The latest data from Close the Glass Loop, the EU-wide initiative to increase glass recycling, paints a promising picture for the future of glass packaging sustainability.
The report shows that the EU average collection rate for glass packaging remained stable at a remarkable 80.2% in 2022, despite a significant 4.5% increase in the amount of glass packaging placed on the market.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates that the glass packaging value chain has demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to increasing the availability of post-consumer glass for the manufacturing of new glass bottles and jars. In fact, a record-breaking 12.4 million tonnes of glass were collected in 2022, representing an increase of approximately 542,000 tonnes over the previous year.
Adeline Farrelly, Secretary General of FEVE (the European Container Glass Federation), praised the industry’s efforts, stating, “The increase in volumes of collected glass demonstrates the resilience and commitment of the glass packaging value chain to increase the availability of post-consumer glass for the manufacturing of new glass bottles and jars.”
However, the work is far from done. To achieve the ambitious 90% collection objective by 2030, the industry must continue to promote initiatives in the separate collection of glass packaging from households and the hospitality sector, as well as support investments that maximize glass recycling outputs towards closed-loop glass packaging.
The mobilization of National Platforms and National Action Plans will be essential in driving the necessary actions to increase glass collection and recycling in each EU Member State. This year, Romania and the Netherlands were welcomed as new National Platforms, further strengthening the network and capacity to implement tailored strategies at the national level.
As Olivier Deweerdt, Secretary General of FERVER (European Federation of Glass Recyclers), emphasized, “To achieve our 90% collection target, Close the Glass Loop national Platforms play a pivotal role. The exchange of best practices and support for projects and activities at the national level are vital for increasing and improving glass collection for recycling.”
The industry’s commitment to sustainability and the close collaboration between stakeholders in the Close the Glass Loop initiative are undoubtedly driving the positive trends in glass recycling. As the EU continues its journey towards a more circular economy, the glass packaging industry’s dedication to increasing collection and recycling rates will play a crucial role in achieving a greener future.
Source:Close the Glass Loop with additional information added by GlassBalkan
