Glass Packaging Institute

Survey Finds “Easy to Recycle” Beverage Package Matters to Consumers

According to a recent BeveragePulse.com survey 94% of Americans are concerned about the long-term effects that their packaged beverage purchases and consumption have on the environment. The study also showed that recycling was most frequently cited (45%) by survey respondents as the most important environmental concern for packaged beverages.

“Our research shows that consumers think about the environment when they are making beverage purchases,” said Bob Falkenberg, founder of BeveragePulse.com and president of Alpharetta, Ga based Concept Catalyst. “Specifically, the findings indicate that consumers relate positively to packages that are easy to recycle. Beverage companies should start a full-court press on recycling.” More

How Big is Your Footprint?

Rising levels of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are already changing our climate. Recycling glass is one way to reduce greenhouse gases and your own carbon footprint! Make glass bottle recycling a habit this upcoming Recycle Glass Week. And check out the Top 10 reasons to recycle glass.

Ripple Glass Exceeds Goals for Glass Bottle Recycling in Kansas City

The Kansas City Star reports Ripple Glass in Kansas City is on track to exceed its first-year glass bottle collection goals and is already planning updates to its glass processing plant so more beer bottles—the company’s biggest glass recycling commodity—and other glass bottles and jars can be endlessly recycled. The company is also preparing to launch an initiative to collect bottles from bars and restaurants. “About half the glass in the area comes out of bars and restaurants,” said Jeff Krum, Ripple principal and co-founder. “That’s a big, untapped market for us.”

The original goal for Ripple’s first year was 6,500 tons of glass, but the company now hopes that number will be in the 8,000 to 10,000 ton range. Glass bottles and jars are collected at about 70 drop off locations in the metro area. According to Ripple, 8,000 tons would be only about 10% of the glass containers in Kansas City that could be recycled. More

Washington State Holds “Recycling Glass for Value” Event

The Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA) will hold “Recycling Glass for Value” on September 24th. The event is one of three that WSRA organizes as part of its Washington Recycles Every Day series. These events bring together 60-80 public and private-sector professionals from all over Washington State to discuss serious recycling issues and provide meaningful tours of working facilities and technologies in the field.

As part of the event, representatives from Strategic Materials and eCullet, both glass processors, will present. And attendees will tour the Verallia, formerly Saint-Gobain Container, glass manufacturing plant and the eCullet glass processing facility. eCullet is producing more than 8,000 tons/month of furnace-ready cullet for Verallia’s glass manufacturing plant where they are now using nearly 50% recycled glass—up from 17% in 2009—in the manufacture of new glass wine bottles. Get more information and register

Massachusetts Container Deposit Expansion Fails

After receiving initial Committee approval, the Massachusetts proposal to expand the current container deposit law to include water and similar water-based beverages did not pass prior to the July 31st legislative deadline. Compromise between state legislators saw a provision on non-carbonated and other beverages removed and limited the scope of the expansion to include water and sports drinks only. The legislation also would have raised the amount per container that the state’s redemption centers could have received from the beverage dealers from 2.25 to 3 cents. Governor Patrick (D) has been a longtime advocate of expanding the state’s container deposit law, citing millions of dollars in unclaimed deposits that the state could have received annually.

“Cinderella’s Organic Housekeeping” Launches Cleaning Products in Glass

GPI recently sat down to speak with Mark Cochrane & Yvonne Schoff of Cinderella’s Organic Housekeeping, a new company that offers fair trade, organic, eco-friendly cleaning products, all of which are packaged in glass. Cinderella’s is proud to offer consumers the first glass spray bottle in the cleaning industry complimented by glass concentrate refill bottles.

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Study Affirms Wine Remains Most Stable and Fresh in Glass Bottles

Packaging News UK reports a year-long study, which was carried out by the Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences (ISVV) in Bordeaux, found that the flavor and chemical composition of white wine changed within six months of being packed in single- and multi-layer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles and bag-in-box packaging. The wine, however, remained stable in glass bottles, the study claimed. More

Clear Choice Awards Winners Announced Tuesday, September 14th

Winners to be announced on the GPI website during Recycle Glass Week

Be the first to find out the winners of GPI’s 2010 Clear Choice Awards on Tuesday, September 14th at 1:00pm.m Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Winners will be announced on the GPI website through a satellite video presentation. Mark your calendars to get an inside look at the 2010 top glass container designs in North America. Don’t miss out.

