A container, desirably blow molded or extrusion molded, said container having barrier properties and including an upper wall portion having an opening, an intermediate sidewall portion positioned beneath the upper wall portion, and a base portion positioned beneath the intermediate sidewall portion to support the container. The container includes a molded first layer having an inner surface and an outer surface formed from high density polyethylene, and a carbon coating formed on the inner surface of the first layer and adhered thereto and substantially coextensive with the first layer, wherein said carbon coating has a thickness of less than about 10 microns.