The tub is very realistically user reusable, at least once.

Both the tub and the bag have less carbon footprint than a cotton bag, glass container, or metal tin. Likely less than transporting liquid detergent (though more than powder in cardboard)

The tub has to be thoroughly cleaned, and even then you shouldn't store food in it because of the detergents possibly permeating the plastic. I read this in an article about repurposing the tubs as Jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween.

Anyways, what's your point? They could use cardboard just as easily. And that still doesn't excuse plastics being used today that are non recyclable.

My point is that cardboard is often not better than plastics. Especially if the priority is less carbon rather than concerns about [non methane or sludge producing] landfill usage.

Recycled cardboard has a higher (3x) energy footprint and water waste than pe products.

This is an interesting comparison. https://www.egglandsbest.com/exceptional-quality/sustainabil...

If it gets wet then the pods would be ruined.