Less Than Three Weeks to Win Big in Recycle Glass Week e-hunt!

Join us Now to Win Prizes during Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18. Winners announced on Monday, September 13th!

GPI has launched the “Recycle Glass Week e-hunt”, a virtual scavenger hunt to educate about the value of glass bottle recycling. Little Bottle, an animated character created by Saint-Gobain Containers, guides recycling enthusiasts, glass lovers, and green people everywhere through this easy online search for a chance to win iPod shuffles, t-shirts, cash, and more. Check out participant tweets

“We hope the recycle e-hunt proves a fun way to educate about the environmental benefits of glass container recycling, and that it will encourage people to recycle more glass bottles and jars,” says GPI president Joseph Cattaneo. “Recycling glass saves energy, reduces use of raw materials, and lessens CO2 emissions. Recycling your glass containers will help glass container manufacturers to meet the goal to use 50 percent recycled glass in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013.”

GPI has partnered with Earth911.com, O-I, Race Across America, and Saint-Gobain Containers to host recycle e-hunt clues. GPI will announce recycle e-hunt prize winners during GPI’s 2nd annual Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18. GPI's Recycle Glass Week e-hunt is also a finalist in PR News' Digital Awards 2010! Winners will be announced on October 6th. Learn more

Start the e-hunt now

GPI Partners with Keep America Beautiful for Recycle Glass Week and America Recycles Day Events

Events Planned Across the Country for Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is teaming up with Keep America Beautiful Inc. (KAB), the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization, to promote GPI’s Recycle Glass Week and KAB’s America Recycles Day, a nationally-recognized day for community-driven initiatives dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States.

“GPI is delighted to partner with such an extraordinary organization to advance recycling in communities across the country,” says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “Keep America Beautiful’s America Recycles Day and GPI’s Recycle Glass Week are two great events that share a common purpose: educating consumers about the environmental benefits of recycling and encouraging action.”

“Uniting our resources, networks and constituents to promote recycling helps amplify our shared message,” said Matthew M. McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. “Recycling is the easiest thing that any individual or organization can do to save energy, protect our treasured natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And it has never been more important.”

During GPI’s second annual Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18, communities across the U.S. will unite with glass container manufacturers, suppliers, and recyclers, to hold local activities and events to build awareness and boost glass bottle recycling. Check out the events happening in your area. More are added every day.

GPI Leader Reminds Us to Choose Glass

GPI president Joseph Cattaneo helps to spread the word in the U.S. and abroad that drinking out of a glass or glass bottles is good for you. Glass is 100% pure and endlessly recyclable, so next time you reach for your favorite brew, make sure it’s packaged in glass.

NC Launches Social Marketing Campaign Targeting “On the Go” Recycling

Recycle More NC is North Carolina’s third social marketing recycling campaign to launch in 2010. While previous campaigns targeted children (Recycle Guys) and 18-34 year olds (RE3.org), Recycle More NC is designed for the 35-55 demographic who has access to curbside recycling, but may not be recycling away from home. With Recycle More NC, the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance is hoping to increase the amount of curbside recycling, but also recycling at work and when people are on the go.

Recycling “On the Go” is more than just finding a bin nearby. It’s about holding onto your empty bottle until you get home, or asking the manager of your favorite restaurant to provide recycling. It’s about keeping that valuable commodity out of the waste stream and into a recycling bin, where it can be remade into a new product, like glass bottles or jars.

Congress Resumes Consideration on Climate Change Legislation

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced that the Senate will begin debate on climate change legislation, which he expects to be released prior to the August recess. The energy package is expected to focus on the oil response, increase and possibly set renewable energy standards, and work towards reducing oil consumption. There is also a possibility of placing a carbon cap on the utility sector, which would impact the glass industry. A full scale cap and trade program is not expected to be part of the proposals.

Clear Choice Awards Winners Announced during Recycle Glass Week

The entries are in, but who will win?

Be the first to find out the winners of GPI’s 2010 Clear Choice Awards during Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18. Winners will be announced on the GPI website through a satellite video presentation. Mark your calendars to get an inside look at the 2010 top glass container designs in North America. Don’t miss out.

1,000th “ChooseGlass” Twitter Follower Wins iPod Shuffle

@embergrl is the 1000th follower of @chooseglass and the recipient of a brand new iPod shuffle. Ember is a Southern California "green mom" of two boys who chooses and recycles glass! You can win more prizes from GPI by participating in our recycle e-hunt. Join the hunt now! Prizes will be announced during Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18.

