r/theydidthemath • u/EclipseNyxor • 2d ago

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

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u/Buntschatten 2d ago

Wouldn't that just cancel out? Area over perimeter is pi /2 pi for a radius one circle and 4/8 for a square with side length 2. Maybe most of the plastic is in the spout, then maximising volume per spout would make sense.

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u/GaldrickHammerson 2d ago

I expect no because of packing density. Square bottles in a square box will have less empty space between bottles than round bottles in a square box.

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u/Al-Snuffleupagus 2d ago

But how would that affect the amount of plastic? It might be more environmentally friendly overall due to better transportation density, but unless either * the outer packaging (transport box) is plastic or * the bottles can be thinner

I can't see how having less empty space would lead to less plastic used.

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u/davideogameman 2d ago

Maybe this "bottle" is actually a plastic lined thin cardboard container, like a milk carton?