In today’s world, sustainability has become a fundamental priority for many industries, especially in packaging. The glass packaging industry is at the forefront of this transformation, leading with innovative and eco-friendly solutions. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the industry is revolutionizing packaging with sustainable and recyclable practices.
Recyclability Levels Based on Decoration
One of the key advancements in the glass packaging industry is the introduction of recyclability classifications based on the type of decoration.
This system categorizes glass recyclability into four main levels:
- Level 0: Black and opal glass, which is not recyclable.
- Level 1: Metallized and opaque lacquered glass, 20% recyclable.
- Level 2: Translucent and transparent colored glass, 80% recyclable.
- Level 3: Clear, acid-etched, transparent, or semi-opaque lacquered glass, fully recyclable at 100%.
The industry recommends preferring decorations like organic sublimation, silk-screening, hot stamping, and hydro-based lacquers over solvent-based enamels and precious metals to improve the recyclability of glass packaging.
The Strategy of the Glass Packaging Industry
The glass packaging industry’s R&D strategy focuses on four main pillars: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Replace, with a fifth element of Disruption for radical innovations. Let’s delve into each of these pillars:
- Reduce:
- Lightweight Glass: Reducing the weight of glass by up to 50%.
- Impactless Decorations: Utilizing water-based lacquers, bio-based decorations, organic or UV silk-screening.
- Reuse:
- Refillable Bottles and Jars: Promoting containers that can be reused.
- Screw Necks: Facilitating the refilling of bottles.
- Robust Decorations: Ensuring longer-lasting packaging through more durable decorations.
- Recycle:
- High-Recyclability Glass: Developing glass types designed to be highly recyclable.
- Packaging Recyclability: Assessing recyclability based on glass color and decoration.
- Replace:
- Glassification Trend: Exploring new areas such as glass mascara and lipstick containers, and glass caps.
- Disruption:
- Premiumization: Innovations in internal shapes and decorations.
- Competitiveness: Cost-effective decorations such as sublimation or high-gloss aluminum ink to replace hot stamping.
- Product Performance and Affordability: Improving product performance while reducing costs.
Inspiring a Sustainable Future
The glass packaging industry is redefining standards through a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. The strategy is not only to reduce environmental impact but also offer more functional and appealing packaging solutions for consumers. By continuing on this path, the industry will not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also inspire other sectors to follow suit.
Sources: https://bit.ly/3L28bss
