Multi-layer barrier for a container

A method for manufacturing a container, the method comprising:

• forming a preform by injection molding, the preform having a bottom portion, a body portion, and a finish portion including a top sealing surface, threads, and a support flange;
• forming the preform such that the top sealing surface is made of a base layer, and such that the body portion and the bottom portion are both made of the base layer and an oxygen barrier layer encapsulated within the base layer and extending across the bottom portion;
• and
• forming the container from the preform by blow molding;
• wherein the top sealing surface includes only the base layer;
• and
• wherein the body portion and the bottom portion both include an inner portion made of the base layer, an outer portion made of the base layer, and the oxygen barrier layer between the inner portion and the outer portion, the inner portion of the base layer includes an inner surface defining a receptacle of the preform, and the outer portion of the base layer defines an outer surface of the preform;
• wherein:
• the oxygen barrier layer includes a polyethylene copolymer having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.76 dL/g-0.82 dL/g;
• the oxygen barrier layer includes an additive configured to make the oxygen barrier layer at least partially clear, the additive including at least one of a colorant and a clarifier agent;
• the oxygen barrier layer is 8%-50% of a total weight of the preform;
• the oxygen barrier layer includes an oxygen scavenger that is 0.25%-5.0% of a total weight of the oxygen barrier layer;
• and
• the oxygen barrier layer is tapered such that the oxygen barrier layer is closest to the inner surface at and proximate to the bottom portion, and is farthest from the inner surface and closest to the outer surface farthest from the bottom portion and proximate to the support flange;
• and
• the oxygen barrier layer is confined to an inner half of a total preform wall thickness at the body portion of the preform.