Glass recycling in Europe rose to 67% in 2009, according to estimates from the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE). The forecast, which was published 12 months ahead of the official Eurostat data, said means that around 11M/t or 25BN glass bottles & jars being collected throughout the region. The figure represents a 1% increase over 2008 recycling rates, added the trade body. Glass recycling increases each year thanks to the commitment of consumers everywhere, said FEVE president Niall Wall. "Our industry is able to turn this waste into a valuable resource to make new bottles & jars because glass by nature is 100% recyclable." The group added that: "The closed loopcharacteristic of glass puts it at the heart in the EC strategy to make the bloc a circular economy where recycling is the key factor to waste reduction & where waste is considered as a valuable resource." "EU Directives set out a requirement to increase recycling rates as they will help to reduce demand for primary raw materials, to reuse valuable materials which would otherwise end up as waste, & to reduce energy consumption," said UK MEP Linda McAvan. This is fundamental to build a solid resource efficient economy.
