Bottles, methods for their manufacture, and use of FDCA and diol monomers in such bottles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bottle (1) molded from at least one thermoplastic polymer of at least one furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomer, preferably 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) monomer, and at least one diol monomer, preferably monoethylene glycol (MEG) monomer, the bottle having a major axis (X) and comprising a body (5) and a bottom base (6) extending from the lower end of the body (5). The bottom base (6) comprises a peripheral seat (7) defining a mounting surface (8), a concave arch (10) extending from the periphery of a central zone (11) of the bottom base (6) to the peripheral seat (7), the concave arch (10) having a rounded general shape with a recess facing outwards from the container (1), the midpoint of the central zone (11) being designated as the lift-up section (11a), a series of reinforcing grooves (13) extending radially from the central zone (11) at least to the peripheral seat (7), and base legs (14) located between two adjacent reinforcing grooves (13). According to the present invention, the bottle bottom base (6) includes an offset seating radius, which is defined as the distance between the maximum bottle diameter and the contact point with the base leg mounting surface (8), and is in the range of 5 to 10 mm for bottles having a diameter (D) of 40 to 150 mm. [Selected figure] Figure 2c

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to bottles having bottom bases, methods for their manufacture, and the use of FDCA and diol monomers in such bottles and bottle bottom bases. [Background technology]

[0002] Polyethylene terephthalate and its copolyesters (hereinafter collectively referred to as "PET" or "polyethylene terephthalate") are widely used as raw materials for manufacturing some packaging articles due to their excellent combination of transparency, mechanical properties, and gas barrier properties. Examples of PET products include, but are not limited to, bottles and containers for packaging food and beverage products, as well as detergents, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals. PET is also widely used in the textile industry.

[0003] Depending on its processing and thermal history, PET can exist as both an amorphous (transparent) and a semi-crystalline polymer. Depending on its crystalline structure and particle size, the semi-crystalline material can appear transparent (grain size less than 500 nm) or opaque and white (grain size up to a few micrometers).

[0004] The widespread use of PET in the blow molding industry, and more specifically in the water bottle industry, has led to the development of specific processes (preform injection molding, preform heating processes, stretch blow molding, liquid two-way, etc.) To complement these processes, specific equipment has been developed, such as injection molds, heating devices, sliding rods for stretching the preforms, etc.

[0005] Today, most commercial processes use petrochemically derived feedstocks to produce PET, but there is a high demand for polymers based on renewable feedstocks that can be effectively bio-derived and cost-effectively compete with PET.

[0006] For PET thermoplastic containers and bottles, the design of the bottle base is important to ensure the container can withstand the internal pressures when exposed to, for example, carbonated beverages or elevated temperatures. Avoiding popping at the center of the base is a known challenge for bottle bases, as the bottle can no longer stand on its base if this occurs at high pressure or temperature.

[0007] The use of PET to manufacture bottles using a stretch blow molding process limits the bottle base design possibilities due to the physical and chemical properties of PET.

[0008] For example, in carbonated products, the base center is designed to be higher than the base legs to withstand the internal pressure caused by carbonation, but the height difference between the base center and its legs is limited by the extensibility of PET with its elongation at break and the strain hardening effect that prevents PET from being stretched further.

[0009] The use of other thermoplastic polymers can help shift these limits.

[0010] A promising polymer discovered in the 1950s has recently attracted interest: polyethylene furanoate and its copolymers (hereinafter collectively referred to as "PEF") are polymers that can be at least partially derived from living organisms.

[0011] PEFs are polymers prepared by esterification of 2,5-furandicarboxylate moieties [2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or dimethyl-2,5-furandicarboxylate (DMF)] and condensation of the ester with diols or polyols (ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(tetrahydrofuran), glycerol, pentaerythritol). Some of these acid and alcohol moieties can be obtained from renewable crop feedstocks.

[0012] One proposed PEF is a polymer of at least one furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomer, preferably 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) monomer, and at least one diol monomer, preferably monoethylene glycol (MEG) monomer.

[0013] Document WO 2010 / 077133 A1 describes an optimized method for producing PEF polymers with 2,5-furandicarboxylate moieties in the polymer backbone.

[0014] The preparation of PEF polymers for bottle applications is also presented in document EP 2890544 A1.

[0015] In addition to potentially being derived from renewable raw materials and having similar, if not better, mechanical and thermal properties, PEF has better barrier properties than PET (10x improved O2 barrier, 2x improved HO barrier, 4x improved CO2 barrier) and is recyclable.

