Plastic Bottles vs. Aluminum Cans

As a manufacturer of beverage packaging, choosing the right material is crucial for the success of your products. Two of the most commonly used materials are plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

Before discussing these two packaging materials, let’s talk about a topic first. As a consumer, which one do you prefer, canned cola, glass bottle cola, or plastic bottle cola? 

There was a discussion on Reddit. Many people prefer aluminum can cola because they think it is more chilled. When these three types of cola are taken out of the refrigerator at a very low temperature, the glass bottle and plastic bottle cola do not taste as cool. This is because aluminum cans have strong heat preservation properties, and aluminum cans are not easy to break, lighter, and more environmentally friendly.

Both plastic bottles and aluminum cans have their strengths and weaknesses, which make them suitable for different types of beverage packaging. The following table compares the advantages and disadvantages of the two materials:

Plastic bottles

Ever Bright | Plastic bottles vs. aluminum cans

Advantage

Low cost, lightweight, and easy to produce and transport.

Disadvantage

Negative impact on the environment and potential health risks.

Suitable for

Low-value, short shelf-life products such as beverages and cleaning supplies.

Aluminum Cans

Advantages

Durable, recyclable, and can protect products from light and air, extending shelf life.

Disadvantages

Higher cost compared to plastic bottles.

Suitable for

High-value, easily perishable, long shelf-life products such as beer, coffee, and spices.

Ever Bright | Plastic bottles vs. aluminum cans

As you can see from the table, plastic bottles are low-cost, lightweight, and easy to produce and transport. However, they have a negative impact on the environment and potential health risks. On the other hand, aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable, offer superior protection, and are more sustainable, even though they have a higher cost compared to plastic bottles.

The advantage of aluminum cans is that they are more durable than plastic cans, meaning they are less likely to crack or break. Aluminum cans are also 100% recyclable, whereas plastic bottles can only be recycled a few times before they have to go to landfill.

The disadvantage is that aluminum cans cost more to produce than plastic bottles, so the upfront cost may be higher. Aluminum cans are also heavier than plastic bottles, so they are less convenient to transport.

The Advantages of Aluminum Packaging

Aluminum packaging, such as aluminum cans, has been a popular choice for beverage packaging for many years. As a packaging material, aluminum has many advantages over other materials, including:

Aluminum aerosol can

Infinitely recyclable:

Unlike plastic, which can only be recycled a limited number of times before it degrades in quality, aluminum is infinitely recyclable. This means that it can be recycled again and again without losing its quality or integrity.

Durable:

Aluminum is a strong, durable material that can withstand a variety of conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and pressure. This makes it an ideal material for packaging products that need to be protected from the environment.

Lightweight:

Despite its strength and durability, aluminum is a lightweight material, which makes it easy to transport and handle.

Sustainable:

Aluminum is a sustainable material that can be recycled and reused, which reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

The Future of Aluminum Packaging

Ever Bright | Plastic bottles vs. aluminum cans
  • As consumers become more concerned about the environment and sustainability, the demand for aluminum packaging is expected to increase in the future.
  • According to a report by Technavio, the global aluminum packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 3% from 2021-2025.
  • This growth is being driven by the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, as well as the growth of the food and beverage industry.
  • Some brands, such as Coca-Cola, have begun to introduce aluminum cans to package water and beverages.
Ever Bright | Plastic bottles vs. aluminum cans

Why choose us?

At EBI, we are committed to providing high-quality aluminum packaging solutions to our customers.

  • Our aluminum cans are made from recycled aluminum, which helps reduce the environmental impact of our products.

  • We offer a wide range of aluminum beverage cans in different sizes and shapes to meet the unique needs of our customers.

  • Our customization options allow customers to create unique packaging designs that stand out on the shelves.

 

Ever Bright | Plastic bottles vs. aluminum cans

In general, plastic bottle packaging and aluminum packaging have their advantages, but from the perspective of long-term protection, the application prospects of aluminum packaging will be broader. As consumers become more concerned about the environment, the demand for aluminum packaging is expected to grow in the future.

EBI offers high-quality aluminum beverage cans made from recycled aluminum, with customization options available to meet your unique packaging needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our packaging solutions and how we can help you choose the right material for your packaging needs.

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