Multilayer preforms and containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-layer container preform and a multi-layer container, the preform or container comprising a base, a body, and a neck finish, the base and body comprising an outer layer defining an exterior surface, an inner layer defining an interior surface and an interior space, and an intermediate layer disposed between the outer and inner layers, the outer and inner layers comprising a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or copolyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof, and the intermediate layer comprising a secondary material different from but compatible with the primary material. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a multi-layer container preform and a multi-layer container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to plastic containers and preforms for producing plastic containers by stretch blow molding. [Background technology]

[0002] Plastic containers, such as plastic bottles, are typically manufactured by a blow molding process. Often, a so-called preform is first made by an injection molding process. The preform typically has a shape similar to a test tube with the threads of a preformed bottle cap in place. The preform is then subjected to a stretch blow molding process to obtain the finished container. Multilayer preforms, having multiple layers made of different materials, can be made by a co-injection molding process. Co-injection molding of multilayer preforms is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,516.

[0003] Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polymer commonly used to make containers. PET resin is commonly used to manufacture beverage bottles given its combination of transparency, mechanical properties, and gas barrier properties. PET is a polyester made from terephthalic acid (TA) and ethylene glycol (EG). Most commercial methods for producing PET utilize petrochemical-derived feedstocks. As PET packaging becomes more popular, concerns about the environmental impact of petrochemical-derived PET are becoming more prominent. To replace PET, there is a demand for renewable-based polymers, such as those that can be efficiently bio-sourced.

[0004] Bottles produced from blow molding processes are often sensitive to hot contents at temperatures above 70°C. The filling temperature of hot liquids is often well above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the container material. Filling such bottles with hot contents often results in permanent deformation of the bottle. The neck finish of the bottle needs to be crystallized or thick to limit neck finish deformation and maintain a secure cap seal throughout the product's shelf life. To prevent deformation, hot-fill bottles may be manufactured using a so-called heat-setting process. The bottle is heated during bottle blowing to increase the crystallinity of the material, thereby increasing the bottle's thermal stability.

[0005] For oxygen-sensitive products, an additional oxygen barrier is often required to prevent the decomposition of the filled liquid. This can be achieved, for example, by blending, multilayer construction, or internal coating. Blending or multilayer construction is often not useful because the barrier material is prone to crystallization during the heat-setting process. Crystallization can manifest as whitening of the material. Internal coatings are an expensive solution and can only be applied to the finished blown container, not the preform.

[0006] Conventional strategies for replacing PET in blow-molded containers generally require compromises in the physical performance of the container and / or the cost of the material. Thus, there remains a need for new strategies that reduce the environmental impact of petrochemical-derived PET while still meeting consumer demand for plastic containers with suitable physical performance characteristics.

[0007] Polyesters based on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), particularly polyethylene furanoate (PEF), are known for their excellent gas barrier properties and relatively high glass transition temperatures (Tg). The Tg of PEF is about 86°C, comparable to the Tg of PET, which is about 74°C. The use of polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid in plastic containers and preforms for producing plastic containers is described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0110983.

[0008] Polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid can also be at least partially biobased. For example, WO 2010 / 077133 describes a suitable process for producing PEF polymers with 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid moieties in the polymer backbone. The polymers are prepared by esterifying the 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid moiety, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or dimethyl-2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (DMF), and condensing the ester with a diol or polyol (e.g., ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(tetrahydrofuran), glycerol, or pentaerythritol). Some of these acid and alcohol moieties can be obtained from renewable crop feedstocks.

[0009] A problem with polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, such as PEF, is that they are relatively expensive compared to traditional polymers used in plastic bottles. Thus, there is a need for an improved solution for plastic bottles that provides thermal stability and oxygen barrier properties at an acceptable cost. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a plastic container obtainable by stretch blow molding, said container offering thermal stability and oxygen barrier properties at an acceptable cost.

[0011] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a container preform for stretch blow molding plastic containers that provides thermal stability and oxygen barrier properties at an acceptable cost.

[0012] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide containers and container preforms that are made at least in part from renewable raw materials.

[0013] The foregoing objectives, as well as other objectives that will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure, are achieved by various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] As used herein, the term "preform" refers to an injection-molded plastic form used in the production of stretch blow-molded articles. Typically, preforms are manufactured with a container neck that has a threaded portion ("neck finish") at one end. The dimensions of the preform are a function of the geometry and volume of the blown container. A "multilayer preform" refers to a preform having different layers formed of different materials that can be made by a co-injection molding process.

