Glass Packaging Institute Celebrates the Men and Women of the Glass Container Workforce

Arlington, Virginia (August 29, 2014)

While Americans around the country enjoy the last days of summer with cookouts and family gatherings during Labor Day weekend, the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) invites consumers to choose food and beverages packaged in glass containers for exceptional taste and quality.

“Every year on Labor Day, we encourage everyone to purchase their food and beverages in glass.” stated Lynn Bragg, President of GPI. “Glass is the most environmentally-friendly packaging choice for consumers. For example, a glass bottle used and recycled over Labor Day weekend can be back on retail shelves for purchase in plenty of time to enjoy on Halloween.”

On the occasion of Labor Day, GPI celebrates the men and women of the glass container manufacturing industry, whose work brings food and beverage products - from beer and wine, to salsa and pickles - to our tables every day.

Today, about 18,000 skilled workers are employed by glass container manufacturing companies across 48 plants in 22 states. The commitment and dedication of these workers are fundamental to making glass the best packaging choice.

To show its appreciation for the award-winning work of the men and women who make glass containers, GPI has launched a video featuring their perspectives on the glass container industry and their pride in being part of the craft. Watch and share the video: http://bit.ly/1pcD759.

Additionally, GPI offers these tips for consumers when preparing for their Labor Day cookouts:

• Invest in quality: Enjoy the last hoorah of summer with your favorite beverage in glass. Whether one of the major brands or a craft beer, be sure to drink responsibly and be sure to reach for the glass bottles--the taste is superior and will end your summer on a deliciously satisfying, high note.
• Plan ahead with health in mind: Glass is the optimal packaging choice, safely preserving the flavor and integrity of the foods and beverages it contains. Glass is the only widely-used food packaging granted the FDA’s highest safety standard for food-contact materials. Prepare your side dishes the night before and store them in air tight glass containers to preserve freshness.
• Do your part: Glass is 100% recyclable, and can be recycled infinitely without loss in quality or purity. Make sure to leave out glass-specific recycling bins for your guests to deposit their containers.
  For more information on the benefits of glass packaging and best recycling practices, please visit www.gpi.org.

Join the glass conversation with GPI on Twitter and Facebook @ChooseGlass

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About the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI)

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals. GPI member companies manufacture glass containers for food, beverage, cosmetic and many other products. GPI also has associate members that represent a broad range of suppliers and closure manufacturers.