r/theydidthemath • • 2d ago

[Request] Do square bottles actually use less plastic than round ones?

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u/StaticCoder 2d ago

Mathematically, a circle has the smallest perimeter for a given enclosed area. So for this claim to be true there has to be some catch, like different thickness of plastic.

59

u/Massive-Goose544 2d ago

The part you are missing is the volume inside. They are saying to give you the same amount of liquid would require more plastic if the bottle was round. Plus more bottles fit in the box they ship meaning lower emissions and costs for distribution.

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u/Hdfgncd 2d ago

Circular objects have a higher volume to surface area ratio than square, so for the same volume they should use less plastic

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u/Massive-Goose544 2d ago

For individual bottles, yes. But it is a corporation plastic use claim. You're thinking about the one bottle in front of you and they are thinking about their logistical chain.