The recycling action platform bringing together the entire glass packaging ecosystem
Close the Glass Loop is an industry action platform to unite the glass collection and recycling value chain, and to establish a material stewardship programme that will result in more bottle-to-bottle recycling.
Read more about us
Glass has long been leading the way in circularity. Made from recycled glass and raw materials found in nature – sand, soda ash and limestone – it’s 100% recyclable, in a closed bottle-to-bottle loop. What’s more, glass never loses its intrinsic properties, no matter how many times it is recycled. This means it can be endlessly recycled, as long as we keep collecting it properly.
We’ve been collecting and recycling glass packaging for over 40 years and have achieved a collection for recycling rate of 76%. Now, we want to go even further. We’re setting out to boost collection rates to 90% by 2030. And we want every player in the glass ecosystem, no matter where they fit into the loop, to join us.
1. Design: packaging designers, glass manufacturers, brands
2. Production: manufacturers, decorators, accessories, national associations
3. Brands: wine, spirits, beer, food, water etc.
4. Distribution: logistics companies, retailers
5. Consumers: European consumers
6. Collection: European consumers, national and local authorities, municipalities, EPR organisations, PROs organisations
7. Recycling: cullet processors, waste management companies
Find out more about the European and National Plans.
Go to Action plans2 May 2023
Throughout December 2021 to October 2022, Close the Glass Loop conducted an online survey to evaluat...
Read article14 April 2023
We're thrilled to announce that for the first time, our Annual Event will bring together professiona...
Read article
“By working together with the Close the Glass Loop partners to an increased collection and endless recycling of glass packaging we help to drive sustainability throughout our value chain”.
"As European glass packaging producers, we are really happy to start this journey to collect 90% of all glass packaging in Europe by 2030. Recycling glass saves resources, energy and CO2 and avoids littering and landfilling. We’re really looking forward to working with all our partners to close the loop and deliver on the glass circular economy."
“We've been eager to shape the Close the Glass Loop platform from its early stages. Glass is a permanent material, and as much glass is selectively collected, as much recycled glass our members will deliver and as much the glass producers will incorporate in their production of new glass packaging."
"Wine and glass is a long-standing winning combination. With 90% of European wines packed in glass bottles, it is only natural for our sector to support the Close the Glass Loop initiative, for the benefit of our sector, wine consumers and the environment."
“Natural mineral waters packed in glass are an important component of our offer to European consumers. For decades, natural mineral and spring water producers have protected their sources and carefully packaged their product to reach consumers as nature intended. We believe that it is crucial that every bottle is collected, recycled, and given a second life.”
"At the core of our commitment to be 100% sustainable from #Farm2Glass is reusable and recyclable packaging. 90% of spirits are sold in glass bottles and a higher collection rate across Europe is a shared ambition."
"These ambitious targets can be achieved only via close cooperation between all actors of the life cycle chain. EXPRA and members will be happy to contribute best practices in innovative collection models, high quality sorting and recycling and especially in communication campaigns for consumers, who are the engine at the core of the whole process."
"Glass is a pioneer in recycling and in the transition from a "make, consume, throw away" model to a circular economy. We share this vision of moving towards zero non-recovered waste, of implementing sustainable solutions, and of placing the packaging of tomorrow in a complementarity of materials that will all tend towards a circular model."
"For ACR+, joining the platform is an opportunity to bring together the different players of the glass loop and more sharply define the role of local and regional bodies. This could open up new initiatives and ways of working together."
“Our ambition is to transform cities into authentic Circular Economies and the endless recycling assets of glass packaging can help. Close the Glass Loop objectives perfectly chime with the European Green Deal objectives that we are strongly engaged in.“
"Municipalities and the glass industry share a common goal: guaranteeing resource-efficient management of post-consumer waste. Managing waste streams and minimising their impacts on our cities is our job. By helping the glass packaging industry to bring glass containers back into the production loop, we reduce waste and keep local resources productive in our economy."
Click below to learn more about MWE's support for Close the Glass Loop.
"Fruit juices are natural agricultural products and preserving nature is core to our commitments. Packaging material producers all strive to respond to the European Green deal policy developments and especially the aim to address circularity commitments, so we are proud to support this platform and the pledge for a 90% collection target."
"The Close the Glass Loop Platform provides a clear step in the right direction towards making Europe’s Economy Circular and aligns with our own theme of ‘Circularity works, let’s all give it a chance’. We are proud to be a founding member."
"Glass containers are a key material, helping us with what we do best: preserving nature’s fruit and vegetables, giving them a long shelf life while preserving their nutrient qualities. Against the background of EU initiatives such as the Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, improving recycling rates will play a key role in contributing towards carbon neutrality goals."