[0016] Furthermore, PEF has a crystallization time that is 10 times longer than that of PET, and crystallization occurs at a higher temperature (130-150°C for PEF instead of 100-120°C for PET).

[0017] Within this framework, the use of PEF was investigated.

[0018] It has been disclosed that some bottles made from PEF have been manufactured. However, the bottles described above are considered to be quite rudimentary in some of their construction parameters. A more advanced bottle is needed.

[0019] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a bottle made from a PEF polymer with improved structural parameters and an associated method.

[0020] (Summary of the Invention) bottle In this regard, the present invention provides a bottle molded from at least one thermoplastic polymer of at least one furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomer, preferably 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) monomer, and at least one diol monomer, preferably monoethylene glycol (MEG) monomer, the bottle having a main longitudinal axis and comprising a body and a bottom base extending from the lower end of the body, the bottom base comprising a peripheral seat defining a mounting surface, a concave arch extending from the peripheral portion of a central zone of the bottom base to the peripheral seat, the concave arch having a rounded outline with a recess facing the outside of the container, the midpoint of the central zone being designated the lift-up portion, a series of reinforcing grooves extending radially from the central zone at least to the peripheral seat, and base legs located between two adjacent reinforcing grooves and exhibiting the features of claim 1.

[0021] Specifically, the proposed bottle has a seating radius, which is defined as the distance between the axis of the bottle and the contact point of the base leg with the placement plane. In the context of this patent application, an additional parameter is defined. This parameter is named "offset seating radius." It is defined as the distance between the maximum bottle diameter and the contact point of the base leg with the placement plane, and is in the range of 5 to 10 mm for bottles with a diameter (D) of 40 to 150 mm.

[0022] Looking at the offset seating radius, the smaller the offset seating radius, the further apart the base legs will be and the more stable the bottle will be.

[0023] It has been surprisingly discovered that thermoplastic polymers made from FDCA and diol monomers, such as polyethylene furanoate (PEF), can improve the blowability of bottle bases compared to PET. In particular, the thermoplastic polymers of the present invention have an improved ability to conform to the base profile of the mold, thereby enabling the creation of smaller, more precise features on the bottle base. Without intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed that PET, due to its flowability and regularity characteristics, limits the types of imprints that can be formed, especially for bottle base parameters with small dimensions.

[0024] These newly proposed technical features of the proposed bottle base allow for numerous designs regarding other parameters of the bottom base (number of legs, profile of the reinforcing grooves, etc.), while at the same time improving the stability angle of the bottle.

[0025] The stability angle of a bottle is defined as the angle between the axis of the bottle and the line connecting the center of gravity of the filled bottle and the line between the external ground contact points of two adjacent legs. After the bottle reaches the stability angle, it will tip over.

[0026] Knowing the stability angle of a given bottle is important for manufacturing purposes, especially when the bottle may tilt during transport in the manufacturing process, for example due to centrifugal forces.

[0027] For bottles, a smaller offset seating radius for the legs can increase the bottle's stability angle compared to a standard offset seating radius, thereby preventing the bottle from overflowing, for example, during transportation on a production line. In fact, as the stability angle increases, the bottle can tilt to a certain extent without risking tipping. This parameter improves the quality of the base and reduces waste related to quality issues.

[0028] Additionally, thanks to the offset seating radius values ​​in the claimed range, the proposed bottle can withstand tilts relative to the vertical axis that are greater than those that conventional bottles (made of PET) can withstand. In fact, the proposed bottle has a stability angle of approximately 17°, while conventional PET bottles have a stability angle of up to 10.5-13°.

[0029] According to an additional feature, the number of reinforcing grooves may vary between 5 and 10, preferably between 7 and 10. It should be noted that a higher number of reinforcing grooves also contributes to an increase in the stability angle and therefore in the stability of the bottle.

[0030] This allows further improvement of the quality of the bottles, especially the pressurized bottles.

[0031] Advantageously, the reinforcing grooves have a groove radius comprised within the range of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0032] The groove radius is defined as the radius of the groove at the bottom of the groove. The proposed base has a smaller groove radius than traditional PET thermoplastic bottle bases, yet the use of PEF still allows for good blowability.

[0033] The proposed bottle further comprises 5 to 10 base legs, preferably 7 to 10 base legs.

[0034] The base leg has a radius of 1 to 8 mm, preferably 1 to 5 mm, at the point of contact with the installation surface.

[0035] This base leg radius is the radius of the base leg at the contact point. It is smaller than the base leg radius of a conventional PET thermoplastic bottle base, and therefore can improve the bottle's stability angle as the base rest ring diameter increases.

