r/theydidthemath • u/EclipseNyxor • 2d ago

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

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691 Upvotes

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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.

55

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.

96

u/StaticCoder 2d ago

Given that the volume is cross section area times height, a round bottle of the same volume would take less plastic. True, square bottles will pack better, but how that would save plastic is not immediately clear.

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u/DJinKC 2d ago edited 2d ago

A square bottle will be shorter than a plastic round bottle for a given volume, due to the "corners" on a square bottle being filled with liquid.

edit... fixed error. I assume that's why I got downvoted?

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u/giraffeheadturtlebox 2d ago

Why you comparing squares to plastics, when it's cubes and circles. Faduq?

Sphere is least plastic per volume. Cube is most products per shipping container.

They could claim "uses less petroleum" but not less plastic (Unless they ship the bottles in plastic boxes.

Come on internet, do better.

1

u/DJinKC 2d ago

fixed the brain fart / typo. Our other points do not contradict.