The European Container Glass Federation (FEVE), has supported the European Commission’s proposal to create a circular glass economy in Europe.
The Circular Economy Package calls for mandatory separate collection schemes, targets focus on recycling, and acknowledges the superior value of permanent materials.
According to a statement released by FEVE, the glass packaging industry has long-since backed such a proposal. "Because of its inherent properties, glass is endlessly recycled and for over 40 years the industry has built partnerships to collect end-of-life glass containers that replace virgin raw materials in a closed loop," read the statement.
Glass is one of the most recycled food and drink packaging materials. Currently, 73 per cent of all post-consumer glass is recycled, 90 per cent of which is made into new packaging. Vitaliano Torno, president of FEVE, says the focus in Europe should be to collect the remaining 27 per cent.
"For the circular economy to function and for all Member States to meet their targets, it is fundamental that separate collection schemes become mandatory across the EU to increase the quantity as well as the quality and safety of recycled materials," said Torno.
The new recycling targets for glass are to reach 75 per cent by 2025, and 85 per cent by 2030. Torno stressed the importance of glass recycling in a circular economy.
"Glass is a permanent material that is 100% and endlessly recyclable without any degradation of its intrinsic properties no matter how many times it is recycled."
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by John Golden. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