[0036] The proposed bottle preferably has an internal volume of 15 to 350 cl in a classic bottle shape. Indeed, containers with a larger volume may have different characteristics regarding their base and are more difficult to handle.

[0037] According to a particular feature, the claimed bottle with the proposed bottle base is filled with a pressurized liquid, preferably a beverage.

[0038] For example, the beverage may be a carbonated beverage. Alternatively, the beverage may also be a nitrogen-filled beverage.

[0039] The beverage filled in the bottle may be, for example, carbonated water. The beverage may also be an alcoholic beverage such as beer. The beverage may also be a soda, for example a cola beverage, preferably a carbonated beverage. The beverage may also be fruit juice under a nitrogen atmosphere. The beverage may also be a pressurized vitamin water or energy drink, or any other pressurized beverage.

[0040] The newly proposed base allows for improved stability (due to the stability angle) during production, processing and storage, whilst having good processability with respect to blow moulding.

[0041] In fact, the thermoplastic polymers of the present invention are able to conform to the interior profile of the mold, further enabling a reduction in the blow pressure required in the blow molding process.

[0042] The improved geometry of the proposed bottle also allows for a reduction in preform weight. Pressurized beverages traditionally use high preform weights for two reasons: The greater wall thickness increases the barrier properties of the bottle, ensuring that the intended pressure continues to act for the desired period of time; A larger base weight increases pressure resistance and contributes to increased stability.

[0043] PEF inherently offers better barrier properties than PET, so the remaining constraint on weight reduction is the requirement for pressure resistance. However, the proposed bottle offers significantly higher pressure resistance and stability at the same weight, enabling up to 30% preform weight reduction compared to standard pressurized PET bottle shapes.

[0044] Bottle manufacturing method The invention also proposes, according to claim 9, a method for manufacturing a bottle as previously defined.

[0045] The method comprises: providing a preform made from at least one thermoplastic polymer of at least one furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomer, preferably 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) monomer, and at least one diol monomer, preferably monoethylene glycol (MEG) monomer; placing the preform in a mold having a cavity containing at least one imprinting member; and blowing the preform in a mold to form a bottle with a push-up portion having an offset seating radius in the range of 5 to 10 mm for a bottle having a diameter (D) of 40 to 150 mm.

[0046] The method further includes providing a preform, the preform comprising a hollow tube extending along a longitudinal axis and having a closed lower end and an open upper end, and blowing the preform includes blowing the preform through the open upper end at a blowing pressure of less than or equal to 35 bar, preferably 30 bar, more preferably 25 bar, more preferably 20 bar, more preferably 15 bar, and more preferably 10 bar.

[0047] A further step is proposed which includes filling the bottle with a liquid, preferably a beverage.

[0048] As mentioned above, the bottle may be filled with a pressurized liquid, preferably a beverage. The beverage may be a carbonated beverage. Alternatively, the beverage may also be under a nitrogen atmosphere.

[0049] The beverage may be of any type, for example, carbonated water, carbonated soft drink, flavored water, or fruit juice under a nitrogen atmosphere.

[0050] Suggested Bottle Use The present invention also relates to the use of at least one thermoplastic polymer of at least one furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomer, preferably 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) monomer, and at least one diol monomer, preferably monoethylene glycol (MEG) monomer, in a bottle as defined above.

[0051] The beverage that may be filled in the bottle may be, for example, carbonated water. The beverage may be an alcoholic beverage such as beer. The beverage may be a soda, for example a cola beverage, preferably a carbonated beverage. The beverage may be fruit juice under a nitrogen atmosphere. The beverage may be a pressurized vitamin water or energy drink, or any other pressurized beverage.

