Aluminium bottle facts for kids
An aluminum bottle is a type of bottle made entirely from aluminium. You might also hear it called a "bottlecan" in some places. These bottles are used to hold many different liquids, like soft drinks, beer, wine, and even perfumes.
Contents
What are Aluminum Bottles?
Aluminum bottles are special containers. They are made from 100% recyclable aluminium. This is the same material used for aluminum drink cans. However, aluminum bottles often look more like traditional bottles. Many even have lids that you can close again after opening.
Shapes and Sizes
Aluminum bottles come in many shapes and sizes. You can find "traditional" bottle shapes. There are also "oval" or "sporty" designs. This variety helps different companies choose the best look for their products.
How They Are Sealed
These bottles are designed to work with common bottle caps. Some popular cap types include:
- Standard crown caps (like on glass soda bottles)
- Screw-on caps (like on plastic water bottles)
- Special caps that can be resealed
Why Companies Choose Them
Companies like aluminum bottles for several reasons:
- They are resealable, which means you can close them again.
- They are recyclable, which is good for the environment.
- They are durable, meaning they don't break easily.
- The bottle itself can be designed with cool graphics. This means the bottle acts as its own label!
History of Aluminum Bottles
Aluminum bottles for drinks first appeared in North America in 2001. Coca-Cola introduced them for their Powerade sports drink. They wanted an eco-friendly choice instead of plastic bottles.
Who Makes Them?
Exal Corporation, based in Ohio, was a big supplier. They make aluminum packaging using a process called impact extrusion. Another company, CCL Container, started making these bottles even earlier, in 1989. They made them for things other than drinks.
New Ways to Make Them
Newer technologies, like "Coil to Can" (C2C), make aluminum bottles even lighter. This method also uses recycled aluminum. It helps make bottles faster and with less material.
Do They Keep Drinks Colder?
You might wonder if aluminum bottles keep drinks colder. It's a bit tricky!
Different Studies, Different Results
Some studies have looked into this question.
- One study at Loyola College in Maryland suggested that drinks in aluminum bottles stay colder a little longer than in glass bottles.
- However, a study at Bucknell University found the opposite. They said aluminum bottles cool faster. But once taken out of the fridge, glass bottles stayed cooler longer.
Why the Difference?
Aluminum lets heat move through it much faster than glass. This means an aluminum bottle will get cold quickly in a fridge. But it will also warm up quickly when left out in a warm room. Glass, on the other hand, changes temperature more slowly.
How Aluminum Bottles Are Made
Aluminum bottles are usually made in a few steps:
- Impact extrusion or deep drawing: This is where a flat piece of aluminum is pushed or stretched into a bottle shape.
- Necking and thread forming: After the basic shape is made, the top part is shaped. This creates the narrow neck and the threads for the cap.
