A bottle is a vessel used for holding liquids such as milk, soda, motor oil and shampoo, or dry products like medication and nutritional supplements. Plastic bottles are a common sight in our daily lives. However, many people are unaware that there is a whole process involved in the production of these containers. Bottles are made from a wide range of organic polymers that undergo a series of processes to end up as the familiar, flexible and translucent containers we all use.
There are many different types of plastics that can be used to manufacture bottles, each with their own properties and advantages. For example, some bottles are made from high-density or low-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl), or polypropylene. Various bottle shapes and styles can be produced with these materials as well, depending on the type of liquid to be stored, the type of packaging, or other factors.
In its raw state, plastic is a soft substance that can be shaped, molded or cast into desired forms. It is a highly versatile material with applications in numerous areas, including food and beverage packaging, manufacturing, transportation, construction and agriculture. Plastics vary in their stiffness and transparency, and different formulations are created to meet specific needs such as water resistance or clarity.
The process of converting the raw polymer into a finished bottle is called injection molding or blow molding. Bottles can be formed using this process alone or in combination with other methods such as reheat and blow molding, co-extrusion blow molding and injection stretch blow molding. Injection molding is the preferred method for producing a wide variety of container sizes and shapes.
Bottles can also be manufactured from glass, which is a durable, non-toxic and biodegradable material with a long history of use. Glass has been used for centuries as a drinking and cooking utensil, a medium to store and display valuables and art work, a decorative item, and even as a building material. Glass is a non-crystalline, amorphous solid that has a high melting point and good chemical resistance.
A bottle fitted with a teat for feeding a baby or young child is sometimes referred to as a suck-bottle or baby bottle. It is an important part of a baby’s early development, and it can be a lifeline for infants who are unable to breastfeed or consume enough nutrients from mother’s milk through their mouths. In addition, a suck-bottle can help ease the transition between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.