Is Aluminum Better Than Bioplastics for Beverages?

Single-use plastic beverage packaging takes a considerable toll on the environment. Bioplastics — polymers made from renewable resources, making them recyclable or compostable — are a possible alternative. These materials were once too expensive to justify, but they’ve gained popularity as prices have fallen.

While bioplastics are certainly more eco-friendly than conventional plastics, metal packaging is often preferable. Recycled aluminum is particularly valuable. It represents a larger drop in energy demands, and consumers dispose of it correctly more often than they do with bioplastics.

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