1.0 wt%, of titanium dioxide. The preform can comprise 0 to 2 wt%, preferably 0 to 1.5 wt%, of titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, the preform can comprise 0 wt% of titanium dioxide.

[0108] In one embodiment, the preform comprises 88-93 wt% of polyester (e.g. PET), 1-6 wt% of zinc sulfide, 3-7 wt% of COC or PMP, 0.01-0.2 wt% of particulate aluminium (e.g. flakes).

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the preform comprises 88-93 wt% of polyester (e.g. PET), 2-5 wt% of zinc sulfide, 4-7 wt% of COC, 0.01-0.10 wt% of particulate aluminium (e.g. flakes). In another preferred embodiment, the preform comprises 88-93 wt% of polyester (e.g. PET), 2-5 wt% of zinc sulfide, 4-7 wt% of PMP, 0.01-0.10 wt% of particulate aluminium (e.g. flakes).

[0110] The preform, for example its side wall, can have a thickness of at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm or at least 3 mm. The thickness can be less than 5 mm.

[0111] The neck of the preform can have a maximum inner diameter of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. The maximum inner diameter can be less than 70 mm. The maximum inner diameter can be in the range of 11 to 40 mm.

[0112] According to a fourth aspect of the present application, there is provided a formulation for use in a method of making a preform according to the third aspect, the formulation comprising a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or a polymethylpentene (PMP) suitably as described in the first aspect.

[0113] The formulation can comprise a first light-shielding pigment as described in the first aspect. The first light-shielding pigment is preferably zinc sulfide. The formulation can comprise at least 10 wt%, preferably at least 15 wt%, more preferably at least 20 wt%, especially at least 25 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment. The formulation can comprise less than 50 wt%, preferably less than 45 wt%, more preferably less than 42 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment.

[0114] The formulation can comprise a second light-shielding pigment as described in the first aspect.

[0115] The second light-shielding pigment is preferably a particulate metal, such as metal flakes, for example particulate aluminium or aluminium flakes. The second light-shielding pigment preferably comprises at least 95 wt%, especially at least 99 wt% aluminium. The formulation can comprise at least 0.05 wt%, preferably at least 0.1 wt%, more preferably at least 0.15 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment. The formulation can comprise less than 1 wt%, preferably less than 0.50 wt%, more preferably less than 0.45 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment.

[0116] The formulation preferably comprises less than 20 wt%, preferably less than 15 wt%, more preferably less than 12 wt% titanium dioxide.

[0117] The formulation preferably comprises less than 5 wt%, preferably 0 wt% polyester, such as PET.

[0118] The formulation can comprise 40-70 wt% COC or PMP, 20-50 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment, 0.05-1 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment and 0-15 wt% titanium dioxide.

[0119] The formulation can comprise 45-65 wt% COC or PMP, 25-45 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment, 0.10-0.50 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment and 0-11 wt% titanium dioxide.

[0120] The formulation can comprise 55-64 wt% COC or PMP, 25-45 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment, 0.10-0.50 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment and 0-11 wt% titanium dioxide.

[0121] The formulation may include 55-64 wt% of COC or PMP, 30-45 wt% of the first light-shielding pigment, 0.10-0.50 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment, and less than 1 wt% (preferably 0 wt%) of titanium dioxide.

[0122] The formulation is preferably in the form of pellets.

[0123] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing the container body of the first aspect, the method comprising:

[0124] (iii) selecting a preform according to the third aspect;

[0125] (iv) stretch blow moulding the preform to produce the container body of the first and / or second aspect.

[0126] Preferably, during the stretch blow molding, the preform is not heated to a temperature greater than the Tg of the COC or PMP (whichever is used). The preform is preferably stretch blow molded at a temperature below the Tg of the COC or PMP (whichever is used). Preferably, during the stretch blow molding, the preform is not heated to a temperature greater than 130°C or greater than 125°C. The preform is preferably stretch blow molded at a temperature below 130°C, preferably below 125°C.

[0127] The method may comprise selecting a formulation according to the fourth aspect and contacting the formulation with the polyester according to the first aspect. The method may comprise contacting 5-15 wt% of the formulation with 85-95 wt% of the polyester. The method may comprise contacting 7-12 wt% of the formulation with 88-93 wt% of the polyester.

