British Glass found that the export of glass cullet from the UK to mainland Europe rose by 79,000 tonnes last year.
The amount of cullet being exported from the UK to mainland Europe is increasing year-on-year.
British Glass, the representative body for the UK glass industry, wants to ensure that as much recyclable glass as possible is kept in the UK.
The organisation has released an infographic on the importance of keeping glass recycling local (see link below).
The document highlights the benefits of a circular economy for glass within the UK, which can be recycled, remelted down, and remoulded infinitely without ever reducing its quality.
Currently, a substantial amount of waste glass is exported from the UK to mainland Europe, which has negative impacts on the environment and economy.
The export of glass cullet rose by 79,000 tonnes last year – a 31% increase compared to 2021.
Local glass recycling can decrease the use of non-renewable resources, reduce carbon emissions, and open opportunities for local companies to market their participation in the circular economy.
Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass, said: "We urge local authorities to support the UK circular economy for glass and decarbonisation efforts by keeping glass recycling local.
"One of the great advantages of glass is it’s infinite recyclability without losing quality, which we should be taking advantage of within a closed loop as best we can. By doing so, we can make a positive impact on the environment and economy, and create more jobs in the UK glass industry."
The glass industry contributes around £1.6 billion to the UK economy each year, providing 24,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 jobs across the whole supply chain.
