A plastic beverage container with a peelable top with reduced headspace volume between the seal and the alcoholic beverage to exclude oxygen for long term storage

摘要

A sealed plastic alcoholic beverage container for holding beverages such as wine comprises a receptacle and a sealing membrane. The receptacle contains the alcoholic beverage and includes a peripheral flange about the mouth of the receptacle, a biocompatible inner surface and a wall having low gas transmissibility. The sealing membrane is detachably fixed to the flange and includes a biocompatible inner surface. The sealing membrane is fitted to the peripheral flange such that it can undergo displacement in the event of expansion of the contents of the container including a biocompatible gas other than oxygen. The membrane seals the alcoholic beverage from contact with air wherein the exists little or no head space between the underside of the membrane and the surface of the contents of the container. Also described is method of packaging an alcoholic beverage into the container that comprises taking the plastic receptacle and filling it with an alcoholic beverage then introducing gaseous nitrogen or other suitable food grade biocompatible gas into the receptacle under positive pressure and in a controlled environment to displace residual oxygen remaining in the receptacle. The membrane, having at least one layer with or formed from a biologically, electrically and/or chemically inert or non-reactive substance or material, is placed over the open mouth so that the non-reactive material layer is on the inside and so that it engages with the peripheral flange and a fill line of the beverage so that there is little or no head space. The membrane or receptacle is heated so that an adhesive on the membrane melts onto the flange causing the membrane to air-tight seal the mouth of the receptacle.