[0128] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing the formulation according to the fifth aspect, the method comprising contacting the COC or PMP (regardless of which one is used) with the first light-shielding pigment and / or other ingredients in the formulation. The method may comprise mixing the COC or PMP with the first light-shielding pigment and / or other ingredients. The method may comprise extruding the COC or PMP together with the first light-shielding pigment and / or other ingredients in the formulation. The extrudate may be made into a pellet that may contain a masterbatch pellet.

[0129] Any feature of any aspect of any invention or embodiment described herein may be combined (modified where necessary) with any feature of any aspect of any other invention or embodiment described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0130] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0131] Figure 1 is through the cross-section of the preform;

[0132] Figure 2 shows the preform superimposed on a bottle blown from the preform Figure 1 to illustrate that the neck of the preform does not change when blown to produce a bottle;

[0133] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a graph of the light transmittance versus wavelength of the produced bottle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0134] The following materials are referenced as follows:

[0135] PET-X - refers to a proprietary bottle grade PET (Equipolymers' Lighter C93 with an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of 0.80 + / - 0.02).

[0136] Comparative Test Material A (CTM-A) - a polyolefin with a Tg below 90°C.

[0137] Topas 6013 M-07 - a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) obtained from Topas Advanced Polymers. It has the following properties evaluated using the referenced standards:

[0138]

[0139] Aluminum Paste - refers to STAPA Wm Chrome Aluminum Flake containing 80 wt% + / - 2 wt% aluminum pigment and 20 wt% + / - 2 wt% medical white oil and other additives. 98 wt% of the particles can pass through a 45 micron screen. The D10 is about 4 microns; the D50 is about 13 microns; and the D90 is about 28 microns.

[0140] PMP (TPX) - refers to a polymethylpentene polymer (PMP) sold by Mitsui as TPX RT18.

[0141] Reference Figure 1 , a preform 2 for blow molding a PET bottle 4 Figure 2 includes a body 6 arranged to expand when the preform 2 is heated in a bottle mold. Above the body 6 is a ring 8 that is normally held by a machine (not shown) during the liquid filling of the blown bottle. Above the ring 8 is a cap region 10 having a recess arranged to cooperate with a bottle cap to releasably close the bottle. A neck region 12 is a portion of the preform 2 that includes the cap region 10 and does not expand during the blow molding of the preform to produce the bottle. Thus, as by comparison Figure 1 andFigure 2 As shown, the neck region 12 is substantially the same size and shape in the preform and the blown bottle. Figure 2 Typical preform / bottle dimensions (in mm) are included with annotations.

[0142] The following tests are referred to herein:

[0143] Test 1 - L*a*b* color space evaluation of preforms

[0144] PCTG preforms were measured for color using a Minolta CM2600d spectrophotometer in reflectance mode using a D65 light source. The preform was placed on a metal frame (the major elongated axis of the preform extended substantially horizontally. This allowed the spectrophotometer to be positioned in contact with the preform wall at the point of the spectrophotometer aperture. L*, a*, and b* values were recorded.

[0145] Test 2 - L*a*b* color space evaluation of blown bottles

[0146] A small (60 mm x 60 mm) square section was cut from the bottle wall. This section was placed on the holder of a Minolta CM3600A spectrophotometer with the outer surface of the bottle section facing the instrument aperture. The Large Area View (LAV) aperture was used and the color of the sample was measured in reflectance mode using a D65 light source. L*, a*, and b* values were recorded.

[0147] Test 3 - Measurement of light transmission of blown bottles

[0148] The light transmission of each bottle was evaluated from the cut section of the bottle wall using a Shimadzu UV-visible spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere over a wavelength range of 300-700 nm.

[0149] Example 1 - General procedure for production of preforms

[0150] The preforms were manufactured in a Husky GL160 injection molding machine with a two-cavity mold installed. The PET was weighed and pre-mixed manually with the COC or PMP (TPX) and any other additives at the desired percentage, then the mixture was added manually into a hopper installed above the machine feed throat. The preforms were produced using a standard PET injection molding process.

[0151] Example 2 - General procedure for production of bottles from preforms

[0152] The preforms were stretch blown into 1 liter cylindrical bottles using a Sidel SB01 blow molding machine.

