Glass Packaging Institute selects O-I’s Tim Connors as Board chairman

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) has appointed Tim Connors, Managing Director O-I Americas North, as Chairman of its Board of Trustees.

Scott DeFife, President of the Glass Packaging Institute, said: “Tim brings to GPI’s Board vast experience in the glass packaging industry, along with valuable relationships with a number of industry stakeholders.

“I look forward to his leadership as the industry continues to deal with the challenges of the pandemic and accomplish our 2021 goals, which include increasing recycled content and continuing to deliver premium and sustainable glass products to consumers.”

Tim Connors said: “GPI has been, and will continue to be, a key leader in the packaging industry. I look forward to engaging with GPI leadership and our fellow members as we initiate our roadmap for recycling and increasing awareness of the benefits of glass packaging.”

His term as Chairman commenced December 17^th, after receiving formal Board approval.

GPI is excited to introduce a new recycling roadmap to reach a 50% recycling rate by 2030, which would move glass containers from roughly 30% to 50% post-consumer recycled glass content.

This is an ambitious but achievable goal, with industry collaboration and the proper recycling infrastructure.

Its goal aligns with one set by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in November, when it outlined a national 50% recycling rate for all commodities over the next decade.

With increased attention to greenhouse gas emissions, achieving these goals will improve the sustainability of the industry and further reduce glass’ carbon footprint.

GPI is working with industry partners to identify and build out new regional recycling pilots and partnerships to meet the goal.

In addition to the recycling roadmap, the association will focus on recruiting new members from across the industry, with an emphasis on including smaller recyclers and regional players in glass recycling across the country, to help bolster efforts to achieve the roadmap and lead America’s recycling infrastructure into a new era.