The event was organized by FEVE jointly with FERVER, EXPRA and other PROs. Over 25 representatives of the glass packaging value chain (including the EXPRA members EcoVidrio, Afvalfonds, Eco Rom, Fost Plus and the respective material associations from Italy, Sweden, Finland) gathered to discuss key aspects of the glass collection & recycling chain, namely:
- What happens after collection? Minimising losses in the treatment of glass cullet and optimising the uptake of recycled materials in production.
- How to increase glass collection without compromising on quality?
- Is the bottle bank the most cost-efficient system to collect and recycle glass?
The different parts of the glass packaging value chain presented the situation of their sector at the moment, as well as current and future challenges: The uptake of cullet in a glass furnace – issues for production & packaging was presented by Hans Hilkes, Supplier Quality Manager Glass – Europe, Ardagh Group and the challenges for cullet treatment were presented by Baudouin Ska, Secretary General, FERVER. The many changes on the glass market were presented and the overall conclusion was that all stakeholders should adapt to these minimizing the (negative) quality impact for cullet.
The challenges for Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes in the revised EU legislation on waste & packaging waste & possible impacts on glass collection were presented by EXPRA MD Joachim Quoden. He underlined the impact of the ne EU legislation and the forthcoming guidances on EPR and especially on eco modulation and Essential requirements.
EXPRA members from Spain (Ecovidrio), Netherlands (AF) and Romania (Eco-Rom Ambalaje) presented the Glass collection and recycling in their countries and especially how to reach 90% glass collection by 2030.
Different approaches/ways for collection of glass (bottle banks, door to door) packaging were also presented and their pros and cons discussed by PROs as CITEO, SPV and Swedish Glass Recycling (Svensk Glasåtervinning).
Adeline Farrelly, Secretary General, FEVE presented the Close the Glass Loop initiative: the major industry stewardship programme for glass packaging initiated by FEVE and aiming to reach a post-consumer glass container collection target of 90% by 2030. In parallel the initiative should ensure that the recycled material is reused again into a new production loop of glass containers. Obviously, the contribution and active involvement of all parts of the value chain are crucial for achieving this goal. A study on the topic has been commissioned by FEVE to ACR+. Considering the strong support expressed by ACR+ for deposit, EXPRA should assess carefully the outcome of the study.
The possible additional benefits of the project were discussed, namely developing a “model (glass) collection system, as well as using the deliverables of the project for lobbying activities in different countries. The next meeting of the stakeholders under the project will be end of April and deliverables would be presented in June 2020.