The collection for glass recycling rates in Europe have increased for the sixth year in a row.

The latest data released by Close the Glass Loop shows an increase of 1.4% from the previous year.

This is the highest rate of glass packaging collection recorded so far.

Carlo Pirrone, Secretary General of FEVE – the European Container Glass Federation, said: “Since the beginning, Close the Glass Loop has recognised the critical role of national value chains, through the development of its national platforms.

“Glass can be reused and is endlessly recyclable, no matter where it is consumed.

The next phase of our work should focus on strengthening capacity on the ground, targeting investment where it can deliver the greatest impact and accelerating progress in countries that still have the largest collection gaps.”

Close the Glass Loop stated that the recycling rates recorded this year underline the efficiency and effectiveness of separate collection systems across Europe, especially when considering that 87% of all collected glass packaging is sourced from municipal waste management.

Françoise Bonnet, Secretary General of ACR+, the Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management, reinforced this achievement.

She said: “Local authorities are not only responsible for municipal waste management, they are securing the supply of secondary raw materials into the circular economy and glass packaging is a strong example of this.

“To close the collection gap, we need to reinforce the partnership between municipalities and industrial value chains, to boost collection and recycling rates, and, in the end, strengthen the environmental and economic benefits delivered to citizens.”

While the high rates of collection were praised by members of Close the Glass Loop, they made sure to highlight the importance of also raising recycling rates.

Rene Schroeder, Secretary General of FERVER – the European Glass Recyclers’ Federation, said: “Investments in glass cullet recycling facilities have enabled a circular model for glass, where it is estimated that 85% of all glass packaging collected is effectively recycled in a closed loop.

“While increasing collection volumes is key, it must be accompanied by a strong focus on collection quality and recyclability of the glass packaging, to maximise the amount of glass that can be recycled back into new containers.”

This focus on collection quality and recyclability will be carried out on the basis of the design-for-recycling criteria prepared by the CEN (European Committee for Standardisation), in view of the implementation of the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation.

The full breakdown of all the data on glass collection for recycling and its evolution since 2020 is available on the Close the Glass Loop website.