Improved PET composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition that can be obtained by mixing at least a first polymer composition and a second polymer composition and is used for packaging food and beverage products that may be sensitive to oxygen. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition that can be used as a glass substitute.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition that can be obtained by mixing at least a first polymer composition and a second polymer composition and is used for packaging food and beverage products that may be sensitive to oxygen. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition that can be used as a glass substitute. Background Technology

[0002] Many food and beverage products are sensitive to oxygen, leading to significant loss of freshness and flavor. Typically, highly sensitive food and beverage products are packaged in metal and glass containers, which are insensitive to oxygen diffusion. However, glass and metal containers are generally expensive, very heavy, inconvenient for consumers to use, and have a high CO2 footprint. Consequently, over the past few decades, PET bottles and packaging have been developed as a common alternative to heavy and inconvenient packaging materials such as metal or glass containers. Furthermore, aspects of reuse and recycling are becoming increasingly important to consumers.

[0003] PET bottles possess specific advantages such as good cost-effectiveness, lightweight properties, increased breakage resistance, and good consumer acceptance. Furthermore, PET polymers offer a unique combination of transparency, strength, reasonable cost, and low carbon dioxide emissions.

[0004] PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate and is the most commonly used thermoplastic polymer resin in the polyester family. While they provide adequate gas barrier properties, they are typically insufficient to extend the shelf life of food and beverages in the manner possible in glass containers. Therefore, blends of barrier polymers combined with PET have been used to improve the oxygen barrier properties of packaging materials. Suitable oxygen-removing materials contain polyethers, which are typically used in small amounts as polyester-ether copolymers.

[0005] In the past, barrier materials based on polyether and polyester block copolymers were developed; due to their compatibility with PET, they can be blended with PET to form virtually transparent containers that can be blow-molded into desired shapes and provide high oxygen removal capabilities. However, these containers have a significant drawback in that they become cloudy upon impact.

[0006] Another major challenge in attempts to replace glass bottles with PET is consumer acceptance. For example, in the case of beer or wine bottles, consumers still tend to prefer real glass bottles over PET bottles because glass bottles provide a higher quality product or producer appearance. Therefore, there is a need to provide new polyesters for packaging PET bottles that mimic high-quality glass and are thus accepted by consumers. If this happens, expensive glass bottles could be replaced in the food and beverage industry.

[0007] Surprisingly, the polymer blend of the present invention has been shown to possess both excellent oxygen barrier properties and the ability to mimic glass very well in a single layer. The polymer blend of the present invention is remarkably clear and transparent. This is achieved by using a composition that provides at least two polymers, one based on PET and the other based on tetrahydrofuran, as a blend. Thus, in a first embodiment, the fundamental problem of the present invention is solved by a composition obtainable by mixing at least one first polymer composition and at least one second polymer composition together, said composition being characterized as follows:

[0008] The above first polymer composition is

[0009] (i) at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid,

[0010] (ii) at least one metal compound suitable for removing oxygen in the composition,

[0011] (iii) at least one first polymerization catalyst having, preferably as a counterion, an oxide, carbonate, chloride, dioxide, hydroxide, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, silicate, carboxylic acid and a mixture thereof.

[0012] including

[0013] The above second polymer composition is

[0014] (a) at least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and

[0015] (b) at least one second polymerization catalyst

[0016] Includes

[0017] The first polymer composition according to the present invention comprises at least one metal compound capable of catalyzing a reaction to remove oxygen molecules within the second tetrahydrofuran-based polymer composition. Thus, the composition according to the present invention does not require an additional barrier layer for oxygen removal, and the final composition itself contains an oxygen removal component. This eliminates the need for at least two layers, thereby providing easier manufacturing of packaging materials in the food or beverage industry. This allows the oxygen content in a container made from the composition according to the present invention to be maintained or even reduced, which corresponds to a significantly extended shelf life, preferably at least 12 months, particularly at least 2 years.

[0018] Generally, polyesters suitable for the present disclosure may be produced by processes, namely (1) an esterification process and (2) an acidification process, but not limited thereto. The esterification process involves reacting a dicarboxylic acid ester (e.g., dimethyl terephthalate or the corresponding free terephthalic acid) with ethylene glycol or another diol in an esterification reaction. Catalysts for use in the esterification reaction are well known and may be selected from manganese, zinc, cobalt, titanium, calcium, magnesium, or lithium compounds. Since this reaction is reversible, alcohols (e.g., methanol when using dimethyl terephthalate, or water when using free acid) must generally be removed to completely convert the raw material into monomers. The catalytic activity of the esterification reaction catalyst may optionally be blocked by introducing a phosphorus compound, e.g., polyphosphoric acid, at the end of the esterification reaction. The monomers then undergo polycondensation. The catalyst used in this reaction is typically an antimony, germanium, aluminum, zinc, tin, or titanium compound, or a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment, it may be advantageous to use a titanium compound. The polymerization catalyst will be described in more detail later.

[0019] Furthermore, the composition according to the present invention provides properties that very well mimic glass containers, such as high transparency and high gas tightness, even in thick-walled containers. Accordingly, the composition according to the present invention combines the properties of glass bottles and PET bottles and provides an alternative to glass, particularly in the food or beverage industry.

