Drankflessen

Drankflessen are containers designed to hold beverages for storage, transport, and sale. They are intended to protect contents, preserve quality, and allow easy pouring. The most common materials are glass, PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate), and metal, typically aluminum.

Glass bottles are valued for chemical inertness and flavor neutrality, while PET bottles are lightweight and inexpensive but more permeable to gases than glass. Metal bottles offer durability and opacity, making them suitable for on-the-go use or opaque storage. Closures vary by beverage and packaging line and include screw caps, crown caps, corks, and sport caps. The neck finish and thread standardization ensure compatibility with off-the-shelf closures.

Manufacturing methods differ by material. Glass bottles are produced using traditional glass-blowing or modern blow-molding techniques. PET bottles are made by extrusion-blow molding or injection-stretch-blow molding. Metal bottles are formed from aluminum or steel and may include barriers or liners to resist corrosion and preserve contents.

Sizes vary widely. Beverages are commonly sold in bottles from about 0.2 liters to 2 liters, with beer and craft beverages often in 330–750 ml sizes, and water or soft drinks in 500 ml to 1 liter or more.

Environmental and regulatory aspects: Many regions operate bottle recycling programs or deposit-return schemes to encourage return and recycling of drankflessen. Reuse and refilling practices occur in some sectors, notably beer and hospitality. Regulations govern food-contact safety, labeling, and material restrictions, including limitations on certain additives in plastics.

Variations include specialty bottles with dark glass for light-sensitive beverages and sport or insulated bottles designed for durability and portability.