Beer Can vs Bottle CO2 Emissions Comparison
Compare aluminum cans and returnable bottles across any quantity to quickly estimate the difference in lifecycle CO2 emissions.
Input
Lifecycle estimate including production, shipping and recycling (default 120g)
Estimate assuming washing and repeated reuse (default 80g)
Result
CO2 saved by choosing bottles (100 units)
4.00kg-CO2
(4,000 g-CO2)
Can total
12.00 kg
Bottle total
8.00 kg
CO2 saved
4.00 kg
| Container | Per unit | Total (g) | Total (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum can | 120 g | 12,000 | 12.00 |
| Returnable bottle | 80 g | 8,000 | 8.00 |
How it works
- This calculator multiplies the CO2 per unit (g) by the quantity for both aluminum cans and returnable bottles, then shows the difference as the amount of CO2 saved.
- The per-unit CO2 is a whole-lifecycle estimate covering production, shipping and recycling (or reuse for bottles). Defaults are about 120 g-CO2 per can and 80 g-CO2 per returnable bottle, but you can change them freely in the input fields.
- Returnable bottles assume washing and repeated reuse, so the more times a bottle is reused the lower its per-unit emissions become. Note that one-way (single-use) bottles will have higher values.
- The main figure (CO2 saved) is shown prominently in kg-CO2, with the can total, bottle total, and savings laid out as stats and a table (1 kg = 1,000 g).
- Actual values vary widely depending on container size, material, transport distance, electricity emission factors, recycling rates and more. The results here are only a rough estimate, not exact figures.
Related calculators
Incandescent to LED Savings
EnvironmentQuickly estimate how much you can save on yearly electricity and CO2 by replacing incandescent bulbs with LED or fluorescent lamps, based on wattage, hours of use, and the number of bulbs.
Open calculator →Car-to-Bicycle Commute Savings
EnvironmentEstimate how much fuel money and CO2 you can save each year, and how many calories you'll burn, by replacing your car commute with a bicycle.
Open calculator →Appliance Replacement Savings
EnvironmentEstimate the annual electricity savings, CO2 reduction, and payback period when you replace an old appliance with an energy-efficient model, straight from the power consumption.
Open calculator →Air Conditioner (Cooling) Electricity Cost & CO2
EnvironmentEstimate the electricity cost and CO2 emissions of running an AC in cooling mode from its power draw (W), hours, and days. You can also pick by room size.
Open calculator →