Most large plastic storage containers like those produced by sterilite have sloped sides so that the top is wider than the base. This of course means that when placed side by side there is a large gap between them of wasted space. Is there a reason for this? Easier to manufacture? Structural integrity?
Edit: Thank you very much to all of you for your responses!
In: 94
Nesting is one reason.
When the top is wider than the base, you can place multiple empty containers inside each other in a very tight fit. If the top was the exact same size as the base, you would have to stack the containers on top of each other.
50 nested containers and 50 lids occupies much less space (on a pallet, on a shipping truck, in a cargo container) than 50 containers stacked on top of each other.
Manufacturing is the other: with a slight angle they will pull off of the mold easier.
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