bottle

A bottle is a rigid container, typically with a neck that narrows to a mouth, designed to hold liquids and to be opened and poured. Bottles are closed with closures such as caps, corks, or stoppers, and may include decorative or functional features like pouring spouts or handles.

Materials include glass, plastic (notably PET and HDPE), metal (aluminum, steel), and ceramics. Glass and certain plastics provide barriers against air and moisture; amber or green glass filters light to protect contents. Closures range from screw caps and crown caps to corks and snap-on stoppers. Some bottles are designed for single use; others are meant to be refilled or reused.

History and production: Earliest containers for liquids were made of clay. Glass bottles appeared in antiquity, with glassblowing enabling rapid manufacture from the 1st century BCE. In the modern era, mass production uses machine-made glass bottles and plastic blow molding, along with metal and ceramic containers. Standard sizes and shapes vary by product category, such as beverage bottles and packaging for cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

Usage and standards: Bottles are used for beverages, medicines, chemicals, and household products. Volume is measured in milliliters or liters; common consumer sizes include 250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, and 1 liter. Design considerations address compatibility with closures, pouring behavior, and shelf life.

Recycling and environment: Glass is widely recyclable; plastics like PET can be recycled but face challenges from contamination and downcycling. Many bottling programs emphasize returnable or refillable bottles to reduce waste.