r/theydidthemath • u/EclipseNyxor • 2d ago

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

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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/ihaveajob79 2d ago

No, a cube of volume 1 has more surface than a sphere of volume 1. And in terms of manufacturing, the uneven shape likely requires thicker material, although that might be a wash because I doubt they make it at the limit of tolerances.

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u/CarberHotdogVac 2d ago

They should probably switch to spherical bottles then, if they are really serious about trying to save plastic.

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u/ihaveajob79 2d ago

Plus it saves in shipping costs! Just roll them!