FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13) PACKAGING MATERIALS
RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LIMITED
an Indian company
of 3rd Floor, Maker Chamber -IV 222,
Nariman Point, Mumbai-400021,
Maharashtra, India
Inventors:
1. VENKATAKRISHNAN VARADRAJAN
2. AGAR WAL UDAY SHANKAR
3. AYODHYA SRINIVASACHARYA RAMACHARYA
4. JADIMATH SHIVAMURTHY PADADAYYA
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to packaging materials. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the use of oxygen scavenging compositions for packaging materials and methods of preparation thereof.
BACKGROUND
Jute, straw, paper, paperboard, metal, glass and more recently plastic are the materials commonly used for various types of packaging applications. Of these, glass and plastic are the most widely used due to properties such as ease of molding, durability, inertness and transparency. Glass, however, is accompanied by several disadvantages such as brittleness, heavy weight, slipperiness, poor shock resistance and expensive nature that mar its frequent use. Plastics, on the other hand, have enjoyed immense popularity due to superior features such as light weight, high shock resistance, cost-efficiency, easy recyclability, resistance to chemicals such as acids and easy printability. Nonetheless, plastics exhibit high gas permeability which obviates its use for packaging foodstuffs such as fruit juices, malt beverages, beer, tomato sauce, dry milk, eggs, meat, dehydrated and freeze dried fruits.
In the wake of the inability of the use of plastic packaging for oxygen sensitive food stuffs, extensive research has been carried out to develop oxygen barrier compositions intended to shield sensitive foodstuffs from oxygen-induced degradation.
US 20060105130 discloses to a multilayered packaging material where the first layer is produced from 5-sulfoisopthalic acid (SIPA) containing polyester, the second layer is produced from a blend of polyamides, the third layer is produced from polyester, the fourth layer is produced from polycarbonate and the fifth layer is produced from foil, paper, paperboard and nonwoven fibrous material and the barrier layer is produced from ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer. US 20060099362 discloses an oxygen-scavenging composition comprising a blend of an acidified PET (sulfonated

PET), an oxidizable component (MXD6) and a transition metal catalyst (cobalt based). The acid groups in the sulfonated PET are made substantially free of neutralization by metal ions prior to blending with the transition metal catalyst. IN 200600535 relates to a gas barrier polyester composition comprising polyester, partially aromatic polyamide (MXD6), ionic compatibilizer (copolyester containing a metal sulfonate salt of e.g. SIPA) and a cobalt salt. 1199/MUM/2009 discloses an oxygen scavenging composition comprising a polyester, an organic oxidizable polymer and a polymer bound oxidation catalyst wherein the oxidation catalyst is essentially a neutralized sulfonated compound, said neutralization being brought about by Co metal in its positive oxidation state (Co2+). 684/MUM/2011 relates to an oxygen scavenging composition comprising PET, MXD6 and a sulfonated metal oxidation catalyst. The sulfonated oxidation metal catalyst is a cobalt salt of one or more organic sulfonic acids e.g. cobalt salt of p-Toluenesulfonic acid.
US 20120094050 relates to an oxygen scavenging composition comprising PET, MXD6 and polymer-bound oxidation catalyst. The polymer bound oxidation catalyst is cobalt salt of SIPA. US 6680018 relates to a method for producing a stain-resistant and soil-resistant polyamide yarn comprising the steps of melt compounding a sulfonated aromatic acid with a thermoplastic polyester or polyamide carrier resin to form a concentrate and adding said concentrate to a fiber-forming polyamide to form a fiber-forming polyamide composition followed by melt extruding the composition to form a yarn. The polyamide is selected from polyamide 6. polyamide 66 and the like. The carrier is PET or polyamide (e.g. poly (m-xylene adipamide) or MXD6). The sulfonated aromatic compound is sodium or lithium salt of SIPA. US 20080169590 relates to a polyester-polyamide (MXD6) blend, the blend also contains a copolyester containing a metal sulfonate salt as a compatibilizer e.g. 5-sodiumsulfoisophthalic acid. US 20040013833 relates to a preform or container, the body of the container comprises a compatibilized polymer blend comprising polyamide (MXD6), PET or a PET-containing copolymer, and at least one compatibilizer selected from IPA-modified PET and PET ionomers (sulfonated PET: PTSA modified PET). L. Z. Pillon and L.A. Utracki, in their paper disclose that PTSA is an efficient catalyst for ester-

