Glass collection rate in EU reaches 80.2%

The EU average collection of glass packaging for recycling was 80.2% in 2022, with a record volume of collected glass.

The latest data released by Close the Glass Loop shows that the EU average collection for recycling rate of glass packaging remained stable at 80.2% in 2022.

The amount of glass collected kept up with the substantial increase in the amount of glass packaging placed on the market (+4.5%), indicating a positive trend in glass collection efforts across Europe.

Adeline Farrelly, Secretary General of the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE), said: “More glass packaging was collected in 2022 than ever before, reaching a record level of 12.4 million tonnes, representing an increase of about 542,000 tonnes over the previous year.

“The increase in volumes of collected glass demonstrates the resilience and commitment of the glass packaging value chain to increase the availability of post-consumer glass for the manufacturing of new glass bottles and jars.”

To achieve the 90% collection objective by 2030, Close the Glass Loop said it was imperative to further promote initiatives in the separate collection of glass packaging from households and the hospitality sector, and support investments that maximise glass recycling outputs towards closed loop glass packaging.

The organisation continued that the mobilisation of National Platforms and National Action Plans would be essential to trigger the necessary actions to increase glass collection and recycling in each EU Member State.

This year, Close the Glass Loop welcomed two new National Platforms, Romania and the Netherlands.

Olivier Deweerdt, Secretary General of the European Federation of Glass Recyclers (FERVER), said: “To achieve our 90% collection target, Close the Glass Loop national Platforms play a pivotal role.

“The exchange of best practices and support for projects and activities at the national level are vital for increasing and improving glass collection for recycling. This will be reflected in our upcoming 2025-2030 Close the Glass Loop Action Plan.”