A container (22) includes a shell (24) made from a polymer, for example PET, andincorporating a catalyst, for example a palladium catalyst. A closure (40) incorporatesa plug which includes a source of hydrogen, for example a hydride. In use, withcontainer (22) including a beverage and closure (40) in position, the headspacein the container will be saturated with water vapor. This vapor contacts the hydrideassociated with plug (42) and as a result the hydride produces molecular hydrogenwhich migrates into the polymer matrix of shell (24) and combines with oxygenwhich may have entered the container through its permeable walls. A reactionbetween the hydrogen and oxygen takes place, catalysed by the catalyst, and wateris produced. Thus, oxygen which may ingress the container is scavenged and thecontents of the container are protected from oxidation.
