More than a third of households (34%) in Germany, Poland and the UK recycled more glass packaging during the coronavirus lockdown period, new research has shown.
The research, carried out by Ardagh Group, surveyed 2,100 households about their recycling habits during lockdown, a period which saw glass packaging consumed more frequently due to the prolonged closure of bars and restaurants.
Some 40% of respondents in the UK and Poland, as well as 21% of those in Germany, said that they were recycling more glass, which represents a 'marked change' in glass consumption, according to Ardagh.
Recycling Methods
The research showed that recycling methods vary from country to country, with 86% of households in Germany and 72% in Poland saying that they 'always' or 'often' use glass recycling banks to recycle their glass.
In the UK, meanwhile, kerbside collection schemes are more popular, with 75% of respondents saying they 'always' or 'often' use these schemes to recycle empty glass packaging.
UK consumers were also found to be more likely to dispose of glass in general waste, with close to a third (32%) saying that they dispose of glass in this way, compared to 15% in Germany and 17% in Poland.
When asked how glass recycling could be made easier, 79% of respondents in the three countries said they would welcome more conveniently located glass recycling banks, while 74% would welcome more frequent household collection.
In addition, close to two thirds (64%) would welcome more information on what happens to their glass packaging after they have recycled it.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
