The private waste management sector is instrumental in the efficient collection and recycling of glass packaging, thereby significantly contributing to a sustainable circular economy. Waste management operators ensure that the collected glass is accurately gathered, transported, and processed, adhering to the stringent quality standards essential for closed-loop recycling. They bridge the gap between households, the hospitality sector—which promotes separate collection at the source—and the recycling industry, which transforms the collected glass back into new bottles and jars.
“Joining Close the Glass Loop fits perfectly with our vision to double the EU’s Circular Material Use Rate in this decade, particularly by developing circular value chain partnerships that connect the waste sector with industrial production,” stated Paolo Campanella, Secretary General of FEAD. “Glass packaging is already a prime example of a functioning circular economy, but even a material that can be endlessly recycled requires industrial excellence in waste management for proper collection and recycling.”
Through this collaboration, FEAD members will enhance the implementation of Close the Glass Loop’s Roadmap to Optimise the Closed Loop Recycling of Glass Packaging. This includes developing best practices for collection and supporting sorting and processing technologies, all while promoting the use of recycled glass over virgin materials.
“Working closely with FEAD within Close the Glass Loop will ensure that more glass packaging is collected, and from this material, a greater amount of secondary raw materials will be utilized in producing new glass packaging,” remarked Olivier Deweerdt, Secretary General of FERVER (European Glass Recyclers’ Federation) on behalf of Close the Glass Loop partners. “Through this partnership, we can instill greater confidence in municipalities and hospitality businesses to invest in the separate collection of glass packaging.”
By collaborating with Close the Glass Loop, FEAD members will join forces with 15 other European partners and 13 national platforms. This initiative aims to bolster industrial excellence in waste management while broadening the exchange of best practices related to operational and practical solutions for enhancing the collection and recycling of food and drink packaging across Europe.
