A bottle is a container for holding liquids, such as water or soft drinks. Bottles come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, from glass to plastic to aluminum. They are used in a variety of ways, including drinking, food storage and cooking. They are also commonly used in laboratory and industrial settings. Some bottles are designed for special uses, such as storing motor oil or medicine. Others, like baby bottles, are designed to hold liquids for infant feeding.
In modern times, a bottle is usually made from plastic, but glass bottles are still in use for some products, particularly those that require a tight seal. Many of these bottles are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is resistant to impact and chemical attack. It is also suitable for products that need to be stored at below freezing temperatures or which contain acids or caustics. Bottles made from HDPE can be molded to take on a variety of shapes, and can be decorated with silk screen printing.
Plastic bottles are also commonly made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is less rigid than HDPE and more translucent. It is less resistant to impact and chemicals than HDPE, but can be made to withstand higher temperature conditions, such as those of some pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is also used in some industrial and household cleaners, acetone, gasoline, paint thinners, and stone and tile care products.
Glass bottles were a major part of beverage distribution before the introduction of plastic bottles in the 1970s. They were commonly marketed as healthy, convenient, and safer than soft drinks, which often contained sugar, salt, and artificial flavors. In addition, they were less expensive than bottled water at that time.
During the 1980s, the popularity of bottled water surged and many consumers began carrying water bottles around with them everywhere. The tall, skinny bottles became fashion statements, as seen on the catwalks of New York fashion shows, and were touted as healthier for hair and skin than soft drinks, and safer than tap water.
Bottles are a major source of environmental pollution. In the United States, for example, a million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, according to estimates from a 2017 report by The Guardian. The report also found that fewer than half of those bottles are recycled. Beverage companies have long promoted bottle recycling, and opposed bottle bills, but the styrofoam containers they replaced have higher recycling rates than their plastic equivalents.
While many people recycle their bottles, some do not, and these bottles end up in landfills or oceans, where they can leach into the water supply. Some cities and countries have begun to ban or restrict the sale of certain types of plastic bottles, such as those that carry milk, baby formula, and juice. Others are limiting the amount of plastic that can be sold, and encouraging consumers to choose reusable containers. Other efforts include making bottles from biodegradable or recyclable materials, and promoting the use of stainless steel or glass bottles for beverages that are not alcoholic.