amide interchange reaction in the PET/Polyamide blend. It also discloses that the interchange reaction can be accomplished during single pass of the catalyzed blend through an extruder. The polyamide disclosed is polyamide 66.
Thus, the prior art methods reveal the use of polyesters, organic oxidizable materials and catalysts among other substances for the preparation of oxygen scavenging compositions. These methods, however, are time consuming and involve more number of steps. Further, a large number of reactants, in high concentrations are essential for the preparation of effective oxygen barrier compositions. This increases the cost incurred during manufacture, which in turn increases the market price of the packaging article. Furthermore, these compositions include the use of high concentration of substances such as cobalt which are known to be associated with adverse biological conditions such as contact dermatitis and cardiomyopathy.
The present disclosure, therefore, envisages an oxygen scavenging composition and its method of preparation which overcomes the disadvantages associated with the prior art methods.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure are discussed herein below: It is an object of the present disclosure to provide packaging materials.
It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an oxygen scavenging composition, capable of being used as a packaging material.
It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a process for the preparation of an oxygen scavenging composition.
It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an oxygen scavenging composition, which is easy to prepare, safe, economical and environment-friendly.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide packaging articles prepared from the oxygen scavenging composition, said articles having low induction time.
It is yet another object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides an oxygen scavenging composition comprising:
a. at least one polyester component which includes at least one residual
component, in an amount ranging between 5 ppm and 200 ppm with respect
to the total mass of the polyester component, selected from the group
consisting of elemental metal and salts thereof and elemental metalloid and
salts thereof; said elemental metal being selected from the group consisting
of cobalt, titanium, vanadium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, tin, lead,
silver, cadmium, molybdenum, zirconium and said elemental metalloid
being selected from the group consisting of antimony and germanium;
b. at least one organic oxidizable polymeric component; and
c. at least one acidified activating agent selected from the group consisting of
sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compounds, phosphonic acid containing
compounds and anhydride containing compounds;
said composition being devoid of any additional catalyst.
Typically, said residual component is cobalt added as cobalt acetate during polymerization of said polyester component.
Typically, the mole ratio of the activating agent to the residual component ranges from 0.5 to 50.

Typically, the amount of said polyester component ranges between 85% and 99.8% with respect to the total mass of the composition.
Typically, the polyester component comprises at least one polymer obtained by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid or the corresponding diester and at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives.
Typically, said polyester component is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and recycled polyethylene terephthalate and a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene isopthalate, wherein the amount of ethylene isophthalate is less than 5 moI%.
Typically, the amount of said organic oxidizable polymeric component ranges between 0.2% and 15% percent of the total mass of the composition and is at least one selected from the group consisting of poly(m-xylene adipamide) (MXD6), olefin containing segment containing at least one oleflnic unsaturation and partially aromatic polyamide.
Typically, the amount of the activating agent ranges between 150 and 1500 ppm, preferably between 450 and 1050 ppm with respect to the total mass of the composition
Typically, in said sulfonic acid (RS03H) containing compound R represents at least one selected from the group consisting of substituted or un-substituted saturated Cr

C22 hydrocarbon group and substituted or un-substituted unsaturated CrC22 hydrocarbon group.
Typically, the sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of p-toluene sulfonic acid, methyl sulfonic acid, 5-sulfoisopthalic acid, 5-sulfodimethyl isophthalic acid (HSIPM) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-sulphonatoisophthalic acid (HSIPEG).
Typically, the phosphonic acid containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid, phenyl phosphonic acid and methyl phosphonic acid.
Typically, the anhydride containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of acetic anhydride, pyromellitic-dianhydride (PMDA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA).
Typically, the activating agent is copolymerized or grafted with at least one polymer prepared by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, the corresponding diester and at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives.
The present disclosure further provides a preform obtained from the afore-stated oxygen scavenging composition.
The present disclosure still further provides a packaging article selected from the group consisting of bottles, containers, jars, cans, pouches, sachets, sheets, blisters and boxes, prepared from the afore-stated oxygen scavenging composition; said

article characterized by having oxygen transmission rate (OTR) ranging between 0.020 and 0.20 cc/ m2 day at thickness ranging between 0.1 and 4 mm.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure a process for the preparation of an oxygen scavenging composition is provided; said process comprising:
a. incorporating at least one activating agent selected from the group
consisting of sulfonic acid (RS03H) containing compounds, phosphonic
acid containing compounds and anhydride containing compounds in at least
one polyester component which includes at least one residual component, in
an amount ranging between 5 ppm and 200 ppm with respect to the total
mass of the polyester component, selected from the group consisting of
elemental metal and salts thereof and elemental metalloid and salts thereof;
said elemental metal being selected from the group consisting of cobalt,
titanium, vanadium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, tin, lead, silver,
cadmium, molybdenum, zirconium and said elemental metalloid being
selected from the group consisting of antimony and germanium and at least
one organic oxidizable polymeric component to obtain a polymer
composite;
b. blending said polymer composite to obtain a polymer blend; and
c. drying said polymer blend at a temperature ranging between 120 °C and
250 °C to obtain the oxygen scavenging composition;
said composition being devoid of any additional catalyst.
Typically, said activating agent is incorporated prior to the polyester component preparation and/ or during the polyester component preparation and/ or after the polyester component preparation.
Typically, the amount of said polyester component ranges between 85% and 99.8% with respect to the total mass of the composition.