[0020] The first and / or second, particularly the second polymer composition may further comprise at least one antioxidant. Such antioxidant does not function to remove oxygen from the final product, but rather helps to store the second polymer composition for a longer period before use.

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the composition as well as the method of preparing the composition are further described below, and all features may be combined with one another in any way, regardless of whether they have been disclosed with respect to the composition or the method, and do not limit the method of the present invention.

[0022] According to the present invention, "at least one" means that the material or component of each composition may include one, two, three, or more different materials. Preferably, "at least one" means that one or two materials, more preferably one material, are present.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the composition according to the present invention, the composition comprises at least 90% by weight, preferably 95% by weight, and most preferably 97% by weight of the first polymer based on the total weight of the composition.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the composition according to the present invention, the composition comprises a second polymer composition in an amount of 0.1 to 5 weight%, preferably 0.3 to 3 weight%, and most preferably 0.5 to 2 weight%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0025] The first polymer composition will be described in more detail below:

[0026] The first polymer composition comprises at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Such PET compositions are well known in the art. PET polymers include homopolymers and copolymers of polyethylene terephthalate, which may be modified with one or more polycarboxylic acid modifiers and hydroxyl compound modifiers, which are collectively known as PET.

[0027] Additionally, the first polymer composition according to the present invention comprises at least one metal compound. According to the present invention, the metal compound in the first polymer composition does not function in the first polymer composition itself. However, it will function as an oxidation catalyst for the sacrificial polymer in the second polymer composition according to the present invention.

[0028] In addition, the composition according to the present invention has at least one first polymerization catalyst in the first polymer composition, preferably having an oxide, carbonate, chloride, dioxide, hydroxide, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, silicate, carboxylic acid, and a mixture thereof as a counterion. This polymerization catalyst is used to polymerize ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid into PET, which is a polymer according to the present invention.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the composition according to the present invention, the first polymer composition also comprises at least one copolymer based on a carboxylic acid. Copolymers suitable for PET are well known in the art. In particular, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, 1,12-dodecandioic acid, and 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid are preferred carboxylic acids as copolymers in this preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first polymer composition comprises isophthalic acid having a concentration of 1 to 15 weight%, preferably 2 to 8 weight%, most preferably 4 to 6 weight%, based on the total weight of terephthalic acid used in the polyester-based composition within the first polymer composition.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first polymer composition according to the present invention may comprise at least one phosphorus-based compound, preferably phosphoric acid (PA), and the phosphoric acid may be present as polyphosphoric acid (PPA) in a preferred embodiment. The phosphoric acid may be present at a concentration of 3 to 50 ppm based on the total weight of the first polymer composition. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the PPA may be present at 10 to 30 ppm or 15 to 20 ppm based on the total weight of the first polymer composition according to the present invention. The amount of the phosphorus-containing compound, e.g., (poly)phosphoric acid, may also be described as the concentration of elemental phosphorus in the first polymer composition in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention. Elemental phosphorus may be present at 0.3 to 16 ppm, 3 to 10 ppm, or 5 to 7 ppm based on the total weight of the first polymer composition.

[0032] At least one first polymerization catalyst in the first polymer composition according to the present invention may be a typical polymerization catalyst comprising a compound based on antimony, titanium, germanium, tin, aluminum and zinc or a mixture thereof in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 1000 ppm based on the weight of the polyester polymer produced.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, at least one first polymerization catalyst added to the first polymer according to the present invention is a known polymerization catalyst. Preferably, a transition metal, metalloid, or metal-based catalyst may be used as the first polymerization catalyst. The cationic portion of the catalyst is preferably selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, zirconium, antimony, tin, germanium, aluminum, manganese, or mixtures thereof, having a counterion selected from the group consisting of oxides, carbonates, chlorides, dioxides, hydroxides, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, silicates, or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the counterion is 2-ethyl-hexanoate or glycolate. It should be noted that, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, any combination of transition metals / metals / metals and counterions may be possible as transition metal, metalloid, or metal-based catalysts, and mixtures of these compounds may also be possible.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the first polymerization catalyst may be an antimony-based polymerization catalyst. Suitable antimony-based catalysts include antimony(III) and antimony(V) compounds recognized in the art, particularly organically soluble antimony(III) and antimony(V) compounds, with antimony(III) being the most commonly used. Other suitable compounds include antimony compounds that react with diols but are not necessarily soluble in diols, examples of which include antimony(III) oxide. Specific examples of suitable antimony catalysts include antimony(III) oxide, antimony(III) acetate, antimony(III) glycolate, antimony(III) ethylene glycoside, and mixtures of two or more of these, with antimony(III) glycolate being preferred. It should be noted that the mentioned organic ligands may also be used with other metal compounds listed above. This is obvious to those skilled in the art and is not explicitly mentioned herein. In a preferred embodiment of the first polymer composition according to the present invention, the preferred amount of antimony catalyst in the composition is a range of antimony catalyst concentrations of 200 ppm to 700 ppm, preferably 300 ppm to 600 ppm, and most preferably 400 ppm to 500 ppm, based on the total weight of the first polymer composition according to the present invention.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first polymer composition according to the composition according to the present invention may further comprise at least one organic colorant. Since the blend according to the present invention requires a metal catalyst to provide a suitable oxidation removal function, the color of PET may not be suitable for mimicking glass. Therefore, to achieve a suitable color from the base color of the catalyst, an organic colorant may also be used, depending on the application, so that the end user can accept the bottle as a high-quality glass substitute. In particular, organic colorants suitable for coloring thermoplastic resins such as PET, such as dyes having an anthraquinone group, perinone, kinophthalone, polycyclic dyes, etc., are used. Preferably, the colorant is selected from Solvent blue 45, Solvaperm blue 2B, Macrolex Red 5B, Solvaperm green G, Solvaperm Yellow 2G, Macrolex green G, Solvaperm red 2G, Solvaperm red GG, Solvaperm Violet RSB, Polysynthren Yellow GG, Polysynthren brown R, and mixtures thereof. However, not all coloring agents are suitable for the preferred embodiments according to the present invention. It should be noted that coloring agents may impede the polymerization catalyst and / or oxygen removal function of the composition according to the present invention. It should be noted that the red coloring agent according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention is used in an amount of 0.05% to 2% by weight based on the total weight of the first polymer composition. Other coloring agents may be present in an amount of 0.1 ppm to 5 ppm, preferably 0.5 ppm to 2 ppm based on the total weight of the first polymer composition, which does not impede the oxygen removal function.