[0153] Examples 3 and 4 - Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of preforms and bottles

[0154] Using the general procedure referred to in Example 1, preforms were prepared having the formulations described in the table below.

[0155]

[0156] To analyze the preform material, samples were made by cutting a portion of the preform. Each sample was cryogenically fractured using liquid nitrogen to reveal the cross section of the sample. The samples were attached to the sample holder using carbon-based tape and graphite colloidal dispersion to increase the electrical conductivity. Finally, the samples were metallized with Pd and Au for 45 seconds. SEM was then performed.

[0157] To analyze the bottle samples with SEM, samples were made by cutting a portion while frozen with liquid nitrogen to reveal the cross section of the sample. The samples were attached to the sample holder using carbon-based tape and graphite colloidal dispersion to increase the electrical conductivity. Finally, the samples were metallized with Pd and Au for 45 seconds.

[0158] The individual portions were analyzed using SEM at 10.0 k SE(M).

[0159] SEM analysis of the preform showed that for Examples 3 and 4, roughly spherical particles of the added polymer in a discrete phase separate from the PET-X could be observed.

[0160] SEM analysis of the blow molded bottles showed that for the bottle of Example 3, a uniform structure could be observed and the discrete phase seen in the precursor preform was no longer observed. In contrast, for the bottle of Example 4, roughly spherical particles of the added polymer in a discrete phase separate from the PET-X were still observed.

[0161] Example 5 - Light transmission (LT%) of bottles of Examples 3 to 4

[0162] The light transmission (LT%) of the bottles of Examples 3 and 4 were evaluated as described in Test 3 and the results are provided in Table 3 from which it can be seen that the material of Example 3 has almost the same light transmission as PET-X alone, which indicates that the resulting opacity can be negligible if a uniform structure is created upon blowing; whereas the opacity increases significantly when the COC polymer is present as a discrete phase separate from the PET-X. Thus, the bottle blown from the preform described in Example 4 is significantly more opaque than the bottle blown from the preform of Example 3. In fact, the bottle blown from the preform of Example 3 is more opaque than the preform from which it was blown. Figure 3

[0163] Example 6 - Establishing target color values for preforms

[0164] ​To produce bottles with commercially relevant opacity and / or whiteness, additional additives were included in the formulation of Example 4. Applicants were able to achieve high opacity and whiteness (i.e. high L*) by adding, for example, titanium dioxide and aluminium flake, as described in co-pending application GB1915770.0. However, it was also observed that in some cases the neck of the blown bottle was noticeably (and aesthetically unacceptably) darker than the body of the bottle. Applicants concluded that the opacity of the stretched bottle wall was due to the stretching of the preform during the blowing process, and since the neck was not stretched during the blowing process, its opacity remained the same as that of the preform from which it was blown. Therefore, in order to produce commercially acceptable bottles, applicants developed target colour values for the preform wall (and by extension to the neck of the bottle blown from the preform, since the bottle neck is not stretched as described above and its colour value is essentially the same as the colour value in the preform).

[0165] Target colour values are detailed below.

[0166]

[0167] Examples 7 and 8 - Preparation of preforms with target color values

[0168] Preforms having the formulations described in the table below were prepared following the general procedure described in Example 1.

[0169]

[0170] Example 9 - Evaluation of color values of preforms

[0171] The colour values of the preforms of Examples 7 and 8 were evaluated following the procedure mentioned in Test 1 in order to compare them with the target colour values of Example 6. The results are detailed in the table below.

[0172]

[0173] Example 10 - Production and evaluation of bottles

[0174] The preforms of Examples 7 and 8 were blown into bottles and evaluated following the procedure mentioned in Example 2. The results are as follows:

[0175] Example Number L*(D65) a*(D65) b*(D65) 7 93.27 -0.32 -0.17 8 93.42 -0.28 -0.14

[0176] Figure 4 LT% transmission data for the bottles is provided, from which it can be seen that the light transmission is very low in both cases.

[0177] The results show that the bottles produced have excellent opacity and whiteness. In addition, it was found that the neck portion of the bottle (having the color values noted in Example 9) was sufficiently similar in color to the main body of the bottle to be aesthetically acceptable - i.e., any color difference between the bottle neck and the main body was not sufficient to significantly reduce the aesthetic acceptability of the bottle to the naked eye.