Glass Container Industry Equipment Donations Establish Student Labs at Stout and Cal Poly

A glass packaging lab at University of Wisconsin-Stout has been in operation now for two semesters and another will open in the fall at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. This is all the result of donations from the glass container industry and a long partnership with the universities and GPI’s academic lecture program.

At Stout, the glass lab is already proving invaluable. According to Dannette Casper, who was an instructor at the university, “You can have a much better discussion about glass with students after the lab exercises.” For, example, measuring the glass bottle and matching it to a specification “was a big learning experience for the students,” says Casper. “To have a school partner with an industry is really beneficial to students and instructors,” says Casper. “And it keeps us very up to date.”

Mark your Calendars: Two Months until Recycle Glass Week!

During GPI’s second annual Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18, glass container manufacturers, suppliers, and recyclers, will again unite to hold nationwide activities and events to build awareness and boost glass bottle recycling. Get involved! Check out the top 10 reasons to recycle glass

“Consumers need to understand the impact they can have when they recycle glass bottles and jars. Glass is endlessly recyclable and there are big energy savings when recovered glass is used to make new bottles,” says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “We hope these Recycle Glass Week events will call attention to the value of glass container recycling and ultimately help us reach the goal of using 50 percent recycled glass in the manufacture of new containers by the end of 2013.”

During Recycle Glass Week, GPI will also announce the 2010 Clear Choice Awards winners, and recognize Friends of Glass, those organizations or persons that recycle glass or promote the recycling of glass as a way to better the environment. GPI will announce specific 2010 activities and events soon. Learn more

And check out what happened during our Re-Cycle Across America earlier this year.

Inventive Glass Decorator Puts Style—and the Environment—Front and Center

Quest Industries builds a strong customer following while pushing suppliers to ever greener inks and technologies

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About a dozen mini-factories are in constant motion at Quest Industries’ Hillside, NJ glass package decoration facility. High-tech automation meets hand-made attention to detail at each Santa-like workshop.

At one line, clear glass bottles for cosmetics, which hold perhaps two ounces, make their way around a series of stations: an emerald-green ink is sprayed on all but the rim, then it rides conveyor like to where a screen printed label is applied and cured using a UV light, and finally the tear-drop shaped bottle is mechanically turned just enough for the application of a pressure sensitive label on the bottle back.

And so it goes at each small factory. From glass bottles that hold a few ounces to ones that hold over two liters and in every imaginable curve, angle, and shape. They all pass through a myriad of decoration processes to create eye-popping, premium glass packages. “Most products are going to have to go on a couple of lines to get the decoration complete,” says Shri Pradhan, Quest V.P. Business Development. “But everything can be done under the same roof.”

Started in 1999, Quest has built a loyal customer following in the cosmetics, wine, spirits, and beverage markets. And their operations have expanded. “To meet the needs of west coast customers and reduce transportation requirements and costs, we opened the Stockton, California plant,” says Pradhan. “This increased our customer base and virtually eliminated any coast-to-coast transportation.” The third facility was acquired in Frostburg, MD. “It’s also proven a strategic location for our customers, like the Kentucky distillers, as well as being close to glass manufacturing plants,” says Pradhan.

New Mexico Recycling Coalition Receives Nearly $2.8 Million in Federal Stimulus Funds for Recycling

The Department of Energy has awarded $2.79 million to the New Mexico Recycling Coalition (NMRC) as part of a national effort to support energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The Rural Recycling Development grant, which was awarded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will support the NMRC’s efforts to promote recycling across the state.

New Mexico’s recycling system faces many challenges including a lack of infrastructure, low population densities, low-income and the rural nature of the state, resulting in a recycling rate of 12.4% as compared to the national average of 33%.

"This far-reaching program aims to build upon several years of strategic planning to assist underserved and rural communities develop their recycling programs so that they are sustainable, readily expandable and can ultimately provide opportunities to recycle for all New Mexicans. I believe this project will change the face of recycling in New Mexico," says English Bird, NMRC Executive Director.

Funds will be used for launch of a statewide recycled materials marketing cooperative, strategic placement of recycling equipment infrastructure using a “hub and spoke” model, and education and assistance to targeted communities for Pay-As-You-Throw as a tool to incentivize source reduction and waste diversion activities. More

Sen. Murkowski GHG Resolution Fails in Senate

Senate Joint Resolution 26, introduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) failed a vote on the Senate floor, 47-53. SJR 26 would have prohibited the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the ‘endangerment finding’ that these emissions contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare.   

