6 February 2026

New Study Highlights Europe’s Ability to Recycle Opaque Glass Packaging

Recent independent research conducted by Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro (SSV) confirms that Europe’s glass-recycling system is well equipped to handle opaque glass packaging under real operational conditions.

The study was initiated by FEVE and supported on the ground by FERVER members, reflecting a joint effort by two Close the Glass Loop partners to provide practical, science-based evidence on glass recyclability.

Based on testing carried out in multiple European recycling facilities, the research shows that today’s optical sorting technologies can successfully detect and sort opaque glass fragments at much lower light-transmittance levels than those assumed in some national regulations. This demonstrates that current recycling practices are more advanced than existing legal thresholds may suggest.

By relying on industrial-scale trials rather than theoretical assumptions, the study offers valuable input to ongoing European work on design-for-recycling criteria for glass packaging. These findings help ensure that future rules are aligned with the real capabilities of Europe’s recycling infrastructure.

This collaborative initiative by FEVE and FERVER underlines the importance of partnership, data, and innovation in advancing a high-performing circular economy for glass and in continuing to close the glass loop across Europe.