18 December 2025
Packaging Glass Recycling – a new study based on results reported by EU Member States to Eurostat
Close the Glass Loop presents a new analytical study on packaging glass recycling, based on the most recent data submitted by EU Member States to Eurostat. The publication offers a comprehensive and comparative overview of how glass packaging performs within Europe’s packaging waste and recycling system.
Rather than focusing solely on recycling rates, this study places glass packaging in a broader market context. By examining the total packaging placed on the market against volumes recycled, recovered, and not recycled, we provide a clearer understanding of glass’s actual contribution to the circular economy and the remaining gap toward full circularity.
Using official Eurostat data, the study identifies structural trends and introduces new analytical tools designed to support evidence-based decision-making. It serves as a practical resource for the entire glass collection and recycling value chain.
In this study, you will find statistical insights and expanded analysis on:
- Progress Toward EU Targets: Tracking Member State alignment with 2025 and 2030 glass recycling mandates.
- Material Mix Dynamics: Glass packaging performance relative to the overall EU packaging mix (plastic, paper, metal).
- Recycling & Recovery Efficiency Index: A new tool to measure the qualitative success of collection systems beyond simple weight.
- Exports for Recycling: A look into the logistics of packaging waste. We analyze which Member States manage glass domestically and which rely on exporting waste, either within the EU or to external markets—highlighting the global footprint of the circular economy.
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National Factsheets: Visually engaging, data-rich profiles for every EU Member State. These factsheets offer localized insights into:
- Evolution of glass recycling percentages over time.
- Specific National Platform performance indicators.
- The Recycling Efficiency Index at a country level.
