Bottle

A bottle is a container for storing liquids, typically having a long body and an opening (mouth) narrower than the body. The narrow opening makes it easier to control the pouring of the liquid and reduces spillage. Usually it is sealed with a stopper or cap that prevents air and contaminants from entering.

Bottles are made from various materials: glass, plastic, metal, and sometimes cloth-wrapped material. The choice of material depends on what is being stored, how long it will be kept, and how it will be transported. Each bottle has a capacity (for example, 500 ml or 1 litre), which is typically marked on the body or label.

Parts of a bottle

A bottle can be divided into its base (the standing bottom), body (the part that holds the liquid), shoulder (where the body narrows), neck, and mouth. The top of the mouth has either a threaded section (screw) or a push-on cap. Types of closures include a metal cap that screws onto the bottle, a plastic push-on cap, and a cork, which is traditionally used for wine bottles.

Container materials

Glass does not absorb liquid odours and can be reused after cleaning, but it is heavy and breaks easily. Plastic is lightweight and does not break easily, and is commonly used for bottled water and beverages. The most common types of plastic for beverage bottles are PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE. Steel and aluminium are used for bottles that require greater durability.

Use and recycling

Bottles are used to store water, milk, oil, beverages, medicines, and chemicals. Baby milk bottles have a teat attached to the mouth. Because plastic bottles that are discarded are extremely numerous, many countries have introduced a deposit-return system to encourage people to return bottles, and recycling programmes that reprocess plastic and glass into new material.