It was reported in the news 18 May that 85% of Europeans would recommend glass to their friends and family. Growing concern for the environment, combined with consumer preference for healthy living, is driving increased trust in glass as the ultimate packaging choice for food and drinks. According to a Europe-wide independent survey, commissioned by the Friends of Glass community, 85% of Europeans would recommend glass to their friends and family. This marks a 15% increase since eight years ago. Almost 18,000 European consumers in 11 countries across the region were surveyed, with the findings revealing that 76% of Europeans see glass as the most environmentally friendly packaging material. This represents a 50% increase since 2008. While glass is regarded as one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly forms of packaging, more education on its benefits is needed. There are still many Europeans who are not fully aware of the full range of benefits glass offers to the environment and sustainable living; in fact, glass is 100% infinitely recyclable, yet a majority of Europeans believe that it is only 84% recyclable. Only 49% of them believe that glass waste is not harmful to the environment. While this marks an increase from three years ago (at the time this was 40%), there is an awareness gap.
