New figures published by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) show that the recycling rate for glass across the EU remained at 68 per cent in 2010, while the domestic figure now stands at 61 per cent.
According to FEVE, this means about 25 billion glass bottles and jars were collected in the 27 member states during this time, 80 per cent of which are estimated to have been recycled back into bottles and jars. This figure is considerably lower in the UK, where only 38 per cent (600,000 tonnes) is recycled as glass packaging, thereby achieving a closed loop status.
Commenting on the figures, Rebecca Cocking, Head of Container Affairs for British Glass, said that glass recycling has ‘nowhere near peaked’ in the UK. Notably, there is still domestic capacity to raise the amount of material that is sent for remelt, an issue that has been addressed by Government. Last week the Chancellor announced plans to split up the packaging target for glass recycling in order to boost remelt by allowing only a certain amount of cullet sent for aggregate being able to count towards the obligation.
“We welcome the new targets but would still urge the Government that while local authorities are not subject to this legislation, there is a danger that too much cullet will continue to end up in our roads instead of back on the shelf,” added Cocking.
FEVE has recently worked with ACR+, the Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and Sustainable Resource Management, to produce a report highlighting good practices in glass recycling. This advocates separated waste collection schemes should be widely supported to promote a circular economy for glass packaging. This summer, the European Commission is due to announce end-of-waste status for post-consumer glass (cullet), a measure that is expected to further increase glass recycling.
Commenting on the Europe-wide figures Niall Wall, President of FEVE, said: “Glass collection and recycling is the perfect component of a circular economy. As there is still 32 per cent of glass that is not yet collected our goal is to get this precious resource back in the bottle-to-bottle loop. With the help of national and EU authorities, collectors and processors we want to increase the quantities of good quality glass collected so that we can recycle more in our plants”.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.