The future of glass packaging By Phil Fenton, Lead Packaging and Recycling Adviser at British Glass
Glass is not just a packaging material of the past, it is the sustainable choice for the future. lass packaging has long been the packaging material of choice for the alcohol market and beyond for many years and for good reason. Not only does its inert nature guarantee the product will taste exactly how the manufacturer intended, it is also non-toxic, easily recyclable and has unique design possibilities. As brands and consumers alike become more environmentally conscious and seek out the most sustainable options, packaging providers have been bringing new innovations to the market. Glass has not only stood the test of time for thousands of years, the glass industry is now leading the way in innovative sustainable packaging development. Innovations in maximising recycled content and reducing glass waste, new design capabilities, manufacturing processes and
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ultra-low carbon bottle making have put the sector at the forefront of sustainable packaging.
green hue and a lack of colour consistency appearing in the final product.
Recycled content Consumers are more environmentally and ethically aware than ever. As brands search to meet the consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products and packaging, the need for more recycled content (also known as cullet) in glass packaging has become more evident.
This should not deter premium brands from including recycled content in their packaging, however, as up to 40% recycled glass can be used while still ensuring a quality product and gaining the environmental benefits.
Not only does using recycled glass in the manufacturing process prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere, it also reduces the amount of raw materials needed and the amount of energy used to create new glass bottles. While the durability and feel of the bottle is not affected, different colour bottles can accommodate different levels of cullet without affecting the colour of the final product. When producing green and amber bottles, up to 90% and 70% recycled glass can be used respectively without affecting the final product’s colour, but with clear bottles, the more cullet used, the higher the chance of a
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The importance of recycling As the glass industry works with brands and retailers to help to achieve higher levels of recycled content in glass packaging, one major aim is to increase the quality and quantity of glass available for remelt – after all glass is 100% and endlessly recyclable, without any loss of quality. However, in order for recycled glass to make it back into the manufacturing process and achieve the environmental benefits that consumers and brands need, it must be collected and recycled in the first place. The most recent recycling figures from DEFRA show glass to be the second most recycled packaging material in the UK, with a recycling
