2008 North American Glass Packaging Outlook

Consumers' desire for pure and healthy packaging had a positive impact on the glass container industry in 2007, which is projected to continue in 2008. Glass recycling, which has significant environmental benefits, is expected to continue its forward momentum in the commercial sector. And two new glass plants will open this year.

New science about the health impacts of packaging encouraged consumers to turn to glass, which is chemically inert and able to maintain the purity and taste of a product. Glass containers remain the choice of consumers concerned about the environment and human health. This is especially true in the organic products market. Organic consumers rate glass packaging six to eight points higher than competing packaging materials in environmental safety, true flavor, shelf life, form, purity and quality, according to a Newton marketing survey.

While issues associated with cullet quality and dispersed markets trouble some glass container recycling, glass bottle recycling at bars and restaurants is on the upswing in states such as North Carolina, Colorado, and California. 

Get details on the look ahead for the North American glass container industry: Glass Industry News, Glass Plant Openings, Glass Container Shipments, Consumer and Packaging Trends, and Glass Container Recycling.

Vitro Announces Energy Savings Plan

Vitro announced that it has signed an agreement with the Electric Energy Savings Mexican Commission (FIDE) to reduce energy consumption at all of its glass manufacturing facilities. An energy savings of up to 5% is expected in the first phase of the program.
 
In addition, Vitro will promote the switch to energy efficient equipment and expand technical training to help cut energy use. Vitro is Mexico's leading manufacturer and supplier of glass containers and is a major exporter to the U.S. Read the news release

PACKAGING TRENDS

2008 Clear Choice Awards Online
Call-for-Entries

The Glass Packaging Institute invites consumer products goods manufacturers to enter the 2008 Clear Choice Awards. Complete an online submission form today and receive industry-wide recognition as a leader in the world of glass packaging design. More

LEGISLATION

State Legislators Back in Session Target Deposit Programs, Solid Waste, and GHG

Almost 30 states are back for the 2008 session and more than a dozen have started pre-filing legislation. Consumer deposit programs and related expansions appear to be the major legislative theme for the glass container industry. New Hampshire, New Jersey, Washington and West Virginia have each introduced consumer deposit program legislation, with more states expected to follow suit. More

Michigan Law Limits Beverage Containers Going to Landfill

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) signed into law SB 513, which amends the state solid waste disposal regulations. This includes the provision that more than a "de minimis" amount of beverage containers, including glass, may not be disposed of in a landfill. Additionally, landfill operators may not knowingly accept more than a de minimis amount of beverage containers. The law goes into effect March 27th, 2008.

Iowa Governor Supports Consumer Deposit Expansion

Iowa Governor Chet Culver is supporting an increase to six cents, up from five cents, for the state's consumer deposit program. This is partly in response to redemption center operators telling state legislators that they want their handling fee increased. The Governor also expressed a desire to see the program include non-carbonated beverages.

Florida House and Senate Bills Target Container Recycling

All organizations, associations, businesses, and institutions receiving state funds would be required to recycle beverage containers, including glass bottles, under proposed legislation (House Bill 301 and Senate Bill 692). This would also include the state Capitol and legislative offices. Any recycling program proceeds would go back into operation and administrative costs. If approved, the law takes effect July 1, 2008.

GLASS RECYCLING

2006 EPA Data Shows 30.7% of Glass Beer and Soda Bottles Recycled

U.S. EPA data for 2006 shows 30.7% of glass beer and soft drink bottles were recycled. Glass made up 5.3% of the municipal solid waste stream by weight, and of that, 25.3% of all glass containers were recycled. And glass bottles and jars, along with aluminum cans and some papers, have the highest level of recycled content.

In general, 2006 data shows little change from 2005. The U.S. recycling rate for 2006 was 24.3% (excluding composting), up slightly from 2005 (23.7%). And the number of curbside recycling programs, at 8,660, is still down from a high of 8,875 in 2002. Get the complete report

CA Beverage Recycling Rate Reaches High of 71%

California Department of Conservation's Six-Month Report of Beverage Container Recycling & Significant Carbon Reductions shows California's beverage container recycling rate rose to 71% January-June 2007, up from 65% for the same period in 2006. Glass container recycling was up six percentage points from the previous year as well, reaching 71% and mirroring the overall beverage recycling rate.

A total of nearly seven billion aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles were recycled in the six month period. Of that, 1.13 billion glass beverage containers were recycled, saving 220,000 barrels of oil and reducing GHG emissions equivalent to taking 20,000 cars off the roadways each year. The CA DOC believes that the increase in California's beverage deposit refund is responsible for the increase.

Recycled Glass Gown Lands at Albuquerque Airport

A glass evening gown is one of 12 recycled fashions featured in an Albuquerque International Airport exhibit titled "Recycle Runway™: Recycling is Always in Fashion," which runs from October 2007 – January 2008. Next stops are likely to include Atlanta, Denver, Baton Rouge, and Pittsburgh airports. More

1000 WORDS

Glass is the Container of Choice—Even for an Octopus

Glass packaging is the gold standard. Even an octopus chooses glass to protect the purity, taste and quality of its favorite food and beverage products. Watch the video

Copyright © 2007 Glass Packaging Institute 

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