GPI’s 2009 Recycle Glass Day Expands to Week

Activities to include International Partnership with FEVE, Nationwide Glass Container Recycling Events, and new Friends of Glass Recognition

After the success of Recycle Glass Day in 2008, the Glass Packaging Institute is introducing “Recycle Glass Week,” which kicks off on September 21, 2009. During the same week, FEVE (the European Glass Packaging Federation) will hold “Choose Glass Week” in several European countries, creating an international platform to promote the benefits of and encourage glass container recycling in late September.

“We are asking consumers to recycle their glass bottles and jars to help reduce the amount of recyclable materials entering landfills and help create a ‘greener’ future,” says GPI president, Joseph Cattaneo. “We hope people make recycling all forms of packaging a habit this Earth Day and every day, because when we work together, we can save energy and our planet.”

During Recycle Glass Week, GPI and its member companies will hold nationwide activities around glass recycling; provide consumers with information and opportunities to hold their own recycling events; virtually announce the winners of its 2009 Clear Choice Awards; and recognize “Friends of Glass,” those companies, organizations, and/or persons that recycle glass or promote the recycling of glass as one way to better the environment.

Creating more awareness about the environmental benefits of glass container recycling, GPI members hope to help our industry reach a nationwide goal of 50 percent recycled content in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013. Using the EPA’s benefits calculator, GPI estimates energy savings from using 50 percent recycled content in all glass packages manufactured in the U.S. could save enough energy to power over 45,000 households for a year.

“Consumers continue to ask for ways they can reduce their impact on the environment, and through Recycle Glass Week, we are pleased to offer people many opportunities to participate in glass recycling activities as one way they can save energy,” says Cattaneo.

Today, glass is the proven form of packaging for those who are looking for sustainability, purity, and recyclability. Glass is made from all-natural, sustainable raw materials and it can be recycled again and again without loss of quality or purity. Reuse of post-consumer recycled glass containers minimizes consumption of raw materials and lessens the industry’s demand for energy.

For more information on upcoming Recycle Glass Week activities and events, visit www.gpi.org.