Typically, said polyester component comprises at least one polymer obtained by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid or the corresponding diester at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives.
Typically, said polyester component is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and recycled polyethylene terephthalate and a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene isopthalate, wherein the amount of ethylene isophthalate is less than 5 mol%.
Typically, the amount of said organic oxidizable polymeric component ranges between 0.2% and 15% percent of the total mass of the composition and is at least one selected from the group consisting of poly(m-xylene adipamide) (MXD6), olefin containing segment containing at least one olefinic unsaturation and partially aromatic polyamide.
Typically, the amount of said activating agent ranges between 150 and 1500 ppm, preferably between 450 and 1050 ppm with respect to the total mass of the composition.
Typically, in said sulfonic acid (RS03H) containing compound R repsresents at least one selected from the group consisting of substituted or un-substituted saturated C,-C22 hydrocarbon group and substituted or un-substituted unsaturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group.

Typically, the sulfonic acid (RS03H) containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of p-toluene sulfonic acid, methyl sulfonic acid, 5-sulfoisopthalic acid, 5-sulfodimethyl isopthalate (HSIPM) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-sulphonatoisophthalic acid (HSIPEG).
Typically, the phosphonic acid containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid, phenyl phosphonic acid and methyl phosphonic acid.
Typically, the anhydride containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of acetic anhydride, pyromellitic-dianhydride (PMDA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA).
Typically, said blending comprises a step of melt mixing.
The present disclosure still further provides a process for the preparation of an oxygen scavenging molded article devoid of additional catalyst; said process comprising:
a. injection molding at least one polyester component which includes at least one residual component, in an amount ranging between 5 ppm and 200 ppm with respect to the total mass of the polyester component, selected from the group consisting of elemental metal and salts thereof and elemental metalloid and salts thereof; said elemental metal being selected from the group consisting of cobalt, titanium, vanadium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, tin, lead, silver, cadmium, molybdenum, zirconium and said elemental metalloid being selected from the group consisting of antimony and germanium, at least one organic oxidizable polymeric component and at least one activating agent selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compounds, phosphonic acid containing compounds and anhydride containing compounds into a preform;

b. subjecting said preform to blow-molding to obtain an oxygen scavenging molded article.
Typically, the amount of said polyester component ranges between 85% and 99.8% with respect to the total mass of the composition.
Typically, said polyester component comprises at least one polymer obtained by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid or the corresponding diester at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives.
Typically, said polyester component is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and recycled polyethylene terephthalate and a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene isopthalate, wherein the amount of ethylene isophthalate is less than 5 mol%.
Typically, the amount of said organic oxidizable polymeric component ranges between 0.2% and 15% percent of the total mass of the composition and is at least one selected from the group consisting of poly(m-xylene adipamide) (MXD6), olefin containing segment containing at least one olefinic unsaturation and partially aromatic polyamide.
Typically, the amount of the activating agent ranges between 150 and 1500 ppm, preferably between 450 and 1050 ppm with respect to the total mass of the composition.

Typically, in said sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compound R represents at least one selected from the group consisting of substituted or un-substituted saturated C1-
C22 hydrocarbon group and substituted or un-substituted unsaturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group.
Typically, the sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of p-toluene sulfonic acid, methyl sulfonic acid, 5-sulfoisopthalic acid, 5-sulfodimethyl isopthalate (HSIPM) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-sulphonatoisophthalic acid (HSIPEG).
Typically, the phosphonic acid containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid, phenyl phosphonic acid and methyl phosphonic acid.
Typically, the anhydride containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of acetic anhydride, pyromellitic-dianhydride (PMDA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA).
The present disclosure even further provides an oxygen scavenging molded article prepared by the afore-stated process, characterized by having the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) ranging between 0.020 and 0.20 cc/ m2 .day at thickness ranging between 0.1 and 4 mm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an oxygen scavenging composition that comprises at least one polyester component, at least one organic oxidizable polymeric component and at least one acidified activating agent. Typically, the composition is devoid of any additional catalyst. The oxygen scavenging composition is an active material which consumes the oxygen present in its vicinity by undergoing oxidation itself and can therefore be used as a packaging material for oxygen sensitive substances. In accordance with one embodiment, when a monolayered bottle is prepared from the oxygen scavenging composition, the oxygen

