Recycle Glass Week Set for September

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI), Alexandria, Va., is preparing for “Recycle Glass Week,” which will begin on Sept. 21, 2009. In 2008, the GPI laid the groundwork for the event with a Recycle Glass Day.

During the same week in September, FEVE (the European Glass Packaging Federation) will hold “Choose Glass Week” in several European countries, in part 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 Glass Packaging Institute President Joseph Cattaneo. “We hope people make recycling all forms of packaging a habit every day, because when we work together we can save energy and our planet.”

During Recycle Glass Week, GPI and its member companies intends to hold nationwide glass recycling-related activities; provide consumers with information and opportunities to hold their own recycling events; announce the winners of its 2009 Clear Choice Awards; and recognize “Friends of Glass,” those companies, organizations, and people who recycle glass or promote the recycling of glass.

“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.

GPI says its goal is for its members to help the glass industry reach 50 percent recycled content in the making 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 more than 45,000 households for a year.

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. More information on the group can be found at www.gpi.org.