[0015] According to a first aspect shown herein, there is provided a multi-layer container preform, comprising: the preform having a base, a body, and a neck finish; the base and body comprising an outer layer defining an exterior surface, an inner layer defining an interior surface and an interior space, and an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer; the outer layer and the inner layer comprise a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof; and The intermediate layer includes a secondary material that is different from but compatible with the primary material.

[0016] In other words, the present disclosure provides a multi-layer container preform having outer and inner base and body layers comprising a polyester or copolyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a blend thereof, and an intermediate layer of a different material, preferably a less expensive material, sandwiched between the outer and inner layers. The preform can be manufactured using a co-injection molding process, and the container can be formed by stretch-blow molding the preform using a standard stretch-blow molding process. The barrier performance and cost of the container can be tailored to meet the needs of a specific application by varying the amount and type of secondary material.

[0017] The inventors have discovered that the thermal stability of the finished container product can be significantly enhanced by using a multi-layer structure of the preform of the present invention, in which thin outer and inner layers comprising a more expensive polyester or co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof sandwich a thicker layer of a less expensive, less thermally stable polyester. Thus, the thermal stability of the finished container product can be significantly enhanced using a relatively small amount of the more expensive polymer.

[0018] A further advantage of the present invention is that it does not require an expensive heat-setting process. Internal coatings are also not required because the inherent barrier properties of the primary material are sufficient. The present invention may also contribute to reduced logistics costs by reducing the weight of the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In some embodiments, the outer layer, the inner layer, or both the outer and inner layers comprise at least 75 wt. % of a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof. In preferred embodiments, the outer layer, the inner layer, or both the outer and inner layers consist essentially of a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0020] The preform comprises a base, a body, and a neck finish. As used herein, the term "neck finish" includes threads used to cap the finished container, and optionally includes a capping flange formed at the bottom of the threads. The base refers to the sealed end of the preform opposite the neck finish. The body refers to the substantially tubular section extending between the neck finish and the base, enclosing a major portion of the interior space of the preform and typically including a tapered section toward the neck finish.

[0021] The neck finish and base of the container are particularly important in hot fill applications, and therefore, to improve the performance of the container in hot fill applications, the neck finish and / or base of the container may be specifically reinforced.

[0022] To improve the performance of the container in hot fill applications, the neck finish preferably comprises a material, preferably a primary material, selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0023] In some embodiments, the neck finish comprises at least 75% by weight of a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof. In preferred embodiments, the neck finish consists of, or consists essentially of, a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0024] To improve the performance of the container in hot-fill applications, the base may include at least one additional layer comprising a material, preferably a primary material, selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one additional layer of the base comprises at least 75% by weight of a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof. In preferred embodiments, at least one additional layer of the base consists of, or consists essentially of, a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0026] In some embodiments, the polyester or co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF), poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PTF), poly(butylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PBF), poly(pentylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPeF), poly(isosorbide-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PISF), poly(isoidide-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PIIF), poly(isomannide-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PIMF), poly(neopentylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PNPGF), 1,8-naphthalene dicarboxylates, poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEFPEN), poly(1,4-phenylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PCHF), poly(1,2-dimethylphenylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PDMFF), and any combination, mixture, or copolymer thereof.

[0027] In some embodiments, the polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof comprise polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid with one or more diols selected from the group consisting of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or any combination thereof.

[0028] The secondary material is different from the primary material but compatible with the primary material, such that the secondary material can be coextruded with the primary material. In other words, the secondary material and the primary material are coextrudable. Those skilled in the art will understand which parameters are important for successfully coextruding two materials together. In a preferred embodiment, the primary and secondary materials are chemically similar. Preferably, the primary and secondary materials have compatible glass transition temperatures (Tg) and melting temperatures (Tm). The glass transition temperature of the primary material should preferably be between 85% and 115% of the glass transition temperature of the secondary material.

[0029] The secondary material is preferably less expensive than the primary material. To reduce costs, the secondary material preferably does not contain polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof. In any case, the secondary material contains less polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof than the primary material. Preferably, the secondary material contains at least 50% less polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof than the primary material.

[0030] In some embodiments, the secondary material is a polyester, preferably a terephthalic polyester or co-polyester or blends thereof, more preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or co-polyester or blends thereof.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the secondary material is bio-based or made at least in part from renewable raw materials.

[0032] In some embodiments, the secondary material is a bio-based polymer, preferably a bio-based polyester.

[0033] In some embodiments, both the primary and secondary materials are bio-based.

