UK glass industry pushes for stronger government support to drive reuse revolution

UK – The British Glass Association has pressed the UK Government to provide robust backing for domestic glass packaging production while unlocking the complete capabilities of reusable systems. 

In a recent statement, the group highlighted the need for targeted investments to scale up reuse infrastructure across the sector.

According to British Glass, the government’s plan to exempt reusable packaging from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees marks a positive development. 

This measure aims to encourage multi-trip glass bottles by removing financial barriers tied to waste management costs. 

However, the association warned that such exemptions alone fall short of sparking a widespread transition from single-use options. 

Glass currently shoulders the heaviest EPR fee burden per bottle compared to other materials, which hampers its competitiveness.

“Multi-trip glass bottles can endure around 20 journeys before entering the recycling stream,” the statement noted. 

This durability not only slashes carbon emissions but also minimizes waste generation and curbs reliance on single-use plastics. 

British Glass emphasized that UK manufacturers possess the expertise and capacity to ramp up production to satisfy rising market needs.

The push comes amid growing scrutiny of packaging’s environmental footprint. 

Replacing plastic and plastic-lined alternatives with reusable glass delivers clear gains for ecosystems and public well-being. 

Lifecycle studies indicate that reusable glass generates fewer emissions over time than disposables and eliminates issues like microplastic release and roadside litter.

Industry leaders echoed these points in discussions with policymakers. 

One executive from a major glass producer remarked that “strategic funding for collection networks could triple reuse rates within five years, saving manufacturers up to US$150 million annually in material costs.” 

He added that without immediate action, the sector risks losing ground to imported single-use imports.

In a related move, the European Packaging and Environment Forum announced a US$50 million initiative last month to harmonize EPR rules across borders, including provisions for glass exemptions. 

This could ease cross-border trade for UK firms, potentially boosting exports by 15% by 2027, based on preliminary economic models.

British Glass proposed a multi-pronged approach, including subsidies for advanced washing facilities and incentives for retailers to adopt return schemes. 

A report by environmental analysts estimates that full-scale reuse adoption might cut the UK’s packaging emissions by 25% over the next decade, equating to savings of US$200 million in avoided waste processing.

The association urged swift consultations to refine EPR implementation, stressing that equitable fees would level the playing field. 

“Domestic investment in glass production ensures supply chain resilience and job creation,” the statement concluded. 

With consumer demand for eco-friendly options surging, sales of reusable bottles rose 30% last year..

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