Aluminum Vs Plastic: Cost Comparison And Benefits

Aluminium is more expensive than plastic, with the raw material cost for a can being about 25-30% higher than a PET bottle of a same volume. Aluminium is currently around US$1,750-1,800 per tonne, while the polyester for PET is around US$1,000-1,200 per tonne. However, aluminium has a smaller overall environmental impact than plastic, as it is commonly recycled and has the greatest recycling potential in terms of recycled content limit for containers.

Aluminium is more expensive than plastic

The higher cost of aluminium is due to the fact that it is more expensive to produce than plastic. However, aluminium has a smaller overall environmental impact than plastic. This is because aluminium is commonly recycled and people are less likely to throw it away. In addition, aluminium has the greatest potential for carbon footprint reduction when compared to plastic.

While aluminium may be more expensive than plastic, it is important to consider the long-term environmental impact of both materials. Plastic production often results in dangerous greenhouse emissions and plastic waste buildup in landfills. On the other hand, aluminium production has lower greenhouse emissions when using recycled aluminium.

Overall, while aluminium may have a higher upfront cost, it is a more sustainable option than plastic in the long run.

Aluminium is more environmentally friendly than plastic

The carbon footprint per 1000L of containers in the USA is roughly 185 kg CO2e for aluminium, 320 kg CO2e for PET plastic bottles, and 620 kg CO2e for glass. With full recycling of beverage containers plus conversion to maximum use of renewable energy, aluminium also has the greatest potential for carbon footprint reduction, followed by glass.

There are greenhouse emissions involved in aluminium production, but less so when using recycled aluminium. While there are higher greenhouse gas emissions when it comes to transporting aluminium compared to plastic, more brands and organisations are researching more sustainable options for transporting aluminium.

While the raw material cost for a can is about 25-30% higher than a PET bottle of a similar volume, the cost impact is amplified when the product is water, rather than a higher-value beverage such as beer.

Aluminium is more commonly recycled than plastic

Aluminium is more expensive than plastic. The raw material cost for an aluminium can is about 25-30% higher than a plastic bottle of a similar volume. However, aluminium is more commonly recycled than plastic. Aluminium is 100% recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely without losing any of its qualities. It takes 5% less energy to recycle aluminium compared to other materials, and 1 ton of recycled aluminium saves 9 tons of carbon emissions. It also takes up to 95% less energy to recycle aluminium than to produce new aluminium. Aluminium has a smaller overall environmental impact than plastic. Aluminium has been commonly recycled in the United States for decades, and people associate the material with its recyclability and are less likely to throw it away. In the US, approximately 34.9% of aluminium containers and packaging are recycled, including food and drink containers, aluminium foil, and other packaging. With a recycling rate of 50.4%, aluminium beer and soft drink cans have the highest percentage of any category.

Aluminium has a lower melting point than glass

Aluminium is more expensive than plastic. The raw material cost for an aluminium can is about 25-30% higher than a PET bottle of a similar volume. Aluminium is currently around US$1,750-1,800 per tonne, while the polyester for PET is around US$1,000-1,200 per tonne.

Aluminium has a melting point of 660 degrees Celsius or 1220 degrees Fahrenheit. The melting point of aluminium oxide is higher, at about 2,000 degrees Celsius. The melting point of aluminium is important for its recyclability. A wide melting range indicates that there are more impurities in the aluminium, and the purer the substance, the lower the melting point.

Aluminium has a smaller carbon footprint than plastic

Aluminium is more expensive than plastic, with the raw material cost for a can being about 25-30% higher than a PET bottle of a similar volume. However, aluminium has a smaller carbon footprint than plastic. This is because aluminium is commonly recycled and people are less likely to throw it away. Aluminium cans have a higher global recycling rate at 69%, compared to 3% for plastic bottles.

Aluminium cans are also more lightweight and make efficient use of space, meaning less transport is usually needed than for plastics or glass. Less power is also needed to chill drinks in cans.

The carbon footprint of aluminium drops sharply when it is recycled. However, it is very energy-intensive to produce and has a higher carbon footprint than plastic when it is not recycled.

The environmental impact of aluminium is also reduced when it is made with hydropower instead of fossil fuels.

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