GPI recently sat down with Don Freytag, Group Brand Director of Brown Forman, Foundation Wine Group, about the Bonterra Vineyards organic wine brand, including the company’s pioneering efforts in organic and biodynamic grape farming and their decision to use 100% recyclable glass bottles.

Listen to the podcast or Read the Transcript

Colorado Offers Rebate for Clean Glass Recycling

With passage of House Bill 1288, the Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity Act, the state of Colorado in 2007 created grants for recycling initiatives, and a unique rebate program, part of which is aimed at keeping recycled materials high quality and directing them to local markets. 

For glass, this has meant a push to get cleaner recycled glass containers and more of them to Rocky Mountain Bottle Company, the primary glass processor in the state. “It was the right things to do,” says Tony Abel, Recycling Technician at RMBC. “It has helped entice folks to recycle glass or get them thinking about recycling glass.” 

Part of the rebate offsets transportation costs, which has been especially helpful to communities furthest away from this market. While there has been no formal mechanism for measuring results, Abel believes that the rebate program has improved both the quantity and quality of the glass they receive. More

Stimulus Bill Includes Recycling-Based Provisions

The House version of the $819 billion stimulus package has appropriated funding in the amount of $3.5 billion for “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants” (EECBG) that were authorized by the Energy Security Act of 2007. These funds may be used for activities to increase participation and efficiency rates for material conservation programs, including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead to increases in energy efficiency.  

On February 10th, the Senate passed its version of the stimulus package, which includes similar provisions for the EECBG. The House and Senate conferees will now work to craft a version to send to the White House. With cities and other localities also facing record budget shortfalls, this funding may help to expand and keep in place municipal recycling programs around the country.

PACKAGING TRENDS

O-I “Ideation Center” Focuses on Glass Benefits

O-I recently opened the doors to its new “Ideation Center,” a product concept and development hub for its engineers, designers, and marketers to work alongside customers to concept innovative packaging and show clients the benefits of glass.

The Center includes exhibits on recent glass innovations, O-I products from around the world, how glass is made, and O-I’s history as glass innovators. The grand opening of O-I’s Ideation Center took place at the company’s global headquarters in Perrysburg, OH, on January 22nd, where members of the innovation team provided tours to O-I employees, suppliers, and local media.

“O-I wants to really revisit the consumer as far as the benefits of glass, and that's something that we haven't done in a long time,” said Kevin Stevens, O-I's vice president of sales and marketing for North America. “These are new things for O-I. We've been traditionally an old-line manufacturer, and there was not a lot of effort on marketing, innovation, or new product development.” More

LEGISLATION

Congress Forms Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition

A Congressional Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition has been formed to address energy and environmental issues through legislation. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) are co-chairing the caucus, which currently consists of 35 members of Congress.

The Coalition will work with House leadership, the White House, and other groups in Congress to advance their energy priorities and has already met with White House Coordinator for Climate and Energy Policy Carol Browner to discuss energy policy priorities for the 111th Congress.

Massachusetts Governor’s Budget Includes Container Deposit Expansion

Governor Deval Patrick's (D) proposed budget for 2010 expands the state’s container deposit program to include plain and flavored water, coffee-based drinks, juices and sports drinks. The Governor’s office anticipates an additional $58 million in revenue from these new containers placed into the program, a portion of which will not be returned for their refund value. The House and Senate are expected to release budgets that derive from the Governor’s proposal.  Differences among the bills will be worked out in committee conference meetings. Budget is expected to be approved by July.

GLASS RECYCLING

Grant to Greeley, CO Kicks-Off More Glass Recycling

Following in the footsteps of the successful drop-off recycling centers in Fort Collins, CO, National Recycling has received a $244,641 grant from Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) to build a drop-off center which will serve roughly 120,000 people in Greeley, CO and surrounding communities.

Mixed glass containers will be collected separately and eventually end up at Rocky Mountain Bottle to be made into new glass containers.  “We expect to fill up a 20-yard roll-off every couple weeks with just glass,” says John Newman, Vice President of Recycling at National Recycling.

While start-up has been delayed due to weather and contracting issues, they expect to open the doors in early February. “Everything is done,” says Newman. “We’re just waiting for fencing and a couple other items.” More 

Glass Sculptor Pushes Recycling Message

Bill Hess is a sculptor, designer, and teacher in Central Virginia.  He is also committed to spreading the gospel of glass recycling. Hess uses found materials, including recycled glass bottles, to create sculptures, housewares, and fine art.

He contacted GPI after hearing about the 50% recycled content goal and wanted to help. “Glass is a beautiful material, and it’s a shame to put it in a landfill,” he says. “Glass is also natural and inert, and that is really important to know when people are concerned about potential chemicals and other health issues.”

When he lived in Seattle, where there is a large glass art community, Hess began creating glass sculpture. After moving to Virginia, he acquired a kiln and began experimenting with recycled glass bottles.  “I’ve always been interested in working with found materials,” says Hess. “About 20 years ago I would dumpster dive to see what was out there—and free—to use in my art.” 

Hess spent many years creating sculpture by welding together steel parts rescued from junkyards, and now glass has become a major focus of his work. Over time, he has also connected more of his art to ecology.  See this actualized in the glass sculpture (right), “Garden of Sprouting Parts.” More

1000 WORDS

Late Night Meets Glass-Bottled Bud

Super Bowl XLIII boasted some exceptional commercials, but our favorite was Conan O’Brien’s “Swedish” ad for glass-bottled Bud Light …In case you missed it, check it out here

Copyright © 2009 Glass Packaging Institute 

If you, or someone you know would like to subscribe to "Inside Glass Packaging," or if you'd like to unsubscribe, please let us know at info@gpi.org. If you'd like to unsubscribe, you can also click here.