[0036] Surprisingly, some of the aforementioned colorants produce excellent colors mimicking glass without impairing the oxygen scavenging properties of the composition according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whereas other dyes were found to be unsuitable. The composition of the colorant is key to accurate color and oxygen scavenging function, as undesirable side reactions between the colorant and the polymer can result in a loss of oxygen scavenging function. Furthermore, the desired color and oxygen scavenging function were observed regardless of wall thickness. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention makes it possible to obtain, for the first time, a PET material having transparency and clarity comparable to glass when used as a packaging material—regardless of the thickness of the material.

[0037] According to the present invention, the first polymer composition further comprises at least one metal or metalloid compound suitable for removing oxygen from the final composition, which preferably has an oxide, carbonate, chloride, dioxide, hydroxide, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, silicate, carboxylic acid and a mixture thereof as a counterion. In a preferred embodiment of the composition according to the present invention, the metal compound is preferably a carboxylic acid, and more preferably selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, manganese, germanium, antimony, tin, and / or aluminum, having a counterion selected from the group consisting of neodecanoate, octanoate, stearate, acetate, naphthalate, lactate, maleate, acetylacetonate, linoleate, oleate, palmite, and ethyl hexonate. In a preferred embodiment, the metal of the metal compound suitable for removing oxygen from the final composition is a d-element and is preferably selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, and / or manganese. Any combination of metal and ligand may be the metal compound, and a mixture of such compounds may also be possible according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the metal compound is selected from at least one cobalt species. In particular, a cobalt(II) compound or a mixture thereof is preferred, and more preferably, the compound is cobalt(II) stearate. As already described above, the metal compound itself does not function in the first polymer. Rather, it functions as an oxidation catalyst for the sacrificial polymer to be described later in the second polymer according to the present invention.In any case, at least one metal compound may be present in an amount of 20 to 200 ppm, preferably 40 to 150 ppm, most preferably 60 to 100 ppm based on the total mass of the first polymer composition.

[0038] Additionally, it should be noted that, according to the present invention, the metal compound added for oxygen removal is different from the first and second polymerization catalysts. The metal compound according to the present invention is not designed to catalyze the polymerization reaction, nor can it do so. The opposite is also true: neither the first nor the second polymerization catalyst can remove oxygen from the final PET composition. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the metal of the metal compound and the metal of the polymerization catalyst are different from each other.

[0039] Hereinafter, at least one second polymer composition according to the composition of the present invention will be described in more detail:

[0040] According to the present invention, at least one second polymer composition comprises the following:

[0041] (a) at least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and

[0042] (b) at least one second polymerization catalyst.

[0043] In the composition according to the present invention, at least one second polymer comprises at least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran. The tetrahydrofuran-based polymer is generally known as polytetrahydrofuran or abbreviated as PTMEG. The material is a mixture of polyether diols terminated by alcohol groups. This is produced by the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran and 1,4-butanediol.

