Hacker News Reader

Comment by zcw100 | Hacker News Reader

I’m willing to bet this has nothing to do with recyclability and everything to do with less expensive manufacturing.

I hope it is less expensive.

Cost savings often benefit sustainability. You probably heard the "reduce, reuse, recycle, in that order" thing. The "reduce" part also reduces costs.

Here it looks like there is one less part (the silicone ring), which I believe makes it cheaper to build, cuts on supplies (no more need for silicone), and improves recyclability, which is good for the image and maybe some regulations. I don't know how good it is at delivering ketchup, but if it is as good or better, then we all win. Granted, it is still disposable plastic, but I don't see why that design would be unsuitable for a reusable bottle.

Exactly the kind of R&D I like.

> I hope it is less expensive.

So do the shareholders. Less cost == more profit.

You say this as if it's a bad thing? I don't see the need to be pesemistic about this.

The issue is in a capitalist society that saving of cost is not going towards a more efficient production method, or even being passed on to the consumer, its going in the pockets of the board and shareholders.

Effectively this news story can be reduced to 'Plastic lid swapped for new plastic lid which makes company more money.'

Its not cynical, its the truth.

'The public' does accrue benefits from a cheaper and less environmentally toxic production method though.

Wealth creation isn't zero sum. If it was we'd still be quibbling over sticks in caves. In a competitive environment, innovations can and does lead to lower-cost products for consumers, especially from new entrants in the market.

No, I state the fact.

I don't think so. There's a huge push for recycling in EU. Every recyclable item either says to be put in the correct recycle bin, or has information about reusing with concentrated refills or by repurposing.

Maybe the same push is not present in the US, but creating a new cap for European market makes sense. Also using the better cap across the whole world to save costs makes sense again.

It can be both.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com