in close vicinity of the bottle, is actively scavenged by the composition which results in the protection of the contents of the bottle from oxidative degradation.
The polyester component acts as a polymer base for the oxygen scavenging composition and typically houses at least one residual component. The polyester component of the present disclosure is present in an amount ranging between 85% and 99.8% with respect to the total mass of the composition. Further, the polyester component comprises at least one polymer obtained by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid or the corresponding diester and at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-l,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives. Typically, the polyester component is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and recycled polyethylene terephthalate and a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene isopthalate, wherein the amount of ethylene isophthalate is less than 5 mol%.
The residual component of the present disclosure is present in the polyester component in an amount ranging between 2 ppm and 500 ppm and is at least one selected from the group consisting of elemental metal and salts thereof and elemental metalloid and salts thereof. The elemental metal is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, titanium, vanadium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, tin, lead, silver, cadmium, molybdenum, zirconium; whereas the elemental metalloid is selected from the group consisting of antimony and germanium. The residual component comprises various residues present in the polyester from any source but characteristically present by virtue of different processes such as esterification, polycondensation and polymerization. Typically, the residual component is cobalt added as cobalt acetate

during polymerization of the polyester component. The metals and metalloids present in the residue act as excellent catalysts for the oxygen scavenging process.
The organic oxidizable component is the component of the composition which undergoes oxidation itself and confers the entire composition with oxygen scavenging properties. The organic oxidizable polymeric component of the present disclosure is at least one selected from the group consisting of poly (m-xylene adipamide) (MXD6), olefin containing segment containing at least one olefinic unsaturation and partially aromatic. Typically, it is present in an amount ranging between 0.2% and 15% percent of the total mass of the composition.
The activating agent is responsible for activating the afore-mentioned oxidation catalysts, thereby facilitating better oxygen scavenging activity. Typically, the activating agent is included in the oxygen scavenging composition in an amount ranging between 150 and 1500 ppm, preferably between 450 and 1050 ppm and the mole ratio of the activating agent to the residual component or the oxidation catalyst is made to range from 0.5 to 50. Significantly, the activating agent when added in the afore-stated concentration and in the afore-stated proportion, activates the metal and/ or metalloid oxidation catalysts inherently present in the polyester component, which facilitates the oxidation of the organic oxidizable polymeric component, thereby obviating the need for incorporating additional metal and/ or metalloid catalysts, as is the case with the prior art compositions. The oxygen scavenging composition of the present disclosure is, therefore, advantageous over the prior art compositions. The activating agent of the present disclosure is at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compounds, phosphonic acid containing compounds and anhydride containing compounds. The sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of p-toluene sulfonic acid, methyl sulfonic acid, 5-sulfoisopthalic acid, 5-sulfodimethyl isopthalate (HSIPM) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-sulphonatoisophthalic acid (HSIPEG). The R group in the RSO3H molecule is at least one selected from the group consisting of substituted or un-substituted saturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group and substituted or un-substituted unsaturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group. The

phosphonic acid containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid, phenyl phosphonic acid and methyl phosphonic acid. The anhydride containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of acetic anhydride, pyromellitic-dianhydride (PMDA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA). The activating agent of the present disclosure is essentially present in an acidified form and not in the form of a salt with a counter cation of sufonates, phosphonates and anhydrides.
In one embodiment, the activating agent is copolymerized or grafted with at least one polymer prepared by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, the corresponding diester and at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol. cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives.
In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a preform obtained from the oxygen scavenging composition of the present disclosure. In accordance with yet another aspect, there are provided packaging articles selected from the group consisting of bottles, containers, jars, cans, pouches, sachets, sheets, blisters and boxes that are prepared from the oxygen scavenging composition of the present disclosure. Typically, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the afore-stated oxygen scavenging articles ranges between 0.020 and 0.20 cc/ m2.day at thickness ranging between 0.1 and 4 mm. The articles offer several advantages such as relevantly low induction time. The articles, therefore,, require very less time to commence with the oxygen scavenging activity, thereby protecting the enclosed matter from oxidative

degradation more effectively, as compared to the articles prepared from the conventional oxygen scavenging compositions.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for the preparation of an oxygen scavenging composition devoid of additional metal or metalloid catalyst. The process initially includes incorporating at least one activating agent in at least one polyester component and at least one organic oxidizable polymeric component to obtain a polymer composite.
Typically, the activating agent is selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compounds, phosphonic acid containing compounds and anhydride containing compounds and is present in an amount ranging between 150 and 1500 ppm, preferably between 450 and 1050 ppm with respect to the total mass of the composition. The sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compound is at least one selected from the group comprising p-toluene sulfonic acid, methyl sulfonic acid, 5-sulfoisopthalic acid, 5-sulfodimethyl isopthalate (HSIPM) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-sulphonatoisophthalic acid (HSIPEG) and the R group in the RSO3H moiety is at least one selected from the group consisting of substituted or un-substituted saturated C1-
C22 hydrocarbon group and substituted or un-substituted unsaturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group. The phosphonic acid containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid, phenyl phosphonic acid and methyl phosphonic acid. The anhydride containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of acetic anhydride, pyromellitic-dianhydride (PMDA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA). Essentially, the activating agent is in the acidified form and not in the form of a salt with a counter cation of sufonates, phosphonates and anhydrides. In one embodiment, the activating agent is included as a separate molecule whereas in another embodiment, the activating agent is first grafted or co-polymerized with a polymer or a copolymer and is then added to the rest of the ingredients.
Typically, the polyester component ranges between 85% and 99.8% with respect to the total mass of the composition. The polyester component comprises at least one