[0044] According to the present invention, at least one second polymer composition also comprises at least one second polymerization catalyst. The second polymerization catalyst may be selected from the same compounds as the first polymerization catalyst defined above. Thus, refer to the description of the first polymerization catalyst. In the present invention, the first and second polymerization catalysts may be the same or different. In one preferred embodiment, they are the same. In another preferred embodiment, they are different from each other. In a preferred embodiment, the second polymerization catalyst is based on titanate or zirconate, which are preferably selected as the metal of at least one second polymerization catalyst. More preferably, the second polymerization catalyst is a titanium-based catalyst, for example, tetra-2-ethylhexyl titanate.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present invention further comprises at least one antioxidant within the second polymer composition. The antioxidant may be selected from phenol or compounds having an oxidizable group, for example, from the group of enols. The phenol according to the present invention consists of at least one aromatic unit comprising at least one hydroxyl group. A compound according to the present invention having an enol or oxidizable group, for example ascorbic acid, which is suitable as an antioxidant, may also be used as an antioxidant according to the present invention. Other suitable compounds are amines, phosphites, or sulfur-based antioxidants. Additionally, the aromatic unit of the phenol may be connected by other carbon chain units, such as branched or linear alkyl chains or alkylenes. In a preferred embodiment, the phenol selected as an antioxidant may comprise at least one branched alkyl group, for example, isopropyl or butyl, preferably a butyl group. In the present invention, a preferred antioxidant is tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene or 1,3,5-trimethyl, 2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene or a mixture of two or more of these. The antioxidant may be present in an amount of 0.1 ppm to 200 ppm, preferably 10 ppm to 100 ppm, most preferably 20 ppm to 60 ppm based on the total weight of the second polymer composition.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment of the composition according to the present invention, the composition substantially does not contain 3-hexendionic acid. As used herein, the term “substantially does not contain 3-hexendionic acid” refers to a PET or PTMEG-based base polymer comprising less than about 1000 ppm of 3-hexendionic acid, preferably less than about 500 ppm of 3-hexendionic acid, more preferably less than about 100 ppm, and most preferably about 2 ppm to 50 ppm of 3-hexendionic acid based on the total weight of the composition according to the present invention.

[0047] In a further embodiment according to the present invention, at least the first polymer and / or at least the second polymer may be derived from recycled polymers or materials. Depending on the recycled polymer material used in the composition according to the present invention, the oxygen removal function may be delayed. This allows the manufactured packaging material to be stored without losing its oxygen removal function. By such means, the packaging material manufactured with the polymer composition according to the present invention will not lose its oxygen removal function even when it is not directly used to store the product.

[0048] In addition, the composition according to the present invention may be used as a material for manufacturing food or beverage packaging. Accordingly, the present invention includes not only packaging materials manufactured from the polyester composition according to the present invention, but also a method for manufacturing such packaging materials, and in particular, blow-molded products such as bottles containing the polyester composition according to the present invention.

[0049] Containers or packaging materials made of the composition according to the present invention can provide substantially extended oxygen barrier functions compared to other polyester packaging materials. In particular, packaging materials or containers made of the composition according to the present invention can maintain or even reduce the amount of oxygen within the container for up to 4 years, preferably up to 3 years, and more preferably up to 2 years. This period depends on factors such as the shape of the manufactured packaging material, wall thickness, and the food or beverage stored in the packaging material. For example, liquids will generally contain inherently higher levels of oxygen than solid products because oxygen may be dissolved within them depending on the manufacturing method.

[0050] The composition according to the present invention, used as a packaging material, possesses specific advantages of plastics or thermoplastic resins such as PET and glass bottles. By the composition according to the present invention, it is possible to mimic glass bottles even when the wall thickness is thin or very thick. The thickness is determined at the bottle wall (bottle body), rather than at the bottle cap area, for example, the threads. The preferred wall thickness of the packaging material made of the composition according to the present invention is 10 to 10,000 micrometers, more preferably 20 to 7,500 micrometers, and most preferably 30 to 6,500 micrometers. Particularly for thicker bottles, it is difficult to mimic the appearance of glass with PET bottles. Using the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, it has been made possible for the first time to add a suitable colorant and an oxygen scavenger to a single compound without interfering with each other's functions.

[0051] However, in the case of mimicking high-end glass bottles such as (sparkling) wine bottles, a thicker wall thickness may be used in another preferred embodiment of the packaging material made of the composition according to the present invention. Such wall thickness is 100 to 5000 micrometers, preferably 300 to 2000 micrometers, most preferably 500 to 1000 micrometers.

[0052] Another important aspect of the packaging material produced by the composition according to the present invention is that it is refillable because it has low stress cracking even after caustic wash cycles. The refilling process involves multiple washing procedures, which can cause problems if the oxygen removal function is attributed to an additional layer, as this layer may be damaged during these washings, thereby reducing the oxygen removal capacity of the PET material. The packaging material produced by the composition according to the present invention has a dense crystalline structure, so it does not dissolve further during these washing processes. Consequently, the packaging material is designed to be used at least 25 times.

[0053] The composition according to the present invention can be prepared by following the steps described below:

[0054] (i) providing at least one first polymer composition,

[0055] (ii) providing at least one second polymer composition,

[0056] (iii) a step of mixing at least the first and second polymer compositions together to produce a composition according to the present invention,

[0057] (iv) A step of processing the composition produced in (iii) in an injection molding machine.

[0058] According to the method of the present invention, the second polymer composition is not dried before being provided to step (ii), whereas the first polymer composition is dried before being provided to step (i) in another preferred embodiment.

[0059] Injection molding is well known in the industry and involves the melting and extrusion of a composition. Subsequently, the molded product can be further processed by stretch blow molding to form a bottle.