[0034] The primary material preferably has a higher glass transition temperature than the secondary material, thereby providing thermal stability to the less thermally stable secondary material, hi some embodiments, the primary material has a higher glass transition temperature than the secondary material.

[0035] In some embodiments, the primary material has a lower oxygen permeability than the secondary material when measured under the same conditions. The high inherent barrier properties of the primary material allow the secondary material to have a lower inherent barrier property.

[0036] In some embodiments, the primary material has a higher oxygen permeability than the secondary material when measured under the same conditions. In some applications where very high barrier properties are desired, the secondary material may be a barrier material that has even higher inherent barrier properties than the primary material.

[0037] In some embodiments, the thickness of the intermediate layer of the preform is greater than the thickness of at least one of the outer layer and the inner layer. In some embodiments, the thickness of the intermediate layer is greater than the thickness of each of the outer layer and the inner layer. In some embodiments, the thickness of the intermediate layer is greater than the combined thickness of the outer layer and the inner layer.

[0038] In some embodiments, the thickness of the outer layer is the same or substantially the same as the thickness of the inner layer at the same location on the multi-layer container preform. Having the same or substantially the same outer and inner layer thicknesses can help prevent deformation of the multi-layer container preform or multi-layer container when the multi-layer container preform or multi-layer container is subjected to heating.

[0039] In some embodiments, the weight ratio between the primary material and the secondary material in the preform is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably in the range of 1:10 to 1:1, and more preferably in the range of 1:5 to 1:1.

[0040] In some embodiments, the weight ratio between the primary material and the secondary material in the base and body of the preform is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably in the range of 1:10 to 1:1, and more preferably in the range of 1:5 to 1:1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the preform is obtained by co-injection molding.

[0042] In some embodiments, the preform has a length in the range of 20 to 400 mm.

[0043] According to a second aspect shown herein, there is provided a multi-layer container, the container having a base, a body, and a neck finish; the base and body comprising an outer layer defining an exterior surface, an inner layer defining an interior surface and an interior section, and an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer; the outer layer and the inner layer comprise a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof; and The intermediate layer includes a secondary material that is different from but compatible with the primary material.

[0044] In some embodiments, the neck finish comprises a material, preferably a primary material, selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, the base comprises at least one additional layer comprising a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the container is formed from a multilayer container preform as described above with reference to the first aspect.

[0047] In some embodiments, the container is a food or beverage container, preferably a beverage bottle.

[0048] In some embodiments, the container is a hot-fill container.

[0049] In some embodiments, the outer layer, the inner layer, or both the outer and inner layers comprise at least 75 wt. % of a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof. In preferred embodiments, the outer layer, the inner layer, or both the outer and inner layers consist essentially of a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0050] The container comprises a base, a body, and a neck finish. As used herein, the term "neck finish" includes threads used to cap the finished container, and optionally includes a capping flange formed at the bottom of the threads. The base refers to the sealed end of the preform opposite the neck finish. The body refers to the substantially tubular section extending between the neck finish and the base, enclosing a major portion of the interior space of the container, and typically including a section that tapers toward the neck finish.

[0051] The neck finish and base of the container are particularly important in hot fill applications, and therefore, to improve the performance of the container in hot fill applications, the neck finish and / or base of the container may be specifically reinforced.

[0052] To improve the performance of the container in hot fill applications, the neck finish preferably comprises a material, preferably a primary material, selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0053] In some embodiments, the neck finish comprises at least 75% by weight of a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof. In preferred embodiments, the neck finish consists of, or consists essentially of, a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0054] To improve the performance of the container in hot-fill applications, the base may include at least one additional layer comprising a material, preferably a primary material, selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, at least one additional layer of the base comprises at least 75% by weight of a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof. In preferred embodiments, at least one additional layer of the base consists of, or consists essentially of, a primary material selected from the group consisting of polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof.

[0056] In some embodiments, the polyester or co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF), poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PTF), poly(butylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PBF), poly(pentylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPeF), poly(isosorbide-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PISF), poly(isoidide-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PIIF), poly(isomannide-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PIMF), poly(neopentylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PNPGF), 1,8-naphthalene dicarboxylates, poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEFPEN), poly(1,4-phenylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PCHF), poly(1,2-dimethylphenylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PDMFF), and any combination, mixture, or copolymer thereof.

[0057] In some embodiments, the polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof comprise polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid with one or more diols selected from the group consisting of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or any combination thereof.

