As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on the cost comparison between boxed water and plastic water bottles. It is true that boxed water tends to be more expensive than bottled water, primarily due to the production process and materials involved.
Firstly, let's consider the production of plastic water bottles. Plastic is a widely available and inexpensive material, making it a popular choice for packaging. The manufacturing process for plastic bottles is highly efficient and can be done in large quantities, resulting in lower production costs. This cost efficiency is reflected in the price of plastic water bottles, which can often be found at very low prices, such as the $3 for a 12-pack example on Amazon.
On the other hand, boxed water is made from more sustainable materials, such as cardboard or paper-based cartons. These materials are more expensive to produce compared to plastic. Additionally, the production process for boxed water is often more complex, involving multiple steps like cutting, folding, and sealing the cartons. These factors contribute to the higher cost of boxed water.
Furthermore, the demand for boxed water is relatively lower compared to plastic water bottles. This lower demand results in fewer economies of scale and higher production costs per unit. As a result, suppliers of boxed water may need to charge more in order to cover their production expenses.
It is important to note that the price range mentioned ($50 for a 12-pack of boxed water) seems unusually high and may not be representative of the average cost. Prices can vary depending on various factors such as brand, location, and packaging size. While boxed water may still be more expensive than plastic water bottles on average, it is unlikely to be as expensive as the example given.
In my personal experience, I have seen boxed water priced slightly higher than plastic water bottles, but not to the extent of the mentioned $50 for a 12-pack. The price difference is generally reasonable and can be justified by the more sustainable packaging of boxed water.
To summarize, boxed water tends to be more expensive than plastic water bottles due to the cost of materials and the more complex production process. However, the price difference may not be as significant as the $50 for a 12-pack example suggests. It is important for consumers to consider the environmental benefits and the overall value of boxed water when making purchasing decisions.