[0060] Accordingly, the present invention makes possible, for the first time, a ready-to-use composition capable of producing clear and transparent packaging materials. This enables the production of glass-mimicking bottles. It is necessary to have first and second polymer compositions that can be stored separately. The present invention, by first including an oxygen scavenger, a colorant, or other additives as needed in either the first or second polymer composition, simply requires blending these two compositions together. This enables rapid and simple production that was not possible in the prior art. Furthermore, additives such as the sterically hindered amine light stabilizers disclosed, for example, in WO 2015 / 095782, are not required. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention substantially does not contain sterically hindered amine light stabilizers. In this context, "substantially not containing" means that in a preferred embodiment, the composition contains less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight, and most preferably less than 0.5% by weight of sterically hindered amine light stabilizers based on the total weight of the composition according to the present invention. Furthermore, a specific polyester-polyether copolymer is not required to obtain the oxygen-removing properties according to the present invention. Rather, the oxygen-removing properties are derived from a combination of a metal compound in the first polymer composition and a tetrahydrofuran-based polymer. These two components are essential to the properties of the composition of the present invention. They are provided separately and are mixed together before use, that is, before forming a product from the compound. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0061] The present invention will be further explained by the following examples without limiting the invention to these examples.

[0062] Examples

[0063] The following tables provide exemplary compositions according to the present invention.

[0064]

[0065] The ratio of polymer 1 to polymer 2 = 98:2

[0066]

[0067] The ratio of polymer 1 to polymer 2 = 98.5:1.5

[0068]

[0069] The ratio of polymer 1 to polymer 2 = 98:2

[0070] Compositions 1 (first polymer composition) and 2 (second polymer composition) of Tables 1 to 3 above were mixed together, and a bottle was manufactured by injection molding. The bottle was clear and transparent and had a glass-like appearance.

[0071] Accordingly, the present invention may be defined by the following items and preferred items:

[0072] 1. As a composition,

[0073] (a) (i) at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid,

[0074] (ii) at least one metal compound suitable for removing oxygen in the composition, and

[0075] (iii) at least one first polymerization catalyst having oxides, carbonates, chlorides, dioxides, hydroxides, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, silicates, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof as counterions

[0076] At least one first polymer composition comprising, and

[0077] (b) (i) at least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and

[0078] (ii) at least one second polymerization catalyst

[0079] At least one second polymer composition comprising

[0080] A composition comprising

[0081] 2. The composition of Item 1, wherein the composition comprises at least 90% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition.

[0082] 3. A composition according to item 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises at least 95% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition.

[0083] 4. A composition in any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the composition comprises at least 97% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition.

[0084] 5. A composition in any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the composition comprises at least one second polymer composition in an amount of 0.1 to 5 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition.

[0085] 6. A composition in any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the composition comprises at least one second polymer composition in an amount of 0.3-3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0086] 7. A composition in any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the composition comprises at least one second polymer composition in an amount of 0.5-2% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0087] 8. A composition in any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first polymer further comprises at least one copolymer based on a carboxylic acid.

[0088] 9. A composition according to item 8, wherein at least one copolymer is selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, 1,12-dodecandioic acid and 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid, and at least one copolymer is present at a concentration of 1-15% by weight, preferably 2-8% by weight, most preferably 4-6% by weight, based on the total weight of the terephthalic acid of (i).

[0089] 10. A composition in any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the at least one second polymer further comprises at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.

[0090] 11. A composition in any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises a phosphorus-containing compound, preferably phosphoric acid, most preferably polyphosphoric acid.

[0091] 12. A composition according to Item 11, wherein the concentration of the element phosphorus is 0.3 to 16 ppm.

[0092] 13. A composition in any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises at least one organic coloring agent.

[0093] 14. A composition in any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the metal of at least one metal or metalloid compound is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, manganese, germanium, antimony, tin, and aluminum, and the carboxylic acid counterpart is selected from the group consisting of neodecanoate, octanoate, stearate, acetate, naphthalate, lactate, maleate, acetylacetonate, linoleate, oleate, palmite, and 2-ethylhexanoate.

[0094] 15. A composition in any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the at least one metal compound is present in an amount of 20-200 ppm based on the total mass of the first polymer composition.

[0095] 16. A composition in any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the at least second polymer composition comprises at least one antioxidant, said antioxidant is selected from the group of phenols containing at least one branched alkyl group, preferably phenol, most preferably selected from 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene or a mixture thereof.

[0096] 17. A container comprising a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition,

[0097] (a) (i) at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid,

[0098] (ii) at least one metal compound suitable for removing oxygen in the composition, and

[0099] (iii) at least one first polymerization catalyst having oxides, carbonates, chlorides, dioxides, hydroxides, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, silicates, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof as counterions

[0100] At least one first polymer composition comprising, and

[0101] (b) (i) at least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and

[0102] (ii) at least one second polymerization catalyst

[0103] At least one second polymer composition comprising

[0104] A container containing

[0105] 18. In Item 17, the above container is the cause of the disease, container.

[0106] 19. A container according to item 17 or 18, wherein the composition comprises at least 90% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition and at least 0.1-5% by weight of at least one second polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition.

[0107] 20. A container in any one of items 17 to 19, wherein the first polymer further comprises at least one copolymer based on a carboxylic acid.

[0108] 21. A container according to Item 20, wherein at least one copolymer is selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, 1,12-dodecandioic acid and 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid, and at least one copolymer is present at a concentration of 1-15% by weight, preferably 2-8% by weight, most preferably 4-6% by weight, based on the total weight of the terephthalic acid of (i).

