Europe – Over 11 million tons of glass was collected throughout the EU in 2011, according to latest data from the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE). As a result, the EU glass recycling rate climbed ‘above the 70% threshold’ for the first time ever.In achieving a recycling rate of 70.28%, EU countries managed to conserve more than 12 million tons of raw materials – predominantly sand, soda ash and limestone – while saving some 2.5% energy for each 10% of glass recycled in the furnace. At the same time, they prevented 7 million tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere, which is equivalent to taking 4 million vehicles off the road, according to FEVE.
‘This achievement follows major efforts made in all EU member states over the past few years to meet the EU’s 60% recycling target for glass, a level that was reached by all the relevant countries by 2008,’ says FEVE.
The organisation recognises the impact of the European glass industry’s efforts to design and manufacture containers that facilitate recycling. ‘Collection and processing schemes have also been extended and progressively improved,’ states FEVE. Increased consumer awareness has also contributed to the higher recycling rate, it adds.
‘Glass is a mono-material and does not require any additional barriers to preserve food and drinks,’ states FEVE’s secretary general Adeline Farrelly. To further improve the recycling rate, she advocates ‘suitable legislation that acknowledges and incentivises real recycling’.
For more information, visit: www.feve.org
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