The latest data published by glass industry body FEVE confirms average glass recycling rates in the European Union passed the 70% mark in 2012.
According to FEVE, the association of European manufacturers of glass containers and machine-made glass tableware, the landmark figure means that over 25 billion bottles and jars were collected throughout the European Union in 2012 to make new bottles – leading to savings of virgin resources estimated to be sufficient to “build two Egyptian pyramids”.
Released ahead of European Commission 2012 figures expected at the end of 2014, FEVE says the figures reflect the glass industry’s efforts to support “the ambitious vision of the European Commission to build a ‘zero waste’ and ‘resource efficient’ society”.
Between 1990 and 2012, EU consumption of products packed in glass increased by 39% in Europe, FEVE says, however glass recycling increased much faster at 131%.
As a result, 189 million tonnes of raw materials have been saved, and 138 million tonnes of waste have been prevented from going to landfill.
“Available industry data show a distinct decoupling of industry growth from resource demand and environmental impacts,” FEVE states.
Full details of the latest EU glass recycling figures can be viewed at the FEVE website, www.feve.org
