A Quick Look at the Best Containers for Liquids
Mankind has been looking for an efficient means to store liquids since ancient times. In fact, did you know that glass drinking vessels dating to 5,000 BCE were used in Mesopotamia? Although the techniques and materials have certainly changed, the fact of the matter is that liquid containers are vital to our civilisation and this observation is not expected to change anytime soon. It should also be apparent that different designs are suited for entirely unique purposes. Let’s take a look at some of the most common drinking containers as well as a handful of the benefits that each has to offer.
Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Stainless steel has become an extremely popular means to transport liquids from place to place. Not only is this type of metal able to offer superior levels of insulation (particularly if foam is placed in between two layers), but it only stands to reason that steel is quite durable. This is ideal for hiking, backpacking and other types of outdoor activities. Furthermore, these containers can last for years at a time if cared for properly.
Biodegradable Plastic Vessels
Yes…you read this next subtitle correctly. Whether we realise it or not, the vast majority of plastic containers are manufactured from a petroleum base. This is very bad for the environment and plastic takes a ridiculously long time to degrade. It therefore stands to reason that a few innovative firms have developed biodegradable alternatives to plastic. The good news is that while these containers can degrade in only a matter of months, they are still able to serve the same essential purposes when compared to plastic. However, we need to keep in mind that it could still be a good amount of time before such bottles appear on the shelves of your local supermarket. It is nonetheless a good idea to keep an eye out, as environmentally friendly options are here to stay.
Tamper-Evident Designs
Some types of containers are meant for a single use. These can often be found within food stores and delicatessens. Of course, it is important to ensure that the liquids contained within remain safe. This is why tamper-evident designs have become quite common within the commercial sector. From soup containers and water bottles with a vacuum seal to vessels that are able to store UHT-treated milk at room temperature for months at a time, technology has certainly come a long way in the past few decades.
Of course, these are only a handful of examples of how liquid containers have taken on a life of their own. The earth is now home to more than seven billion people, so companies and innovators will need to think up even more cutting-edge designs if they hope to meet the demands of a growing civilisation. Although we often take such containers for granted, there is no doubt that society as we know it would quickly grind to a halt if they were suddenly pulled from existence. Think about this the next time you take a sip of refreshing water while out and about.