[0052] Polymers that make up the bottle: Structure and preparation The polymer contains a moiety corresponding to an FDCA monomer, preferably 2,5-FDCA, and a moiety corresponding to a diol monomer, preferably monoethylene glycol. The polymer is typically obtained by polymerizing a monomer that provides such moieties in the polymer. For this purpose, FDCA, preferably 2,5-FDCA, or its diester can be used as the monomer. Thus, the polymerization can be an esterification or transesterification, both of which are also called (poly)condensation reactions. Preferably, dimethyl-2,5-furandicarboxylate (DMF) is used as the monomer.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the diol is ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol - MEG), preferably bio-derived. For example, bio-derived MEG can be obtained from ethanol, which can also be prepared by fermentation from sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose, xylose), which can be obtained from crops or agricultural by-products, forestry by-products, or solid municipal waste by hydrolysis of starch, cellulose, or hemicellulose. Alternatively, bio-derived MEG can be obtained from glycerol, which itself can be obtained as a waste product from biodiesel.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polymer is a PEF material that uses bio-based 2,5-FDCA and bio-based monoethylene glycol. In fact, 2,5-FDCA is derived from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), which is produced from glucose or fructose (obtained from renewable resources). Monoethylene glycol can be obtained from ethanol, which can also be prepared by fermentation from sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose, xylose), which can be obtained from crops or agricultural by-products, forestry by-products, or solid municipal waste by hydrolysis of starch, cellulose, or hemicellulose. Alternatively, monoethylene glycol can be obtained from glycerol, which itself can be obtained as a waste product from biodiesel.

[0055] This is referred to as a 100% bio-based or bio-derived PEF because the majority of the monomers used are believed to be bio-derived. Because some comonomers and / or some additives and / or some impurities and / or some atoms may not be bio-derived, the actual amount of bio-derived material may be less than 100%, for example, 75-99% by weight, preferably 85-95% by weight. PEFs can be prepared according to known state-of-the-art techniques for making PEFs.

[0056] Bottles can be manufactured from such materials, for example, by injection blow molding (IBM) or preferably by injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) processes, and can have properties similar to those previously described publicly for PEFs in which the 2,5-FDCA or monoethylene glycol is not bio-based.

[0057] Such properties, including mechanical properties, are improved compared to PET.

[0058] As stated above, the term "polymer" according to the present invention includes homopolymers and copolymers, such as random or block copolymers.

[0059] The present invention is further described with reference to the following examples, it being understood that the invention as claimed is in no way intended to be limited by these examples.

[0060] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0061] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a general view of a PEF bottle with a bottom base. [Figure 2a] 1 shows a perspective view, a bottom view, a cross-sectional view and a second perspective view of a proposed base according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2b] 1 shows a perspective view, a bottom view, a cross-sectional view and a second perspective view of a proposed base according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2c] 1 shows a perspective view, a bottom view, a cross-sectional view and a second perspective view of a proposed base according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2d] 1 shows a perspective view, a bottom view, a cross-sectional view and a second perspective view of a proposed base according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3a] 10A and 10B show bottom and perspective views of a proposed base according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b]10A and 10B show bottom and perspective views of a proposed base according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] As used herein, the words "comprises," "comprising," and similar words should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including," but not limited to.

[0063] Any reference herein to a prior art document should not be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art is well known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0064] In the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements.

[0065] FIG. 1 shows a general view of a bottle 1 manufactured by injection stretch blow molding of a preform made of PEF thermoplastic polymer.

[0066] The bottle 1 comprises, at its upper end, a neck 2 provided with a mouth 3. In the extension of the neck 2, the bottle 1 comprises, in its upper part, a shoulder 4 which widens in the opposite direction to the neck 2 and which extends into a side wall or body 5 of substantially cylindrical shape which rotates about the main axis X of the bottle 1.

[0067] The bottle 1 further comprises a bottom 6 extending from the lower end of the body 5 opposite the neck 2. The bottom 6 comprises a peripheral seat 7 in the form of an annular ridge extending substantially axially in the extension of the body 5. The seat 7 terminates in a mounting surface 8 (also called a seating surface) perpendicular to the axis X of the bottle 1, the lower end of the bottle 1 being defined by said seating surface 8 so that the bottle 1 can be seated upright on a flat surface.

[0068] In Figure 1, D indicates the diameter of the bottle 1 placed on the seat surface 8, and the term "diameter" includes not only the case where the bottle 1 (and therefore the bottom 6) has a circular outline (as shown), but also the case where the bottle 1 has a polygonal outline (e.g. a square), in which case the term "diameter" indicates the diameter of a circle inscribed in the aforementioned polygon.

[0069] In the proposed embodiment, diameter D is also the maximum bottle diameter used in the claims and for the definition of the offset seating radius.

[0070] In the proposed embodiment, the diameter D of the bottle 1 is 40 to 150 mm, which corresponds to a bottle having an internal volume of 15 to 350 cl.

[0071] The bottle encompassed by the proposed embodiment has the functionality of a bottle and can be handled with one hand, which may not be possible with containers with larger volumes.

[0072] Figures 2a to 2d provide a perspective view, a bottom view, a cross-sectional view, and a second perspective view of the bottom base 6 of the bottle of Figure 1, incorporating features of the present invention and according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2a to 2d are explained together.

