Great progress has been made in the collection of glass for recycling with rates across Europe rising to a record 76% on average according to the latest data from the glass industry.
The data, which has been provided by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE), shows a 1% rise from 2016 to 2017 across the 28 EU countries.
Figures show an encouraging focus on glass recycling across the continent with the move towards a strong circular economy for glass under existing recycling schemes and in turn more glass being available for re-melt.
Leading the way for glass collection in Europe were Slovenia and Belgium, who achieved a rate of 99% and 98% respectively, while the UK’s glass collection rate for recycling was 67% for the same period.
A circular economy for glass results in major environmental, social and economic benefits for the value chain, customers and consumers.
CEO of British Glass Dave Dalton said:
“These latest figures show that the existing recycling schemes already in place across Europe are moving glass recycling in the right direction, and increasingly towards a true circular economy and closed loop for glass.
“This is incredibly beneficial to glass manufacturers across Europe as it means they are getting more recycled glass to use in the manufacturing process enabling them to reduce environmental impacts whilst saving energy and virgin raw materials.
“Therefore, this new data is something the glass industry can be both encouraged by, and very proud of.”
FEVE Secretary General, Adeline Farrelly said:
“The high glass collection for recycling rate of 76% shows that the glass packaging circular economy works very well.
“Glass is a permanent material that can be endlessly recycled into new packaging, always maintaining its safety characteristics no matter how many times it’s recycled.”
