Industry players have announced that better supply chain engagement is required if a closed loop economy for glass packaging is to become a reality.

British Glass has reportedly called for a ‘Courtauld-style agreement’ to be adopted for glass recycling, which is a move backed by leading drinks bottler Coca-Cola Enterprises, in response to a recent report by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) that has come out in favour of separate recycling collections for glass packaging.

The study, undertaken by the Association of Cities and Regions (ACR+), proposed that separate waste collection schemes for glass “should be widely supported if we are to build a circular economy for glass packaging.”

Rebecca Cocking, Head of Container Affairs at British Glass, has said that while glass bottle bank schemes tend to offer the best quality levels, the fact that the UK is a complex market with a diverse recycling system must not be overlooked. To address this, the UK needs to “fundamentally change its relationship with glass” and view used bottles as part of a sustainable solution, rather than a problem.

“One approach would be to create a Courtauld-style agreement for glass, where all the key players are involved and working collaboratively to move the industry forward,” she added.

For more information visit: www.britglass.org.uk/news/industry-news