[0073] In this embodiment, the bottle base 6 corresponds to a bottle with a diameter of 65.5 mm and an internal liquid volume of 50 cl. PET bottles with such diameter and volume are commonly found.

[0074] From its peripheral portion 7 to its center, the bottom base 6 comprises the peripheral seat 7 already described, a concave arch 10, a central zone 11 and, in the center of the central zone, a point called extrusion 11a, which comprises amorphous pellets (not shown) resulting from the formation of the preform (injection of plastic material to form the preform).

[0075] The concave arch 10 has a rounded general shape, which, when unstressed, i.e. when there is no content in the container 1, is in the form of a substantially spherical dome with a concave portion facing outwards from the container 1. The arch 10 extends from the seat 7 to the raised portion 11a of the bottom 6, forming a boss that projects towards the interior of the container 1.

[0076] As can be seen in the figures, the bottom base 6 further comprises a series of reinforcing grooves 13 which are hollow towards the interior of the container 1 and extend radially from the central zone 11 to at least the peripheral seat 7. According to the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the reinforcing grooves 13 extend beyond the seat 7 and rise laterally across the lower part of the body 5 of the container 1.

[0077] In other words, the main grooves 13 extend radially across the entire arch 10, across the peripheral seat 7 and a portion of the body 5. It will therefore be appreciated that the seat surface 8 is discontinuous as it is interrupted by each main groove 13.

[0078] The bottom base shown has five reinforcing grooves 13 .

[0079] The reinforcing groove has a groove radius GR defined as the radius of the groove at the bottom of the groove which is 3.7 mm.

[0080] The proposed base has a groove radius that is slightly smaller than that used in conventional PET thermoplastic bottle bases, while still ensuring good blowability.

[0081] Furthermore, the groove has a groove angle of 60°, which is the opening angle of the reinforcing groove 13 .

[0082] A base leg 14 is located between two adjacent reinforcing grooves 13. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2d, there are seven reinforcing grooves and seven base legs.

[0083] The radius of the base leg 14 at the position of the installation surface 8 is 5 mm.

[0084] Thanks to this low value of the base leg radius compared to conventional PET bottom bases (6-8 mm), the base surface is minimized, which contributes to good blowability of the base.

[0085] According to the present invention, the proposed base has an offset seating radius of 5.1 mm.

[0086] As previously mentioned, the offset seating radius is defined as the distance between the maximum bottle diameter and the point of contact of the base leg with the mounting surface.

[0087] The offset seating radius contributes to bottle stability and is defined as the angle between the axis of the bottle and the line connecting the center of gravity of the filled bottle and the line between the external contact points of the two adjacent legs.

[0088] In this case, the value of the offset seating radius is small (compared to the traditional values ​​of the offset seating radius for PET bottle bases, which are 9-13 mm), which allows for an increased stability angle of the bottle compared to a standard PET bottle.

[0089] In the proposed embodiment, the stability angle is 17°, which is 30% larger than the PET base, which has a stability angle of 10.5-13°.

[0090] Improved bottle stability can prevent bottles from overflowing during transport along the manufacturing line or supply chain.

[0091] Looking at the offset seating radius, the smaller the offset seating radius, the further apart the base legs will be and the more stable the bottle will be.

[0092] The number of reinforcing grooves 13 and the number of base legs 14 both affect the stability and pressure resistance: the more the number of reinforcing grooves and base legs, the better the stability and pressure resistance.

[0093] The distance of the lift-up portion 11a to the installation surface 8 is defined as the lift-up height PUH as seen in Figure 2c. This lift-up height has a significant impact on the pressure resistance of the bottom base. In the proposed embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2d, the lift-up height is 7 mm.

[0094] In the case of a bottom base made from a PEF polymer, it is possible to produce a bottom base with a higher push-up height than a conventional PET bottom base.

[0095] Secondly, the properties of the bottom base are improved in terms of stability and pressure resistance relative to conventional PET bottom bases.

[0096] Furthermore, the central zone 11 has the function of contributing to a better distribution of the plastic material of the bottom base in the two-way step of the injection stretch blow molding process.

[0097] The use of PEF polymer for the bottle and bottle bottom base can increase the offset seating radius and the number of reinforcing grooves and base legs to improve the stability and pressure resistance of the base, while the small radius of the base legs and groove radius can achieve good blowability of the base.

[0098] Thus, as mentioned above, the proposed bottle has improved technical characteristics over prior art bottles.

