New Zealanders recycled nearly 110,000/t glass containers during the past year, which is an increase of almost 18% over the previous year (an additional 17000/t being collected). David Carter, Chair of the Glass Packaging Forum, said this achievement can be attributed to the major efforts made by local authorities in collecting the glass, combined with joint efforts of industry, recycling operators and community collectors in finding economically viable alternative uses for glass. "53% of glass consumed is now being recycled either into new glass containers (either in NZ or offshore), or for increasing use in building or construction projects typically close to where the glass is recovered. In addition, using recovered glass rather than raw materials to make new glass containers uses less energy and produces fewer emissions." said Mr Carter.
