Abstract: A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin configured to be molded into a preform that can be biaxially expanded within a cavity of a container mold by introducing an incompressible fluid under pressure into the preform to stretch the preform to assume a shape of a surrounding mold cavity of the container mold. The HDPE resin has: a melt flow index of between 0.3 and 10.0 grams per 10 minutes at a temperature of 190° C. under 2.16 kilograms of load; a polydispersity index of 4-24; and a density of 0.943-0.965 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A hot fill container is provided having a base, a body portion connected to the base, a shoulder portion connected to the body portion, and a neck portion connected to the shoulder portion. At least two panels in the shoulder portion are adapted to flex to accommodate pressure changes within the hot fill container. A longitudinal strut between each of the at least two panels provides longitudinal support to the neck portion.