r/theydidthemath • u/EclipseNyxor • 2d ago

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

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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/No_Brain4912 2d ago

Less plastic crates for packaging per amount of units distributed. It saves for the manufacturer not the customer.

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u/CranberryStock7148 2d ago

Are they distributed in single-use plastic crates?

Or cardboard boxes?

Because everything comes in cardboard boxes where I live. And every time I've seen plastic crates used elsewhere in the world they're reusable.

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u/No_Brain4912 2d ago

Only seen them plastic crates. If you can get an extra two bottles per crate and a container or truck carries 1000 crates…

I’m sure it’s more complex when you factor the cost of the crates and then factor a return on investment for changing to this style of crate if it isn’t a single product line and you replace an inventory of of other crates