Oxygen scavenging composition for multilayer preform and container

A method of making a preform for expansion into a hollow plastic container body, the preform having a multilayer body-forming portion including a core layer surrounded by inner and outer layers, the method comprising the steps of:

• preparing a masterbatch comprising on the order of 50-90% polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and on the order of 10-50% oxygen scavenger by total weight of the masterbatch, the oxygen scavenger being an oxidizable organic polymer and a metal catalyst and the masterbatch being prepared in a moisture and oxygen protected environment to prevent premature activation of the oxygen scavenger;
• preparing a first blend including on the order of 1-10% masterbatch and on the order of 90-99% polyethylene terephthalate component by total weight of the core layer, the polyethylene terephthalate component including at least on the order of 50% post consumer PET (PC-PET), the first blend being prepared in a moisture and oxygen protected environment to prevent depletion of the oxygen scavenger;
• and
• forming a preform having a core layer of the first blend, and inner and outer layers of one or more barrier polymers which retard migration of the oxygen scavenger and its byproducts.