In 2022, the average collection of glass packaging for recycling recorded the80,2% in the European Union, according to the latest data collected by Close the Glass Loop. The result demonstrates the industrial platform's ability to increase the quantity of recycled glass available, also in parallel with the clear increase in the volume of glass packaging placed on the market (+4,5%).
Historical collection record
As confirmed by Adeline Farrelly, General Secretary of FEVE, the 2022 values represent a historical record: they were in fact collected 12,4 million tons of glass packaging, an increase of approximately 542.000 tonnes compared to 2021.
The goal of 90% by 2030 is therefore within reach, provided that investments are made from a circular perspective, promoting initiatives aimed at consumers and the Horeca sector for the correct disposal and recovery of glass waste.
European collaboration and sustainability
Only through the careful planning of national platforms and action plans it will be possible to produce an effective and sustainable glass collection and recycling system at European level. And it is precisely in the connection and support between national and supranational realities that strategic input can be generated to promote a greener continent.
This is demonstrated by the Dutch accessions and Romania, the first countries to join the Close the Glass Loop partnership since its founding in 2020.
As highlighted by Olivier Deweerdt, the exchange of best practices and Close the Glass Loop's support for national activities could really impact the efficiency of glass collection.
And the results seem to confirm the considerations of the Secretary General of FERVER in several European countries, including Italy which in 2022 achieved an increase of 3 percentage points in the collection of glass for recycling, reaching 88%.
Sources: closetheglassloop.eu, glass-international.com
