Sterilizable multi-layer plastic materials for medical containers and the like

Flexible container has a body section of plastics film having at least two layers, with one, inner, layer formed of a selected, crosslinkable material free of leachable plasticiser and a second outer layer formed of material which is substantially non crosslinkable and has a higher meltinq point than the first layer. The body section is irradiated to achieve a selected level of crosslinking and heat resistance in the first layer. The container is sterilised before use. Pref. inner layer is of poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) containing 10 to 35 wt.% vinylacetate units and the outler layer is of polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymers, blends, or alloys. A sterilizable, plastic medical container has a body section formed of thin, multi layer film. The film has a first layer formed of cross-linkable plastic free or essentially free of extractable plasticizers, such as poly(ethylene vinyl acetate (20a, 22a), and a second layer formed of a substantially non-cross-linkable plastic having a higher melting temperature than the first layer, such as high density polyethylene (20b, 22b). The first layer is inwardly oriented in contact with the contents of the container. A port formed of the same plastic can be heat sealed to the body section. The container is irradiated to effect cross-linking, filled with fluid, and the port sealed. The fluid filled container can then be heat or steam sterilized.