polymer obtained by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid or the corresponding diester at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-l,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives. Typically, the polyester component is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and recycled polyethylene terephthalate and a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene isopthalate, wherein the amount of ethylene isophthalate is less than 5 mol%. Typically, the polyester component includes at least one residual component in an amount ranging between 5 ppm and 200 ppm. The residual component of the present disclosure is at least one selected from the group consisting of elemental metal and salts thereof and elemental metalloid and salts thereof. The elemental metal is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, titanium, vanadium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, tin, lead, silver, cadmium, molybdenum, zirconium; whereas the elemental metalloid is selected from the group consisting of antimony and germanium. The residual component comprises various residues present in the polyester from any source but typically present as a virtue of different processes such as esterification, polycondensation and polymerization. Typically, the residual component is cobalt added as cobalt acetate during polymerization of the polyester component.
The organic oxidizable polymeric component of the present disclosure ranges between 0.2% and 15% percent of the total mass of the composition and is at least one selected from the group consisting of poly(m-xylene adipamide) (MXD6), olefin containing segment containing at least one olefinic unsaturation and partially aromatic polyamide.

The next step involves blending of the resultant polymer composite to provide a polymer blend. Typically, the step of blending comprises the melt mixing technique. The polymer blend that is formed as a result of blending is subjected to drying at a temperature ranging between 120 °C and 250 °C to result in the oxygen scavenging composition.
Typically, the incorporation of the activating agent is performed at least one of the stages selected from the group consisting of prior to the process of preparation of the polyester component, during the process of preparation of the polyester component and after the process of preparation of the polyester component.
In accordance with yet another aspect there is provided a process for the preparation of an oxygen scavenging molded article where the activating agent is made to come in contact with the polyester component and the organic oxidizable polymeric component directly during the injection molding process via inlets such as gravimetric and volumetric feeders to provide a preform. The preform is further subjected to blow-molding to provide the oxygen scavenging molded article.
The disclosure will now be explained with the help of the following non-limiting examples:
Example 1: Preparation of the activating agent containing component
Slurry of purified terephthalic acid (6 kg) in ethylene glycol (4.5 kg) was esterified for 3.5 hrs up to 260 °C at 2 bar nitrogen pressure. 35 g of 5- sulfodimethylisophthalate was dissolved in 601 g ethylene glycol (EG). It was added in the esterification reactor after the release of pressure. After an interval of 20 minutes, 2.1g of antimony trioxide catalyst, dissolved in 250 ml ethylene glycol was added. The mixture temperature was increased to 285 C, while gradually reducing the pressure, over 45 minutes, to 1 mm of Hg to obtain the activating agent containing component in the form of a strand. The intrinsic viscosity of the component was found to be 0.547 dL/g(ASTM D4603). The component chips were crystallized at 130 °C in air oven for 3 hrs.

Example 2: Manufacture of barrier polyester bottles with 5% MXD6 + 500 ppm 5-sulfodimethyl isopthalate (HSIPM)
0.8 kg of the activating agent containing component, prepared in example 1 and 0.4 kg of MXD6 chips and 6.8 kg of base polyester (poly(ethy]ene terephthalate-co-ethylene isophthalate), IV = 0.84 dL/g containing cobalt residue of 25 ppm) were tumble mixed, dried at 160 °C for 5 hr and injection molded using 2 cavity Arburg injection molding machine (Model Allrounder 420C) operated at cylinder temperature of 275-280 °C and runner temperature of 290-287 °C, into 45 g performs. These performs were blown into bottles of 1.5 L volume having 0.3 mm thickness using SIDEL SB01 single cavity blow molding machine. Oxygen transmission rate was determined using Mocon Ox-Tran 2/21. OTR came to be 0.046 cc/m2.day.
Example 3: Manufacture of barrier polyester bottles with 5% MXD6 + 1000 ppm Pyromellitic-dianhydride (PMDA)
0.84 dL/g PET resin (polyethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene isophthalate, containing cobalt residue of 25 ppm), was pulverized to fine powder. The PET powder was mixed with PMDA (PET : PMDA - 80 : 20, by weight) and dried in a vacuum oven at 140°C for 6 hrs. 7.592 kg of polyester chips (polyethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene isophthalate, 0.84 dl/g) was dried at 160°C for 5 hrs, 0.4 kg of MXD6 chips was dried at 95°C for 6 hrs under vacuum, were tumble mixed. Movacolor dosing unit was used to dose PMDA - PET mixture during injection molding. lOOOppm PMDA targeted in the bottle.The injection molding was done using 2 cavity Arburg injection molding machine (Model Allrounder 420C) operated at cylinder temperature of 275-280 °C and runner temperature of 290-287 °C, into 45 g performs. These performs were blown into bottles of 1.5 L volume having 0.3 mm thickness using SIDEL SB01 single cavity blow molding machine. Oxygen transmission rate was determined using Mocon Ox-Tran 2/21. OTR came to be 0.1 cc/m.day.

