Evaluating Barrier-Enhancing and Scavenger Technologies for Plastic Beer Bottles
MBAA TQ vol. 39, no. 4, 2002, pp. 218-230 |
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Nick J. Huige. NICO Consulting, Waukesha, WI. Previously presented as an oral presentation at the 1st World PET Congress, April 23-24, 2002, Essen, Germany, organized by PETplanet.
Abstract
Interest in the use of plastic bottles for beer is growing. The use of oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier layers and coatings and of oxygen scavengers has made plastic an accepted packaging material choice for beer without having to compromise on product quality. Besides the choice of barrier or scavenger for the bottle and closure, a brewer also has to choose between monolayer and multilayer structures, internal and external coatings, bottle color, pasteurizability, and recyclability. This paper will discuss how the permeation of gases through plastics is influenced by material choices and physical factors. Advantages and disadvantages of various material choices and structures are discussed, and various approaches are outlined on how to evaluate the options that are available based on product and package requirements.
S�ntesis
Hay un creciente inter�s en el uso de botellas pl�sticas para cerveza. La utilizaci�n de revestimientos y capas que forman barreras contra el ox�geno y el gas carb�nico, y la utilizaci�n de �scavengers� de ox�geno ha convertido la botella pl�stica en una alternativa viable para cerveza, sin necesidad de comprometer la calidad del producto. Adem�s de las barreras o los �scavengers,� un cervecero tambi�n puede escoger entre estructuras de capas �nicas o m�ltiples, revestimientos internos o externos, colores de botella, y la opci�n de pasteurizar y/o de reciclar. el envase. Aqu� discutiremos como la permeabilidad de gases a trav�s del pl�stico es afectada por la selecci�n de materiales y por factores f�sicos. Tambi�n se discutir�n las ventajas y desventajas de diferentes materiales y estructuras, y se esbozan varias opciones en la evaluaci�n de diferentes alternativas disponibles basadas en los requisitos del producto y del envase.
