Collection of glass containers for recycling hits 78% in the EU

Latest value chain data – published by Close the Glass Loop – show that the EU28 average collection for recycling rate for glass packaging grew to the record rate of 78% in 2019. This represents a growth of 2% points compared to 2018 performance, which shows that the glass packaging value chain is delivering on its circular economy ambition.

The multi-stakeholder stewardship partnership Close the Glass Loop aims to achieve a post-consumer glass container collection target of 90% by 2030, and to ensure that this is recycled into the container glass production loop. The vast majority of the 13.7 million tons collected go back to remelt new bottles and jars.

“The record high glass collection for recycling rate of 78% shows that our ambitious Close the Glass Loop targets can be achieved with close cooperation between all players in the value chain, sharing best practices on innovative and tailored collection models, high quality sorting and recycling and communication campaigns for consumers, » says Joachim Quoden, Managing Director of EXPRA (Extended Producer Responsibility Alliance), on behalf of Close the Glass Loop partners.

It is a priority for the glass collection & recycling value chain to ensure that the remaining 22% of glass packaging is collected and brought back into the loop. Close the Glass Loop unites glass producer, brand owners and fillers, the hospitality sector, glass treaters, Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes, collectors and municipalities under a multi-stakeholder European program. It is supported by 11 national platforms to increase the quantity and quality of available recycled glass.

All rights reserved except agreement written by Emballage Digest or mention of the magazine