A bottle is a container used for storing liquids or semi-liquids. The size of the container is a key factor in its selection. Bottles are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Depending on its use, a bottle may be made of glass, plastic, or other materials. These containers offer a wide range of advantages, including superior protection against temperature fluctuations and light, as well as high gloss.
Some bottles have raised lettering or designs. Others have recessed label panels, which help protect labels against fraying during shipping.
Some bottle manufacturers also add a registration device to the heel, which allows them to label the bottle. Plastic bottles are often made with flat labels panels. An example of the type of markings that may appear on a plastic bottle are cranberry juice, ginger ale, lemons, club soda, and other beverages.
One of the most important qualities of a bottle is its shape. A round bottle can reduce hand fatigue when dispensing. It can also provide a more comfortable grip when handling it. This is especially important in wine and beer bottles. In addition, a square bottle can be useful for maximum storage on a workbench.
Bottles can come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are typically transparent, but some are coloured to protect products that are sensitive to light. While many varieties of bottle are available, a bottle with a curved shoulder is ideal for Bordeaux.
Glass bottles are particularly attractive. Compared to other types of bottles, they are more fragile, but offer exceptional protection. Traditionally, they are used in Burgundy. However, the fragility of glass is one of the major disadvantages.
In the packaging industry, a bottle is usually sized in milliliters (ml) or ounces. Measurements are usually rounded to the nearest decimal point and expressed in drams. Similarly, measurements are usually of the largest diameter and depth.
The term “lip” is sometimes used to describe the extreme upper surface of a finish. But it can also be used as a shorthand for the entire finish.
Another term that is often used to describe the upper part of a finish is the rim. This is the area where the bore is located. Unlike the lip, the rim is also an area where the cap is attached. If the cap is not properly fitted, it could leak or break.
The neck is the portion of a bottle that sits above the base and above the shoulder. A ring around the outer edge of the base provides stability and even bearing.
Occasionally, a ring is referred to as the ‘neck ring.’ Typically, the ring is a horizontal ridge on the base of a finish. The ring is intended to join the finish to the bottle body.
A neck is also the transition zone between the base and the body. A stippled finish on a base concentrates abrasions on the high points of the bottle, masking scratches that would occur during handling.