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Q9: From an energy perspective is it better to buy jam in a steel can or in a glass jar? Similarly for beer in aluminium or in stubbies?
Submitted by David Shaw

A: The answer is whichever has the lower overall energy use or emissions over the product’s full life cycle. That is, we need to calculate the amount of energy and the emissions produced in manufacturing a steel can, recycling the can, and producing new cans from the recycled cans, and then compare the results for a glass jar. A similar analysis would need to be carried out to compare the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of an aluminium beer can and a stubbie.

– David Harries, Director, Research Institute for Sustainable Energy

A: Steel cans are lighter than glass jars so take less energy to transport. While steel takes more energy per kg to recycle, the lower mass probably makes it the best option — although you would need to make further calculations on the energy going into all aspects of the product’s life cycle.

– Lance Turner, Technical Editor, ATA - Alternative Technology Association

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