[0109] 22. A container in any one of items 17 to 21, wherein the at least one second polymer further comprises at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.

[0110] 23. A container in any one of items 17 to 22, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises a phosphorus-containing compound, preferably phosphoric acid, most preferably polyphosphoric acid.

[0111] 24. A container according to Item 23, wherein the concentration of the element phosphorus is 0.3 to 16 ppm.

[0112] 25. A container in any one of items 17 to 24, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises at least one organic colorant.

[0113] 26. A vessel in any one of items 17 to 25, wherein the metal of at least one metal or metalloid compound is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, manganese, germanium, antimony, tin, and aluminum, and the carboxylic acid counterpart is selected from the group consisting of neodecanoate, octanoate, stearate, acetate, naphthalate, lactate, maleate, acetylacetonate, linoleate, oleate, palmite, and 2-ethylhexanoate.

[0114] 27. A container in which, in any one of items 17 to 26, at least one metal compound is present in an amount of 20-200 ppm based on the total mass of the first polymer composition.

[0115] 28. A container in any one of items 17 to 27, wherein the at least second polymer composition comprises at least one antioxidant, said antioxidant is selected from the group of phenols containing at least one branched alkyl group, most preferably from 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene or a mixture thereof.

[0116] 29. As a packaging material,

[0117] (a) (i) at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid,

[0118] (ii) at least one metal compound suitable for removing oxygen in the composition, and

[0119] (iii) at least one first polymerization catalyst having oxides, carbonates, chlorides, dioxides, hydroxides, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, silicates, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof as counterions

[0120] At least one first polymer composition comprising, and

[0121] (b) (i) at least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and

[0122] (ii) at least one second polymerization catalyst

[0123] At least one second polymer composition comprising

[0124] Includes,

[0125] A packaging material having a thickness of 10 μm to 10,000 μm.

[0126] 30. A packaging material according to Item 29, wherein the composition comprises at least 90% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition.

[0127] 31. A packaging material according to item 29 or 30, wherein the composition comprises at least one second polymer composition in an amount of 0.1-5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0128] 32. A packaging material in any one of items 29 to 31, wherein the first polymer further comprises at least one copolymer based on a carboxylic acid.

[0129] 33. A packaging material according to Item 32, wherein at least one copolymer is selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, 1,12-dodecandioic acid and 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid, and at least one copolymer is present at a concentration of 1-15% by weight, preferably 2-8% by weight, most preferably 4-6% by weight, based on the total weight of the terephthalic acid of (i).

[0130] 34. A packaging material in any one of items 29 to 33, wherein the at least one second polymer further comprises at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.

[0131] 35. A packaging material in any one of items 29 to 34, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises a phosphorus-containing compound, preferably phosphoric acid, most preferably polyphosphoric acid.

[0132] 36. A packaging material according to Item 35, wherein the concentration of the element phosphorus is 0.3 to 16 ppm.

[0133] 37. A packaging material in any one of items 29 to 36, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises at least one organic colorant.

[0134] 38. A packaging material in any one of items 29 to 37, wherein the metal of at least one metal or metalloid compound is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, manganese, germanium, antimony, tin, and aluminum, and the carboxylic acid counterpart is selected from the group consisting of neodecanoate, octanoate, stearate, acetate, naphthalate, lactate, maleate, acetylacetonate, linoleate, oleate, palmite, and 2-ethylhexanoate.

[0135] 39. A packaging material in which, in any one of items 29 to 38, at least one metal compound is present in an amount of 20-200 ppm based on the total mass of the first polymer composition.

[0136] 40. A packaging material in any one of items 29 to 39, wherein the at least second polymer composition comprises at least one antioxidant, said antioxidant is selected from the group of phenols containing at least one branched alkyl group, preferably phenol, most preferably 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene or a mixture thereof.

[0137] 41. A method for manufacturing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition,

[0138] (i) a step of providing at least one first polymer composition comprising the following:

[0139] (a) At least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid,

[0140] (b) At least one metal compound suitable for removing oxygen within the composition, and

[0141] (c) At least one first polymerization catalyst having oxides, carbonates, chlorides, dioxides, hydroxides, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, silicates, carboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof as counterions;

[0142] (ii) providing at least one second polymer composition comprising the following:

[0143] (a) At least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and

[0144] (b) At least one second polymerization catalyst;

[0145] (iii) a step of mixing at least one first polymer composition and at least one second polymer composition to induce a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition; and

[0146] (iv) A method comprising the step of processing the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition produced in (iii) in an injection molding machine.

[0147] 42. A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition according to Item 41, wherein the composition comprises at least 90% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition and 0.1-5% by weight of at least one second polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition.

[0148] 43. A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition according to item 41 or 42, wherein the first polymer further comprises at least one copolymer based on a carboxylic acid.

[0149] 44. A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition according to Item 43, wherein at least one copolymer is selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, 1,12-dodecandioic acid and 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid, and at least one copolymer is present at a concentration of 1-15% by weight, preferably 2-8% by weight, most preferably 4-6% by weight, based on the total weight of the terephthalic acid of (i).