Example 4: Manufacture of barrier polyester bottles with 5% MXD6 + 1000 ppm Trimellitic anhydride (TMA)
0.84 dL/g PET resin (polyethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene isophthalate, containing cobalt residue of 25 ppm), was pulverized to fine powder. PET powder was mixed with TMA (PET : TMA - 80 : 20, by weight) and dried in vacuum oven at 140°C for 6 hrs. 7.592 kg of polyester chips (polyethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene isophthalate, 0.84 dl/g) was dried at 160°C for 5 hrs, 0.4 kg of MXD6 chips was dried at 95°C for 6 hrs under vacuum, were tumble mixed. Movacolor dosing unit was used to dose TMA
- PET mixture during injection molding. lOOOppm TMA targeted in the bottle. The
injection molding was done using 2 cavity Arburg injection molding machine (Model
Allrounder 420C) operated at cylinder temperature of 275-280 °C and runner
temperature of 290-287 °C, into 45 g performs. These performs were blown into
bottles of 1.5 L volume having 0.3 mm thickness volume using SIDEL SB01 single
cavity blow molding machine. Oxygen transmission rate was determined using
Mocon Ox-Tran 2/21. OTR came to be 0.06 cc/m2.day.
Example 5: Manufacture of barrier polyester bottles with 5% MXD6 + 500 ppm p-tolune sulphonic acid (p-TSA)
0.84 dL/g PET resin (polyethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene isophthalate, containing cobalt residue of 25 ppm), was pulverized to fine powder. PET powder was mixed with pTSA (PET : pTSA - 95 : 5, by weight) and dried in vacuum oven at 100°C for 6 hrs. 7.592 kg of polyester chips (polyethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene isophthalate, 0.84 dl/g) was dried at 160°C for 5 hrs, 0.4 kg of MXD6 chips was dried at 95°C for 6 hrs under vacuum, were tumble mixed. Movacolor dosing unit was used to dose pTSA
- PET mixture during injection molding. 500ppm pTSA targeted in the bottle. The
injection molding was done using 2 cavity Arburg injection molding machine (Model
Allrounder 420C) operated at cylinder temperature of 275-280 °C and runner
temperature of 290-287 C, into 45 g performs. These performs were blown into
bottles of 1.5 L volume having 0.3 mm thickness using SIDEL SB01 single cavity

blow molding machine. Oxygen transmission rate was determined using Mocon Ox-Tran 2/21. OTR came to be 0.07 cc/m2.day.
Example 6: Manufacture of bottles with PET control
Slurry of purified terephthalic acid (5.88 kg) and 120 g of isophthalic acid in ethylene glycol (4.5 kg) was esterified for 3.5 hrs up to 260 C at 2 bar nitrogen pressure. 2.1 g antimony trioxide catalyst dissolved in 250ml ethylene glycol was added to the molten esterification product. After an interval of 5 min, 0.65g of ortho phosphoric acid mixed with 50 ml of ethylene glycol was added. Mixing time of 5 minutes was given and 0.75g of cobalt acetate dissolved in 100ml of ethylene glycol was added in the esterification reactor. After an interval of 10 min, the molten product was transferred to the polymerization reactor. The mixture temperature was increased to about 285°C, while gradually reducing the pressure over 45 minutes to 1 mm of Hg to obtain the polymeric product. The intrinsic viscosity of the polymer was determined as 0.63 dL/g(ASTM D4603). The polymer chips were crystallized at 140 °C in air oven, and then subjected to SSP at 210 °C for 10 hr to raise the intrinsic viscosity to 0.83 dL/g. The polymer chips was dried at 160 °C for 5 hr and injection molded using 2 cavity Arburg injection molding machine (Model Allrounder 420C) operated at cylinder temperature of 275-280 C and runner temperature of 290-287 °C, into 45 g performs. These performs were blown into bottles of 1.5 L volume having 0.3 mm thickness using SIDEL SB01 single cavity blow molding machine. Oxygen transmission rate was determined using Mocon Ox-Tran 2/21. OTR came to be 6.9 cc/m2.day.
Example 7: Manufacture of bottles with PET + 5%MXD6
0.4 kg of MXD6 chips and 7.6 kg of base polyester (poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene isophthalate, containing cobalt residue of 25 ppm), IV = 0.80 dL/g) were tumble mixed, dried at 150 °C for 6 hr and injection molded using 2 cavity Arburg

injection molding machine (Model Allrounder 420C) operated at cylinder temperature of 275-280 °C and runner temperature of 290-287°C, into 45 g performs. These performs were blown into bottles of 1.5 L volume having 0.3 mm thickness using SIDEL SB01 single cavity blow molding machine. Oxygen transmission rate was determined using Mocon Ox-Tran 2/21. OTR came to be 2.0 cc/m2.day.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can. by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
The present disclosure that relates to oxygen scavenging compositions has the following technical advantages:

The present disclosure provides an oxygen scavenging composition that is used for preparing a very wide spectrum of packaging articles such as preforms, containers, cans, bottles, pouches, sachet, blister and boxes.
The oxygen scavenging composition of the present disclosure may be used as a single-layered or as a multi-layered packaging material.
The articles prepared from the oxygen scavenging composition of the present disclosure have relatively low induction time.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
The numerical values given for various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the invention and the claims unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Variations or modifications in the process or compound or formulation or combination of this invention, within the scope of the invention, may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure herein. Such variations or modifications are well within the spirit of this invention. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

We Claim:
1. An oxygen scavenging composition comprising:
a. at least one polyester component which includes at least one residual
component, in an amount ranging between 5 ppm and 200 ppm with respect
to the total mass of the polyester component, selected from the group
consisting of elemental metal and salts thereof and elemental metalloid and
salts thereof; said elemental metal being selected from the group consisting
of cobalt, titanium, vanadium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, tin, lead,
silver, cadmium, molybdenum, zirconium and said elemental metalloid
being selected from the group consisting of antimony and germanium;
b. at least one organic oxidizable polymeric component; and
c. at least one acidified activating agent selected from the group consisting of
sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compounds, phosphonic acid containing
compounds and anhydride containing compounds:
said composition being devoid of any additional catalyst.
2. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said residual component is cobalt added as cobalt acetate during polymerization of said polyester component.
3. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mole ratio of the activating agent to the residual component ranges from 0.5 to 50.
4. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of said polyester component ranges between 85% and 99.8% with respect to the total mass of the composition.
5. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
polyester component comprises at least one polymer obtained by polymerizing
at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids

consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid or the corresponding diester and at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1.3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives.
6. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said polyester component is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and recycled polyethylene terephthalate and a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene isopthalate, wherein the amount of ethylene isophthalate is less than 5 mol%.
7. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of said organic oxidizable polymeric component ranges between 0.2% and 15% percent of the total mass of the composition and is at least one selected from the group consisting of poly(m-xylene adipamide) (MXD6), olefin containing segment containing at least one olefinic unsaturation and partially aromatic polyamide.
8. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of the activating agent ranges between 150 and 1500 ppm. preferably between 450 and 1050 ppm with respect to the total mass of the composition
9. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein in said sulfonic acid (RS03H) containing compound R represents at least one selected from the group consisting of substituted or un-substituted saturated C1-C22

hydrocarbon group and substituted or un-substituted unsaturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group.
10. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of p-toluene sulfonic acid, methyl sulfonic acid, 5-sulfoisopthalic acid, 5-sulfodimethyI isophthalic acid (HSIPM) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-sulphonatoisophthalic acid (HSIPEG).
11. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phosphonic acid containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid, phenyl phosphonic acid and methyl phosphonic acid.
12. The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anhydride containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of acetic anhydride, pyromellitic-dianhydride (PMDA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA).
13.The oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activating agent is copolymerized or grafted with at least one polymer prepared by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, the corresponding diester and at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-l,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives.

14. A preform obtained from the oxygen scavenging composition, as claimed in claim 1.
15. A packaging article selected from the group consisting of bottles, containers, jars, cans, pouches, sachets, sheets, blisters and boxes, prepared from the oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in claim 1; said article characterized by having oxygen transmission rate (OTR) ranging between 0.020 and 0.20 cc/ m2.day at thickness ranging between 0.1 and 4 mm.
16. A process for the preparation of an oxygen scavenging composition; said process comprising:
a. incorporating at least one activating agent selected from the group
consisting of sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compounds, phosphonic
acid containing compounds and anhydride containing compounds in at least
one polyester component which includes at least one residual component, in
an amount ranging between 5 ppm and 200 ppm with respect to the total
mass of the polyester component, selected from the group consisting of
elemental metal and salts thereof and elemental metalloid and salts thereof;
said elemental metal being selected from the group consisting of cobalt,
titanium, vanadium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, tin, lead, silver,
cadmium, molybdenum, zirconium and said elemental metalloid being
selected from the group consisting of antimony and germanium and at least
one organic oxidizable polymeric component to obtain a polymer
composite;
b. blending said polymer composite to obtain a polymer blend; and
c. drying said polymer blend at a temperature ranging between 120 °C and
250 °C to obtain the oxygen scavenging composition;
said composition being devoid of any additional catalyst.

17.The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein said activating agent is incorporated prior to the polyester component preparation and/ or during the polyester component preparation and/ or after the polyester component preparation.
18. The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein the amount of said polyester component ranges between 85% and 99.8% with respect to the total mass of the composition.
19. The process as claimed in claimed 16. wherein said polyester component comprises at least one polymer obtained by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid or the corresponding diester at least one compound selected from the group of aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-l,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives.
20. The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein said polyester component is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and recycled polyethylene terephthalate and a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene isopthalate, wherein the amount of ethylene isophthalate is less than 5 mol%.
21. The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein the amount of said organic oxidizable polymeric component ranges between 0.2% and 15% percent of the total mass of the composition and is at least one selected from the group consisting of poly(m-xylene adipamide) (MXD6), olefin containing segment containing at least one olefinic unsaturation and partially aromatic polyamide.

22. The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein the amount of said activating agent ranges between 150 and 1500 ppm, preferably between 450 and 1050 ppm with respect to the total mass of the composition.
23. The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein in said sulfonic acid (RS03H) containing compound R represents at least one selected from the group consisting of substituted or un-substituted saturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group and substituted or un-substituted unsaturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group.
24. The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein the sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of p-toluene sulfonic acid, methyl sulfonic acid, 5-sulfoisopthalic acid, 5-sulfodimethyl isopthalate (HSIPM) and bis(2-hydroxyethy!) 5-sulphonatoisophthalic acid (HSIPEG).
25. The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein the phosphonic acid containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid, phenyl phosphonic acid and methyl phosphonic acid.
26. The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein the anhydride containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of acetic anhydride, pyromellitic-dianhydride (PMDA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA).
27. The process as claimed in claimed 16, wherein said blending comprises a step of melt mixing.
28. A process for the preparation of an oxygen scavenging molded article devoid of additional catalyst; said process comprising:
a. injection molding at least one polyester component which includes at least one residual component, in an amount ranging between 5 ppm and 200 ppm with respect to the total mass of the polyester component, selected from the group consisting of elemental metal and salts thereof and elemental metalloid and salts thereof; said

elemental metal being selected from the group consisting of cobalt titanium, vanadium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, tin. lead, silver, cadmium, molybdenum, zirconium and said elemental metalloid being selected from the group consisting of antimony and germanium, at least one organic oxidizable polymeric component and at least one activating agent selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acid (RS03H) containing compounds, phosphonic acid containing compounds and anhydride containing compounds to obtain a preform;
b. subjecting said preform to blow-molding to obtain an oxygen scavenging molded article.
29. The process as claimed in claim 28, wherein the amount of said polyester component ranges between 85% and 99.8% with respect to the total mass of the composition.
30. The process as claimed in claim 28, wherein said polyester component comprises at least one polymer obtained by polymerizing at least one compound selected from the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid
or the corresponding diester at least one compound selected from the group of . aliphatic diols consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexane diol, 8-octane diol, 1,10 decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, cyclobutanediol, cyclobutane dimethanol, tetramethane cyclobutanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and their ester forming derivatives.
31. The process as claimed in claim 28, wherein said polyester component is at
least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a
copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and recycled polyethylene

terephthalate and a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene isopthalate, wherein the amount of ethylene isophthalate is less than 5 mol%.
32. The process as claimed in claim 28, wherein the amount of said organic oxidizable polymeric component ranges between 0.2% and 15% percent of the total mass of the composition and is at least one selected from the group consisting of po]y(m-xylene adipamide) (MXD6), olefin containing segment containing at least one olefinic unsaturation and partially aromatic polyamide.
33. The process as claimed in claim 28, wherein the amount of the activating agent ranges between 150 and 1500 ppm, preferably between 450 and 1050 ppm with respect to the total mass of the composition.
34. The process as claimed in claimed 28, wherein in said sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compound R represents at least one selected from the group consisting of substituted or un-substituted saturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group and substituted or un-substituted unsaturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon group.
35. The process as claimed in claimed 28, wherein the sulfonic acid (RSO3H) containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of p-toluene sulfonic acid, methyl sulfonic acid, 5-sulfoisopthalic acid, 5-sulfodimethyl isopthalate (HSIPM) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-sulphonatoisophthalic acid (HSIPEG).
36. The process as claimed in claimed 28, wherein the phosphonic acid containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid, phenyl phosphonic acid and methyl phosphonic acid.
37. The process as claimed in claim 28, wherein the anhydride containing compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of acetic anhydride, pyromellitic-dianhydride (PMDA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA).

38. An oxygen scavenging molded article prepared by the process as claimed in claim 28, characterized by having the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) ranging between 0.020 and 0.20 cc/ m2.day at thickness ranging between 0.1 and 4 mm.