Glass: Balancing the Present
and the Future

Everybody is talking about sustainability. Every company is telling the world that they are sustainable. Or making products that are sustainable. Or on the “righteous” path to becoming sustainable. Not so surprising, considering the latest research, which suggests that 76% of customers are seeking out sustainable products. Basically, sustainability is about balancing the needs of the present with the needs of the future, in order to create a healthy and prosperous world for everyone. And almost no product on our planet does this better than something we’ve all been using for thousands of years. Glass.

Lightweighting

Glass is endlessly refillable, reusable and recyclable. Made from plentiful natural resources. Almost the ultimate planet friendly product. However, when it concerns glass packaging, the industry knows it can do more. For example, lightweighting. Glass packaging manufacturers are developing thinner and lighter glass. That means less raw materials, less energy to produce and a reduced carbon footprint.

Small Acts Make a Big Difference

Even seemingly small acts can make a big difference. Like all the companies making a concerted effort to produce easier to recycle glass packaging. Including labels and adhesives that can easily be removed. Avoiding the use of multiple materials also helps.

Reusability is becoming increasingly popular in the food and beverage industry. Many companies are developing more practical or attractive jars and bottles, which can be reused as drinking glasses, or for other purposes. 2023 marks the beginning of the end for “wish-cycling”. In other words, throwing stuff out and hoping for the best.

Many of the big brands are making large and small strides in the right direction. Creditable mentions to The Body Shop, L’Occitane en Provence, and Stella McCartney. Even Coca-Cola is testing a refillable glass bottle program in Europe.

Some companies are introducing closed-loop systems. That means they use recycled glass to create new packaging, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimising waste.