[0150] 45. A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition, wherein, in any one of items 41 to 44, the at least one second polymer further comprises at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.

[0151] 46. ​​A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition, wherein, in any one of items 41 to 45, the at least one first polymer further comprises a phosphorus-containing compound.

[0152] 47. A method for manufacturing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition according to Item 46, wherein the concentration of the element phosphorus is 0.3 to 16 ppm.

[0153] 48. A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition, wherein, in any one of items 41 to 47, the at least one first polymer further comprises at least one organic coloring agent.

[0154] 49. A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition, wherein, in any one of items 41 to 48, the metal of at least one metal or metalloid compound is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, manganese, germanium, antimony, tin, and aluminum, and the carboxylic acid counterion is selected from the group consisting of neodecanoate, octanoate, stearate, acetate, naphthalate, lactate, maleate, acetylacetonate, linoleate, oleate, palmite, and 2-ethylhexanoate.

[0155] 50. A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition, wherein, in any one of items 41 to 49, the at least one metal compound is present in an amount of 20 to 200 ppm based on the total mass of the first polymer composition.

[0156] 51. A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition, wherein, in any one of items 41 to 50, the at least second polymer composition comprises at least one antioxidant, and the antioxidant is selected from the group of phenols containing at least one branched alkyl group, most preferably from 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene or a mixture thereof.