All Senate Republicans voted for the measure, with six Democrats joining them—Mark Pryor (AR), Evan Bayh (IN), Ben Nelson (NE), Jay Rockefeller (WV), Blanche Lincoln (AR) and Mary Landrieu (LA).

There is a possibility that a compromise resolution, introduced by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) will be scheduled for a vote later this summer. Sen. Rockefeller’s resolution would delay EPA agency action for a period of two years. Indications are that this compromise measure may draw additional Democratic support.

Little Bottle and Friends Show Support for Recycling and Cycling in Oceanside, CA

Little Bottle cheered on Race Across America team cyclists in Oceanside, California, as racers started their journey, and again at the finale of the race in Annapolis, Maryland. More than 4,000 people came out to show their support for local recycling programs and glass bottle recycling in five cities along the race. Check out the video

Taylors Wine Achieves 100% Carbon Neutral Rating with help from O-I’s Lean + Green® Lightweight Glass Bottles

Taylors Wines announced the company’s Eighty Acres range of wines has certified 100% carbon neutral, a world-first for any wine brand or range. To help reduce emissions, Taylors moved the Eighty Acres range into O-I’s new Lean + Green® lightweight glass bottles. This new glass bottle is almost 40% lighter than the original glass used and delivers a reduction in CO²e per bottle of more than 15%.

“The clearly communicated environmental credentials of the O-I's Lean+Green® product offering fit perfectly with our commitment, since September 2009, to launch the world's first 100% carbon neutral wine range,” said Jonathan Lord, Brand Manager at Taylors Wines.

Taylors Wines worked with Provisor, a consultant specializing in the Wine, Food and Beverage industries, to develop a Life Cycle Assessment model to accurately measure the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions at every step in the life cycle of the Taylors Eighty Acres range of wines. That begins in the vineyard before harvesting and ultimately ends with the consumption and recycling of the finished packaging—a complete cradle to the grave approach.

Mitchell Taylor, CEO of Taylors Wines said he was excited by this achievement but recognizes there are more initiatives that can be taken on the road to environmental sustainability. According to Taylor, “Our direct link with the land, along with the long-term view we hold for our business, means we acknowledge the responsibility we have in protecting our environment both for the present and future generations. As a family owned winey we are committed to reducing our impact upon the environment.” More

ZORK Wine Closures Meet Approval from U.S. Wineries

ZORK wine closures were introduced in the U.S. market in 2008, and since then, have won over dozens of wineries with their wine-protection benefits, practical features, and eco-friendly attributes. Currently the ZORK closures are being used solely for glass bottle closure applications. According to ZORK USA’s Director of Sales, Mario Carofanello, “I’m seeing a significant shift recently in the industry’s acceptance of ZORK…wineries are looking at alternative ways to attract, engage, and retain consumers.”

‘The Other Guys’ division, part of the Don Sebastiani Family of Companies, has chosen to use the ZORK closure for its wine. "ZORK adds the ease of use of a screw cap with added sophistication," says August Sebastiani, president, The Other Guys. "On-premise, our 'Zorked' wines have been a hit, as bars reuse the closures with other by-the-glass wines."

Jim Knapp, Communications Director for ‘The Other Guys’ line, reports a steady increase in sales of all the labels that use the ZORK closure, attributing much of the line’s popularity to ZORK’s protection of the wine, its convenience, and its resealability and reusability. “We’ve found ZORK to be widely accepted by consumers, retailers, bartenders, and sommeliers,” says Knapp.

The ZORK low-density, linear polyethylene closure consists of three components: an outer, tamper-evident cap, an inner foil oxygen barrier, and a plunger that “pops” like a cork when extracted and is easily reinserted. Winery labels can be applied to the ZORK closure and vintners can choose from an endless variety of colors to meet their branding needs. The closure is currently being sold worldwide and won accolades in 2008 and 2009 from the Australian Wine Council. Watch the video of how Zork works

Less than Three Weeks Left to Enter the 2010 Clear Choice Awards

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) celebrates the 21st year of the Clear Choice Awards, which recognizes the contribution glass packaging makes to the image, marketability, sustainability and success of food, beverage and cosmetic products. Clear Choice Awards winners will be announced on the GPI website the week of September 12, during GPI’s Recycle Glass Week.