[0099] The proposed bottle can be filled with any kind of pressurized liquid, in particular beverages, provided the pressure is within the range of 0.2 bar to 15 bar.

[0100] The proposed base increases the stability angle by 30% compared to the high pressure resistant base made of PET.

[0101] In summary, the proposed base has the following features:

[0102] [Table 1]

[0103] Figures 3a and 3b show a bottom view and a perspective view of the bottom base 6 of a bottle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] In this embodiment, the proposed base has the following characteristics:

[0105] [Table 2]

[0106] The base in Figures 3a and 3b is made of PEF and has an offset seating radius of 10 mm. The large number of reinforcing grooves and base legs balances the value of the offset seating radius, thereby improving the stability of the base while allowing the PEF polymer to flow into the reinforcing grooves 13 and still properly form them.

[0107] Using conventional PET, it is not possible to obtain, or at least to industrialize, a bottle base having the technical features proposed above.

[0108] All the parameters defined and proposed for the bottom base of the bottle of the present invention are interrelated.

[0109] The proposed bottle and its bottom base are blown from a preform (not shown).

[0110] Such preforms comprise a hollow tube extending along a longitudinal axis and having a closed lower end and an open upper end. These preform designs are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0111] Molding the bottle involves the steps of heating the preform above its Tg (glass transition temperature), placing the preform in a mold, stretching the preform using a stretch load, and blowing the preform using an incompressible fluid through the open top end at a blowing pressure of 35 bar or less, preferably 30 bar, more preferably 25 bar, more preferably 20 bar, more preferably 15 bar, more preferably 10 bar.

[0112] The preforms used to make the bottles of the present invention are made from PEF made from FDCA and diol monomers.

[0113] Although the present invention has been described by way of example, it should be understood that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist for specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred to herein.

Claims

1. A bottle (1) molded from at least one thermoplastic polymer of at least one furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomer, preferably 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) monomer, and at least one diol monomer, preferably monoethylene glycol (MEG) monomer, said bottle having a major axis (X) and comprising a body (5) and a bottom base (6) extending from a lower end of said body (5), said bottom base (6) comprising: a peripheral seat (7) defining a seating surface (8); a concave arch (10) extending from the periphery of a central zone (11) of the bottom base (6) to the peripheral seat (7), said concave arch (10) having a rounded outline with a recess facing outwards from the bottle (1), the midpoint of said central zone (11) being named a lift-up section (11a); a series of reinforcing grooves (13) extending radially from said central zone (11) to at least said peripheral seat (7); a base leg (14) located between two adjacent reinforcing grooves (13); The bottle (1) has a diameter (D) of 40 to 150 mm, the bottom base (6) of the bottle has an offset seating radius, the offset seating radius being defined as the distance between the maximum bottle diameter and the contact point of the base leg with the mounting surface (8) and being in the range of 5 to 10 mm, the radius of the base leg (14) at the contact point with the mounting surface (8) being 1 to 8 mm, and the reinforcing groove (13) has a groove radius, defined as the radius of the groove at the bottom of the groove, being included in the range of 1 to 6 mm.

2. The bottle (1) according to claim 1, comprising a number of reinforcing grooves (13) between 5 and 10.

3. The bottle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising 5 to 10 base legs.

4. The bottle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radius of the base leg (14) at the point of contact with the mounting surface (8) is between 1 and 5 mm.

5. A bottle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having an internal volume of 15 to 350 cl.

6. A bottle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, filled with a pressurised liquid, preferably a beverage.

7. 7. The bottle (1) according to claim 6, wherein the beverage is a carbonated beverage or a beverage bottled under a nitrogen atmosphere.

8. A method for producing a bottle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: providing a preform (15) made from at least one thermoplastic polymer of at least one furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomer, preferably 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) monomer, and at least one diol monomer, preferably monoethylene glycol (MEG) monomer; placing said preform (15) in a mold having a cavity with at least one imprinting member; and blowing the preform (15) in the mold to form the bottle (1) comprising an offset seating radius in the range of 5-10 mm.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein in the step of providing a preform (15), the preform comprises a hollow tube (21) extending along a longitudinal axis and having a closed lower end (22) and an open upper end (23), and wherein the step of blowing the preform (15) comprises blowing the preform (15) through the open upper end (23) at a blowing pressure of 35 bar or less.

10. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, further comprising filling the bottle with a liquid, preferably a beverage.

11. 8. Use of at least one thermoplastic polymer of at least one furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomer, preferably 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) monomer, and at least one diol monomer, preferably monoethylene glycol (MEG) monomer, in a bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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