[0058] The secondary material is different from the primary material but compatible with the primary material, so that the secondary material can be coextruded with the primary material. The secondary material is preferably less expensive than the primary material. To reduce costs, the secondary material preferably does not contain polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof. In any case, the secondary material contains less polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof than the primary material. Preferably, the secondary material contains at least 50% less polyesters or co-polyesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blends thereof than the primary material.

[0059] In some embodiments, the secondary material is a polyester, preferably a terephthalic polyester or co-polyester or blends thereof, more preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or co-polyester or blends thereof.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the secondary material is bio-based or made at least in part from renewable raw materials.

[0061] In some embodiments, the secondary material is a bio-based polymer, preferably a bio-based polyester.

[0062] In some embodiments, both the primary and secondary materials are bio-based.

[0063] The primary material preferably has a higher glass transition temperature than the secondary material, thereby providing thermal stability to the less thermally stable secondary material, hi some embodiments, the primary material has a higher glass transition temperature than the secondary material.

[0064] In some embodiments, the primary material has a lower oxygen permeability than the secondary material when measured under the same conditions. The high inherent barrier properties of the primary material allow the secondary material to have a lower inherent barrier property.

[0065] In some embodiments, the primary material has a higher oxygen permeability than the secondary material when measured under the same conditions. In some applications where very high barrier properties are desired, the secondary material may be a barrier material that has even higher inherent barrier properties than the primary material.

[0066] In some embodiments, the thickness of the intermediate layer of the preform is greater than the thickness of at least one of the outer and inner layers. In some embodiments, the thickness of the intermediate layer is greater than the thickness of each of the outer and inner layers. In some embodiments, the thickness of the intermediate layer is greater than the combined thickness of the outer and inner layers.

[0067] In some embodiments, the weight ratio between the primary material and the secondary material in the container is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably in the range of 1:10 to 1:1, and more preferably in the range of 1:5 to 1:1.

[0068] In some embodiments, the weight ratio between the primary material and the secondary material in the container base and body is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably in the range of 1:10 to 1:1, and more preferably in the range of 1:5 to 1:1.

[0069] In some embodiments, the container is obtained by stretch blow molding.

[0070] In some embodiments, the interior space of the container has a volume ranging from 100 ml to 5000 ml.

[0071] Preforms such as those described with reference to the first embodiment can be used to manufacture containers such as those described with reference to the second embodiment by stretch blow molding. Stretch blow molding allows for the formation of hollow articles, such as bottles. Single-stage, two-stage, and double blow molding manufacturing systems are well known in the art. In both processes, plastic resins are converted into containers by injection molding preforms, followed by biaxial orientation (stretching) of those preforms, either in a continuous single-stage or intermittent two-stage blow molding process. Orientation refers to the physical alignment of polymer chains into a regular configuration. Biaxial orientation allows for thinner, more uniform sidewalls and therefore less expensive containers, and also enhances the physical properties of the container, such as clarity and gas barrier properties, all of which are important in products such as carbonated beverage bottles.

[0072] Preforms are conventionally formed by injection molding, where molten resin is introduced into a mold in the shape of the desired preform. In a one-stage process, the preform is injection molded, tempered, and blown into a container in one continuous process. In a two-stage process, the preform is injection molded, stored for a short period, then reheated to around the glass transition temperature of the material and blown into a container.

[0073] According to a third aspect herein, there is provided a method of manufacturing a multi-layer container preform, comprising: a) providing a first material selected from the group consisting of a polyester or co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a blend thereof, and a second material different from but compatible with the first material; b) optionally, injection molding a primary material to form a neck finish of the preform; c) co-extruding the primary material and the secondary material to form a preform body and base, the base and body comprising an outer layer defining an exterior surface, an inner layer defining an interior surface and an interior space, and an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, the outer layer and the inner layer comprising the primary material and the intermediate layer comprising the secondary material; and d) optionally, a method is provided which comprises injection molding at least one additional layer comprising the primary material at the base of the preform.

[0074] The primary and secondary materials and the resulting preform may be further defined as described above with reference to the first embodiment.

[0075] According to a third aspect herein, there is provided a method of manufacturing a multi-layer container, comprising: There is provided a method comprising: a) providing a preform as described above with reference to the first aspect or obtainable by the method described above with reference to the third aspect; and b) stretch blow molding the preform to provide a multilayer container.

[0076] The preform and resulting multilayer container may be further defined as set forth above with reference to the first and second embodiments, respectively.

