21 November 2025

Albania Opens Its First Glass Recycling Line

Albania has taken a decisive step toward closing its glass loop with the inauguration of its first national glass recycling line, an investment that reshapes how the country manages one of its most under-utilised resources. The new facility, developed by local engineers and supported by European cooperation programs, is designed to process tens of thousands of tonnes of glass each year, material that previously had limited pathways back into productive use.

Until now, most glass generated across Albania’s cities, hospitality businesses, and retail networks lacked a dedicated recycling destination. With the new line in operation, the entire value chain gains a central piece of infrastructure: a place where collected glass can be cleaned, sorted, and transformed into secondary raw materials for industry.

For Close the Glass Loop, this marks a critical shift. When collection systems, recyclers, manufacturers, and the HORECA sector share a common goal, glass becomes infinitely more than a waste stream, it becomes a resource capable of circulating endlessly.

One of the strongest aspects of this achievement is its homegrown character. The facility was built by Albanian engineers, reinforcing the country’s technical capabilities and establishing a foundation on which future circular-economy investments can grow. The line’s projected annual capacity stands at 42,000 tons of glass per year, positioning Albania as an emerging contributor to the wider European glass recycling ecosystem.

Through partnerships with producers, distributors, and municipal systems, the plant will supply two innovative recycled glass products:

• Filtration glass media, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional sand

• Decorative aggregates used in tiles, terrazzo finishes, and urban design projects

These products prove that glass recycling is not only environmentally meaningful but also creates new markets and business opportunities.

It is the beginning of a closed glass loop for Albania!

📷 Photo: EU Delegation in Tirana