Container with recycled plastic

• Main Author: Fehn, Gregory M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 12.11.2002

Plastic containers, for an extensive period of time, have found widespread use in society for holding a vast array of goods. In fact, such containers have become so omnipresent that their disposal now poses a substantial problem. Society no longer wishes to place the used containers into the very limited landfill left to it. A container incorporating post-consumer recycled ("PCR") plastic and a method of making that type of container. The container utilizes a layer of polypropylene or EVOH or a film of fluorinated polyethylene toward the interior from the recycled plastic to prevent contaminants from the latter entering the container's contents. When utilizing EVOH, the container usually has an additional layer of polyethylene or polypropylene covering the EVOH to prevent its deterioration by moisture. Making the container involves first composing a resin including the recycled plastic. Forming the various layers listed above produces a container that includes recycled plastic and a barrier to limit the migration of contaminants from the recycled material to the container's contents. This permits the use of the resulting containers for food. For a fluorinated polyethylene film, fluorination can occur either during or after the container's formation.