Performance of Packaging Glass Recycling in Europe

Performance of Packaging Glass Recycling in Europe

Following a survey of more than 80 Glass Cullet Recycling Facilities, active in 20 different countries and processing more than 60% of all available glass packaging collected for recycling in 2022, Close the Glass Loop has unveiled the most comprehensive report to date on the Performance of Packaging Glass Recycling in Europe.

It confirms that the glass collection and recycling value chain is delivering major results for the circular economy: 93% of all materials entering Glass Cullet Recycling Facilities were effectively recycled in 2022 and 85% were sent for re-melt in glass packaging manufacturing to produce new bottles and jars.

The report also highlights the huge reliance on municipal waste collection systems, with 87% of all materials entering Glass Cullet Recycling Facilities originating from post-consumer glass in municipal waste. In addition, it indicates that imported materials represent only 11% of the total inputs, demonstrating the local dimension of glass recycling.

Through the actions outlined in the “Roadmap to Optimise Closed Loop Recycling of Glass Packaging”, Close the Glass Loop is striving to maintain and further improve the overall performance of closed loop recycling, while achieving the goal of 90% glass packaging collection for recycling in the EU by 2030.

For more information and to access the full report