Claims

Claim 1 As a composition, (a) (i) at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, (ii) at least one metal compound suitable for removing oxygen in the composition, and (iii) at least one first polymerization catalyst having oxides, carbonates, chlorides, dioxides, hydroxides, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, silicates, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof as counterions At least one first polymer composition comprising, and (b) (i) at least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and (ii) at least one second polymerization catalyst A composition comprising at least one second polymer composition including Claim 2 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least 90% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 3 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least 95% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 4 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least 97% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 5 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least one second polymer composition in an amount of 0.1-5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 6 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least one second polymer composition in an amount of 0.3-3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 7 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least one second polymer composition in an amount of 0.5-2% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 8 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the first polymer further comprises at least one copolymer based on a carboxylic acid. Claim 9 A composition according to claim 8, wherein at least one copolymer is selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, 1,12-dodecandioic acid and 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid, and at least one copolymer is present at a concentration of 1-15% by weight, preferably 2-8% by weight, most preferably 4-6% by weight, based on the total weight of the terephthalic acid of (i). Claim 10 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second polymer further comprises at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Claim 11 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises a phosphorus-containing compound, preferably phosphoric acid, most preferably polyphosphoric acid. Claim 12 A composition according to claim 11, wherein the concentration of the element phosphorus is 0.3 to 16 ppm. Claim 13 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises at least one organic coloring agent. Claim 14 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the metal of at least one metal or metalloid compound is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, manganese, germanium, antimony, tin, and aluminum, and the carboxylic acid counterpart is selected from the group consisting of neodecanoate, octanoate, stearate, acetate, naphthalate, lactate, maleate, acetylacetonate, linoleate, oleate, palmite, and 2-ethylhexanoate. Claim 15 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one metal compound is present in an amount of 20-200 ppm based on the total mass of the first polymer composition. Claim 16 A composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least second polymer composition comprises at least one antioxidant, said antioxidant is selected from the group of phenols containing at least one branched alkyl group, preferably phenol, most preferably 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene or a mixture thereof. Claim 17 A container comprising a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition, (a) (i) at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, (ii) at least one metal compound suitable for removing oxygen in the composition, and (iii) at least one first polymerization catalyst having oxides, carbonates, chlorides, dioxides, hydroxides, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, silicates, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof as counterions At least one first polymer composition comprising, and (b) (i) at least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and (ii) at least one second polymerization catalyst A container comprising at least one second polymer composition including Claim 18 In Clause 17, the above container is a disease, container. Claim 19 A container according to claim 17, wherein the composition comprises at least 90% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition and at least 0.1-5% by weight of at least one second polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 20 A container according to claim 17, wherein the first polymer further comprises at least one copolymer based on a carboxylic acid. Claim 21 A container according to claim 20, wherein at least one copolymer is selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, 1,12-dodecandioic acid and 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid, and at least one copolymer is present at a concentration of 1-15% by weight, preferably 2-8% by weight, most preferably 4-6% by weight, based on the total weight of the terephthalic acid of (i). Claim 22 A container according to claim 17, wherein the at least one second polymer further comprises at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Claim 23 In claim 17, a container wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises a phosphorus-containing compound, preferably phosphoric acid, most preferably polyphosphoric acid. Claim 24 In paragraph 23, a container having a concentration of the element phosphorus of 0.3 to 16 ppm. Claim 25 In claim 17, a container wherein the above-mentioned at least one first polymer further comprises at least one organic colorant. Claim 26 A vessel according to claim 17, wherein the metal of at least one metal or metalloid compound is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, manganese, germanium, antimony, tin, and aluminum, and the carboxylic acid counterpart is selected from the group consisting of neodecanoate, octanoate, stearate, acetate, naphthalate, lactate, maleate, acetylacetonate, linoleate, oleate, palmite, and 2-ethylhexanoate. Claim 27 A container according to claim 17, wherein the above-mentioned at least one metal compound is present in an amount of 20-200 ppm based on the total mass of the first polymer composition. Claim 28 A container according to claim 17, wherein the at least second polymer composition comprises at least one antioxidant, said antioxidant is selected from the group of phenols containing at least one branched alkyl group, most preferably from 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene or a mixture thereof. Claim 29 As a packaging material, (a) (i) at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, (ii) at least one metal compound suitable for removing oxygen in the composition, and (iii) at least one first polymerization catalyst having oxides, carbonates, chlorides, dioxides, hydroxides, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, silicates, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof as counterions At least one first polymer composition comprising, and (b) (i) at least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and (ii) at least one second polymerization catalyst A packaging material comprising at least one second polymer composition including, wherein the thickness of the packaging material is 10 μm to 10,000 μm. Claim 30 A packaging material according to claim 29, wherein the composition comprises at least 90% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 31 A packaging material according to claim 29, wherein the composition comprises at least one second polymer composition in an amount of 0.1-5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 32 A packaging material according to claim 29, wherein the first polymer further comprises at least one copolymer based on a carboxylic acid. Claim 33 A packaging material according to claim 32, wherein at least one copolymer is selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, 1,12-dodecandioic acid and 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid, and at least one copolymer is present at a concentration of 1-15% by weight, preferably 2-8% by weight, most preferably 4-6% by weight, based on the total weight of the terephthalic acid of (i). Claim 34 A packaging material according to claim 29, wherein the at least one second polymer further comprises at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Claim 35 In claim 29, the packaging material further comprises at least one first polymer containing a phosphorus-containing compound, preferably phosphoric acid, most preferably polyphosphoric acid. Claim 36 In item 35, a packaging material having a concentration of the element phosphorus of 0.3 to 16 ppm. Claim 37 In claim 29, the packaging material wherein the above at least one first polymer further comprises at least one organic colorant. Claim 38 A packaging material according to claim 29, wherein the metal of at least one metal or metalloid compound is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, manganese, germanium, antimony, tin, and aluminum, and the carboxylic acid counterpart is selected from the group consisting of neodecanoate, octanoate, stearate, acetate, naphthalate, lactate, maleate, acetylacetonate, linoleate, oleate, palmite, and 2-ethylhexanoate. Claim 39 A packaging material according to claim 29, wherein at least one metal compound is present in an amount of 20-200 ppm based on the total mass of the first polymer composition. Claim 40 A packaging material according to claim 29, wherein the at least second polymer composition comprises at least one antioxidant, said antioxidant is selected from the group of phenols containing at least one branched alkyl group, preferably phenol, most preferably selected from 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene or a mixture thereof. Claim 41 A method for preparing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition, comprising: (i) providing at least one first polymer composition comprising the following: (a) At least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, (b) At least one metal compound suitable for removing oxygen within the composition, and (c) (ii) providing at least one first polymerization catalyst having oxides, carbonates, chlorides, dioxides, hydroxides, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, silicates, carboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof as counterions; (ii) providing at least one second polymer composition comprising the following: (a) At least one polymer based on tetrahydrofuran, and (b) A method comprising: at least one second polymerization catalyst; (iii) mixing at least one first polymer composition and at least one second polymer composition to induce a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition; and (iv) processing the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition produced in (iii) in an injection molding machine. Claim 42 A method according to claim 41, wherein the composition comprises at least 90% by weight of at least one first polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition and at least 0.1-5% by weight of at least one second polymer composition based on the total weight of the composition. Claim 43 A method according to claim 41, wherein the first polymer further comprises at least one copolymer based on a carboxylic acid. Claim 44 A method according to claim 43, wherein at least one copolymer is selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, 1,12-dodecandioic acid and 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid, and at least one copolymer is present at a concentration of 1-15% by weight, preferably 2-8% by weight, most preferably 4-6% by weight, based on the total weight of the terephthalic acid of (i). Claim 45 A method according to claim 41, wherein the at least one second polymer further comprises at least one polyester based on ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Claim 46 A method according to claim 41, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises a compound containing phosphorus. Claim 47 In paragraph 46, a method wherein the concentration of the element phosphorus is 0.3 to 16 ppm. Claim 48 A method according to claim 41, wherein the at least one first polymer further comprises at least one organic coloring agent. Claim 49 A method according to claim 41, wherein the metal of at least one metal or metalloid compound is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, tungsten, osmium, cadmium, silver, tantalum, hafnium, vanadium, titanium, chromium, nickel, zinc, manganese, germanium, antimony, tin, and aluminum, and the carboxylic acid counterpart is selected from the group consisting of neodecanoate, octanoate, stearate, acetate, naphthalate, lactate, maleate, acetylacetonate, linoleate, oleate, palmite, and 2-ethylhexanoate. Claim 50 A method according to claim 41, wherein at least one metal compound is present in an amount of 20-200 ppm based on the total mass of the first polymer composition. Claim 51 A method according to claim 41, wherein the at least second polymer composition comprises at least one antioxidant, said antioxidant is selected from the group of phenols containing at least one branched alkyl group, most preferably from 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene or a mixture thereof.

Images