[0178] Examples 11 and 12 - Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of preforms and bottles

[0179] Preforms having the formulations described in the table below were prepared using the general procedure noted in Examples 3 and 4.

[0180]

[0181] The preform materials were analyzed as described in Examples 3 and 4, and SEM analysis of the preforms showed that for Examples 11 and 12, the roughly spherical particles of the added polymer in a discrete phase separate from the PET-X could be observed.

[0182] SEM analysis of the blow molded bottles showed that for the bottle of Example 11, a uniform structure could be observed, and the discrete phase seen in the precursor preform was no longer observed. In contrast, for the bottle of Example 12, the roughly spherical particles of the added polymer in a discrete phase separate from the PET-X were still observed.

[0183] Example 13 - Light transmission (LT%) of bottles of Examples 11 to 12

[0184] The light transmission (LT%) of the bottles of Examples 11 and 12 were evaluated as described in Test 3, and it was found that the material of Example 11 had almost the same light transmission as PET-X alone, indicating that the opacity produced can be negligible if a uniform structure is produced upon blowing; whereas the opacity increased significantly when the PMP polymer was present as a discrete phase separate from the PET-X. Thus, the bottle blown from the preform described in Example 12 was significantly more opaque than the bottle blown from the preform of Example 11. In fact, the bottle blown from the preform of Example 11 was more opaque than the preform from which it was blown.

[0185] Examples 14 and 15 - Preparation of preforms with target color values

[0186] Preforms having the formulations described in the table below were prepared following the general procedure described in Example 1.

[0187]

[0188] Example 16 - Evaluation of color values of preforms

[0189] The preforms of Examples 14 and 15 were evaluated for color values according to the procedure noted in Test 1 for comparison to the target color values of Example 6. The differences in color values were found to be relatively small and acceptable.

[0190] Example 17 - Production and evaluation of bottles

[0191] The preforms of Examples 14 and 15 were blown into bottles and evaluated according to the procedure noted in Example 2. The results indicated that the light transmission was very low in both cases. In addition, the results indicated that the bottles produced had excellent opacity and whiteness. Furthermore, the neck portions of the bottles were found to be sufficiently similar in color to the bodies of the bottles to be aesthetically acceptable - i.e., any color difference between the neck portions and the bodies of the bottles was not sufficient to significantly detract from the aesthetic acceptability of the bottles to the naked eye.

[0192] The application is not restricted to the details of the foregoing one or more embodiments. The application 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

1. A container body comprising a base, a sidewall extending from the base, and a neck arranged to engage a closure of the container body, wherein: (i) the container body comprises cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and polyester; or (ii) the container body comprises polymethylpentene (PMP) and polyester; Wherein, in both cases (i) and (ii), the side wall of the container body has an L of at least 90 , and the neck has an L of at least 84 And the L of the neck Less than 90; and the container body comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of the polyester and the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or the polymethylpentene (PMP); Defined as the L of the side wall of the container body The first ratio divided by the L* of the neck is at least 1.03 and less than 1.

15.

2. The container body according to claim 1, wherein the L of the side wall and the neck The difference is less than 12.

3. The container body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the L of the side wall of the container body is is at least 90 and less than 98; and / or the L of the neck Is at least 83 and less than 88.

4. The container body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the side wall of the container body and the neck of the container body are The difference is greater than 1.0 and / or less than 3.

0. 5 . The container body according to claim 1 , wherein the container body has a light transmittance (LT %) of less than 1.0% at 550 nm as measured using a Shimadzu UV visible spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere. 6 . The container body according to claim 1 , wherein a ratio (A) defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of COC or PMP in the container body is in the range of 8 to 32.

7. The container body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container body comprises 1 wt% to 10 wt% of COC; and / or 85 to 97 wt% of polyester.

8. The container body of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container body comprises 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 3.0 to 6.0 wt% of COC, and 1.0 to 7.0 wt% of other components; or, the container body comprises 88.0 to 94.0 wt% of polyester, 3.0 to 6.0 wt% of PMP, and 1.0 to 7.0 wt% of other components.

9. The container body of claim 1 or 2, wherein the COC has a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than 100°C (10°C / min) as measured in ISO 11357-1, -2, or -3; or the PMP has a Vicat softening temperature of 165 to 170°C as measured by ASTM-D1525, wherein the injection molded sample is 2 mm thick x 2 pcs, the heating rate is 50°C / hour, and the applied load is 10N.

