Close the Glass Loop has unveiled the most comprehensive report to date on the 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, the report provides an in-depth overview of the efficiency of the glass recycling process.
 
It confirms that the glass collection & 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.
 
This report reaffirms Close the Glass Loop’s commitment to promoting glass recycling and advancing Europe’s circular economy. By delivering actionable insights into the operations of Glass Cullet Recycling Facilities, the report serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders aiming to enhance packaging glass recycling processes and drive sustainable improvements across the value chain.
 
Through the actions outlined in the “Roadmap to Optimise Closed Loop Recycling of Glass Packaging”, we strive 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.