CAN VS. PLASTIC
This post is not about plastic in the environmental waste sense. It’s about product economics and customer experience. (But, in this case what’s good for business is not good for the environmental, nor the customers).
THE TASTE (OF PLASTIC)
“The aluminum cans have a polymer lining that can absorb some of the soda’s flavors, food chemist Sarah Risch tells Popular Science, potentially making the taste milder. If you are slugging your soda from a plastic bottle, Risch notes, the soda’s flavor may be altered by some of the acetaldehyde in the plastic transferring into the drink.” -MSN
THE TEMPERATURE
In my humble opinion, Coca Cola tastes better out of a can because the aluminum can does a better job at than a plastic bottle at preserving the cold temperature. (I haven’t done enough research to support this – but logic tells me I’m right). Who wants to drink a soda that’s not “cold enough?” Not me.
However, most stores and street carts carry the plastic bottle because they can charge a premium $3.50 (2o oz) on average versus $1 can (16 oz). They are charging a high premium for 4 oz and a packaging that is not environmentally or taste friendly. Obviously, it’s a better business in terms of revenue for Coca Cola and the vendor – but for the customer….not really.
THE CONVENIENCE
One of their main selling points is that it’s resealable. You screw the cap back on and save some soda for later – but, let’s be honest. By the time you want to drink that soda again – it is most likely flat, bubbles are significantly reduced – therefore quality in taste is also sacrificed.
THE FIZZ
“Manufacturers dissolve the same volume of carbon dioxide into their plastic- and aluminum-bound products, but polyethylene terephthalate plastic is somewhat more CO2-permeable than aluminum. That means the fizz will leak out of a plastic bottle of Coke at a higher rate than it would from a can. Over 12 weeks of storage in poor conditions—a hot place with direct sunlight—soda in plastic bottles can lose up to 15 percent of its carbon dioxide. ” – Slate
THE TASTE CHALLENGE
WE SPEND A LOT OF MONEY BUYING NICE FURNITURE, ETC. WHAT ABOUT NICE BOTTLES?
It’s been easier to find prettier replacement bottles for the kitchen than for the bathroom. For the bathroom, I’ve preferred to repurpose Mrs. Meyers plastic bottles in the mean time while I find something better. I rather see these than branded bottles (with most often bad taste in design). I’m considering getting Muji PET refillable bottles for my bathroom, but I think $5-10 for an ordinary design and empty PET bottle is overpriced.
It’s also a protest in that I don’t want to see someone else’s Company brand in my daily life. I don’t, its annoying and most of the times ruins my decor.
Photo Credits: The Budapest Hotel – Wes Anderson, The Noun Project
