METHOD OF MANUFACTURING OVERMOLDED CONTAINERS, OVERMOLDED CONTAINERS AND PREFORMS, AND METHOD FOR RECYCLING AN OVERMOLDED CONTAINER

摘要

Overmolded containers (20) and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed, which may provide enhanced visual and tactile characteristics, enabling innovative packaging designs, improved grippability and thermal insulation. The containers can be made cost effectively manner, with minimal impact on polymer recycling streams. The methods of making the container include the steps of providing a container preform (12) which comprises a thermoplastic polymer, such as a PET copolymer; overmolding an elastomeric material (14) over at least a portion of the preform to form an overmolded preform; and blow-molding the overmolded preform to form an overmolded container. In one embodiment, the overmolded container is a beverage container. Overmolded preforms are also disclosed.