[0077] As used herein, the terms "polymer" or "polymeric," as well as similar terms, are used in their ordinary sense as understood by those skilled in the art and, accordingly, may be used herein to refer to or describe macromolecules containing repeat units. Polymers may be formed in a variety of ways, including by polymerizing monomers and / or chemically modifying one or more repeat units of a precursor polymer. A polymer may be a homopolymer, containing substantially identical repeat units formed, for example, by polymerizing particular monomers. A polymer may also be a copolymer, containing two or more different repeat units, formed, for example, by copolymerizing two or more different monomers and / or chemically modifying one or more repeat units of a precursor polymer.

[0078] While products, polymers, compositions, materials, layers, and processes are generally described in terms of "comprising" various components or steps, the products, polymers, compositions, materials, layers, and processes can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" various components and steps.

[0079] While the present invention has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made and equivalents substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment described as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multilayer container preform, the multilayer container preform comprises a base, a body, and a neck finish; the base and body comprising an outer layer defining an exterior surface, an inner layer defining an interior surface and an interior space, and an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer; the outer layer and the inner layer comprise a primary material selected from the group consisting of a polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a blend thereof; and the intermediate layer comprises a secondary material that is different from but compatible with the primary material; The preform wherein the secondary material is polyester.

2. 10. The preform of claim 1, wherein the neck finish comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a blend thereof.

3. 3. The preform of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least one additional layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a blend thereof.

4. The polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or the co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a blend thereof may be selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF), poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PTF), poly(butylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PBF), poly(pentylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPeF), poly(isosorbide-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PISF), poly(isoidide-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PIIF), poly(isomannide-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PIMF), poly(neopentylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PNPGF), 1,8-naphthalene The preform according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEFPEN), poly(1,4-phenylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PCHF), poly(1,2-dimethylphenylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PDMFF), and any combination, mixture, or copolymer thereof, are selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEFPEN), poly(1,4-phenylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PCHF), poly(1,2-dimethylphenylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PDMFF), and any combination, mixture, or copolymer thereof.

5. 5. The preform of claim 1, wherein the polyester or co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or blend thereof comprises a polyester or co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid with one or more diols selected from the group consisting of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or any combination thereof.

6. A preform according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the secondary material is a terephthalic polyester or co-polyester or a blend thereof.

7. A preform according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the secondary material is bio-based.

8. The preform of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein both the primary material and the secondary material are bio-based.

9. A preform according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the primary material has a higher glass transition temperature than the secondary material.

10. A preform according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the primary material has a lower oxygen transmission rate than the secondary material when measured under the same conditions.

11. A preform according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the primary material has a higher oxygen transmission rate than the secondary material when measured under the same conditions.

12. A preform according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio between the primary material and the secondary material in the preform is in the range of 1:10 to 10:

1.

13. A preform according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having a length in the range of 20 to 400 mm.

14. A multilayer container, the multi-layer container comprising a base, a body, and a neck finish; the base and body comprising an outer layer defining an exterior surface, an inner layer defining an interior surface and an interior space, and an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer; the outer layer and the inner layer comprise a primary material selected from the group consisting of a polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a blend thereof; and the intermediate layer comprises a secondary material that is different from but compatible with the primary material; A multi-layer container wherein the secondary material is polyester.

15. 15. The multi-layer container of claim 14, wherein the neck finish comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, or a blend thereof.

16. 16. The multilayer container of claim 14 or 15, wherein the base comprises at least one additional layer comprising a primary material selected from the group consisting of a polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a blend thereof.

17. The multilayer container according to any one of claims 14 to 16, which is formed from the multilayer container preform according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

18. The multilayer container according to any one of claims 14 to 17, which is a food or beverage container.

19. The multilayer container according to any one of claims 14 to 18, which is a hot-fill container.

20. 1. A method for making a multilayer container preform, comprising: a) providing a first material selected from the group consisting of a polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a co-polyester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a blend thereof, and a second material different from but compatible with the first material, the second material being a polyester; b) injection molding the primary material to form a neck finish of the preform; and c) co-extruding the primary material and the secondary material to form a preform body and base, wherein the base and body comprise an outer layer defining an exterior surface, an inner layer defining an interior surface and an interior space, and an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein the outer layer and the inner layer comprise the primary material and the intermediate layer comprises the secondary material; A method comprising:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: d) injection molding at least one additional layer comprising the primary material at the base of the preform.

22. 1. A method for manufacturing a multi-layer container, comprising: a) providing a preform according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or obtainable according to claim 20 or 21; and b) Stretch blow molding the preform to provide a multilayer container. A method comprising: