Composition for protecting beta-carotene

1. A composition for protection of beta-carotene within a plastic vessel, comprising:

(a) polyester;

(b) protective colorants consisting essentially of a quinophthalone dye, a pyrazolone dye, and a methine dye; and

(c) an ultra-violet light absorbing chemical;

wherein beta-carotene absorbs visible light in the range of 400 nm-500 nm and wherein the combination of the quinophthalone dye, the pyrazolone dye, and the methine dye absorb visible light in the range of 390 nm-480 nm; and

wherein the weight percent of ingredients of the composition are

polyester resin=79.34-99.91;

quinophthalone dye=0.02-0.06;

pyrazolone dye=0.01-0.05;

methine dye=0.01-0.05;

ultra-violet light absorbing chemical=0.05-0.5; and

optional additives=0-20.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polyester is selected from the group consisting of terephthalates; terephthalate glycols; lactides; (hydroxy)alkanoates; copolyesters of terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and combinations thereof.

3. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the polyester is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV), and combinations thereof.

4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the ultra-violet light absorbing chemical is 2-(2-Hydroxy-3,5-di-a-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole (CAS No. 70321-86-7).

5. The composition of claim 4 , wherein the composition further comprises adhesion promoters; biocides; anti-fogging agents; anti-static agents; foaming agents; dispersants; fillers; flame retardants; smoke suppresants; impact modifiers; initiators; lubricants; micas; colorants; plasticizers; processing aids; release agents; slip agents; anti-blocking agents; stabilizers; stearates; viscosity regulators;

waxes; or combinations of them.

6. A plastic vessel made from the composition of claim 1 .

7. The plastic vessel of claim 6 , wherein the plastic vessel is selected from the group consisting of flexible packaging, rigid packaging, bottles, containers, and other vessels for transport and storage of food.

8. The vessel of claim 6 , wherein the polyester is selected from the group consisting of terephthalates; terephthalate glycols; lactides; (hydroxy)alkanoates; copolyesters of terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and combinations thereof.

9. The vessel of claim 6 , wherein the polyester is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV), and combinations thereof.

10. The vessel of claim 6 , wherein the ultra-violet light absorbing chemical is 2-(2-Hydroxy-3,5-di-a-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole (CAS No. 70321-86-7).

11. The vessel of claim 6 , wherein the composition further comprises adhesion promoters; biocides; anti-fogging agents; anti-static agents; foaming agents; dispersants; fillers; flame retardants; smoke suppressants; impact modifiers; initiators; lubricants; micas; colorants; plasticizers; processing aids; release agents; slip agents; anti-blocking agents; stabilizers; stearates; viscosity regulators; waxes; or combinations of them.

12. A method of using dyes to protect beta-carotene within a plastic vessel, comprising the steps of:

(a)

shaping the composition of claim 1 into the plastic vessel; and

(b) placing a liquid containing beta-carotene into the plastic vessel;

wherein beta-carotene absorbs visible light in the range of 400 nm-500 nm and wherein the combination of the quinophthalone dye, the pyrazolone dye, and the methine dye absorb visible light in the range of 390 nm-480 nm.