10. The container body of claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyester comprises polyethylene terephthalate.

11. The container body of claim 1 or 2, wherein the difference between the Tg of the polyester and the Tg of the COC or PMP is at least 30°C and less than 90°C.

12. The container body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyester and the COC or PMP are not completely miscible and / or the mixture comprising the polyester and COC or PMP includes regions observable by SEM where the COC or PMP is dispersed in the polyester.

13. The container body of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sum of the wt% of the thermoplastic polymer in the container body is at least 88 wt%; and / or the sum is less than 97 wt%.

14. The container body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container body includes a first light-shielding pigment. 15 . The container body according to claim 14 , wherein the container body includes less than 8 wt % of the first light-shielding pigment; and includes at least 1 wt % of the first light-shielding pigment.

16. A container body as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the container body comprises less than 2 wt% titanium dioxide.

17. The container body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container body includes a second light-shielding pigment, the second light-shielding pigment being a particulate metal.

18. The container body according to claim 17, wherein the container body includes less than 1.0 wt% of the second light-shielding pigment.

19. The container body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total of wt% of the light-shielding pigment in the container body is less than 8 wt%.

20. The container body as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the container body comprises 88-93 wt% polyester, 1-6 wt% zinc sulfide, 3-7 wt% COC, and 0.01-0.2 wt% granular aluminum.

21. The container body of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container body comprises 88-93 wt% polyester, 1-6 wt% zinc sulfide, 3-7 wt% PMP, and 0.01-0.2 wt% particulate aluminum.

22. A preform for making a container body according to any preceding claim, the preform comprising: (i) polyester; (ii) Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or polymethylpentene (PMP).

23. The preform of claim 22, wherein L of the preform In the range of 83-89 or 83-87.

24. The preform of claim 23, wherein the ratio (A), defined as the weight of polyester divided by the weight of COC or PMP in the preform, is in the range of 8 to 32; and / or the preform comprises 88.0 to 94.0 wt% polyester, 3.0 to 6.0 wt% COC or PMP, and 1.0 to 7.0 wt% other ingredients.

25. The preform according to any one of claims 22 to 24, comprising a first light-shielding pigment which is zinc sulfide (ZnS); and a second light-shielding pigment which is a particulate metal.

26. The preform according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the sum of wt% of the light-shielding pigment in the preform is in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 wt%.

27. The preform of any one of claims 22 to 24 comprising less than 2 wt% titanium dioxide.

28. The preform of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the preform comprises 88-93 wt% polyester, 2-5 wt% zinc sulfide, 4-7 wt% COC, 0.01-0.10 wt% granular aluminum.

29. The preform of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the preform comprises 88-93 wt% polyester, 2-5 wt% zinc sulfide, 4-7 wt% PMP, 0.01-0.10 wt% particulate aluminum.

30. A formulation for use in a method for preparing a preform according to any one of claims 22 to 29, the formulation comprising a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or a polymethylpentene (PMP), wherein the formulation comprises 40-70 wt% of COC or PMP, 20-50 wt% of a first light-shielding pigment, 0.05-1 wt% of a second light-shielding pigment, and 0-15 wt% of titanium dioxide.

31. The formulation of claim 30, wherein the formulation comprises less than 20 wt% titanium dioxide; and comprises less than 5 wt% polyester.

32. The formulation of claim 31 , wherein the formulation comprises less than 12 wt% titanium dioxide.

33. The formulation of claim 31 , wherein the formulation comprises 0 wt% polyester.

34. The formulation of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the formulation comprises 55-64 wt% of COC or PMP, 30-45 wt% of a first light-shielding pigment, 0.10-0.50 wt% of a second light-shielding pigment, and 0 wt% of titanium dioxide.

35. A method of making a container body according to any one of claims 1 to 21, the method comprising: (i) selecting a preform according to any one of claims 22 to 29; (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to produce the container body.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein during the stretch blow molding, the preform is not heated to a temperature above the Tg of the COC or PMP, whichever is greater.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein during said stretch blow molding, said preform is not heated to a temperature greater than 130°C.

38. The method of any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the method comprises selecting a formulation according to any one of claims 30 to 34 and contacting the formulation with a polyester.

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