GPI will be awarding top package designs in the following categories: Beer; Wine; Food; Carbonated Beverage; Non-Carbonated Beverage; Distilled Spirits; Flavored Alcoholic Beverage; Organic Food or Beverage; and Fragrance/Cosmetics/Other. GPI will also choose one package design to receive the Clear Choice Award for Overall Package Design, and honor eligible entries with GPI’s Conversion Recognition.

Enter the 2010 Clear Choice Awards. There is no fee to enter. All entries must be postmarked by Saturday, July 10, 2010. All 2010 Clear Choice Awards winners will receive an award and benefit from industry-wide recognition and brand building media coverage.

Join the Recycle Glass Week e-hunt, Win an iPod

Chance to Win Prizes during Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18

GPI has launched the “Recycle Glass Week e-hunt”, a virtual scavenger hunt to educate consumers about the value of glass bottle recycling. Little Bottle, an animated character created by Saint-Gobain Containers, will guide recycling enthusiasts, glass lovers, and green people everywhere through this easy online search for a chance to win iPod shuffles, t-shirts, cash, and more. Check out participant tweets about recycling glass

Americans Rally for Recycling During 2010 Cycling Event

Residents across America rallied behind glass bottle recycling during the 2010 Race Across America ultra-endurance cycling event, June 9th-June 21st. GPI’s Recycle Glass Week sponsored five time stations during the event, where more than 4,000 people came out to show their support for local recycling programs, learned about the powerful environmental and energy saving benefits of recycling glass bottles and jars, and picked up some “green” giveaways provided by Recycle Glass Week and glass manufacturing companies. Check out the highlights:

Oceanside, CA: Team racers started the competition in Oceanside on June 12th where GPI’s Recycle Glass Week and Oceanside Recycles! representatives Colleen Foster and Jessica Moen greeted 3,000 racers, fans, and residents with “green” giveaways (including organic t-shirts, glass water bottles, reusable backpacks, and more), provided local recycling information, and collected glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage containers (courtesy of Solid Waste & Recycling Oceanside). A local non-profit, Outside the Bowl, collected deposit proceeds from the recyclables. Little Bottle was also there to help send cyclists on their way from Oceanside to Annapolis. A big thanks to all the Oceanside folks!

Durango mother and kids

Durango, CO: GPI’s Recycle Glass Week hosted a booth with the Four Corners Recycling Initiative’s Ashton Hargrave to deliver local recycling information and giveaways to community residents on June 12th. Over 200 people turned out to support local recycling efforts and recycle their glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage containers. Recycling collection and pick-up was provided by the City of Durango. Thank you Durango!

Bloomington, Indiana: Anchor Glass, Saint-Gobain Containers, and GPI representatives greeted about 200 racers, fans, and residents with “green” giveaways (including organic t-shirts, glass water bottles, reusable backpacks, and more) and collected glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage containers on June 17th. The City of Bloomington provided and picked up the bins for beverage container recycling. Monroe County Waste Management District’s Elisa Pokral was there to encourage local recycling. Thank you Bloomington!

Oxford, Ohio: Glass container manufacturers and suppliers from Anchor Glass, O-I, Saint-Gobain Containers, and Spear showed strong support in Oxford for bottle-to-bottle recycling on June 18th. GPI’s Recycle Glass Week handed out prizes to residents who recycled their glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage containers. Dave Treleaven with the City of Oxford provided recycling information to the local community. The Butler County Solid Waste District and the City of Oxford provided and collected bins for recyclables. Thank you Oxford!

Annapolis, Maryland: GPI’s Recycle Glass Week and Leone Industry representatives were in Annapolis on June 19th to witness 10 teams of cyclists cross the finish line! Nearly 500 people showed up for the race finish and to show their support for recycling. We handed out prizes, including barbecue spices in glass jars, to community residents who pledged to recycle their glass container. Little Bottle also made an appearance to greet recyclers and team cyclists as they finished their 3,000+-mile journey from Oceanside to Annapolis. Congratulations 2010 Race Across America cyclists!

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For Harvard University Drummers, “All You Need is Love Glass”

THUD, The Harvard Undergraduate Drummers, play the Beatles’ classic, “All You Need is Love,” using an assortment of 100% recyclable—and highly musical—glass bottles. Check it out

Glass On Display at Indiana Recycling Conference Events

The glass industry was front and center at the May 4-6 Indiana Recycling Coalition’s “Thinking Outside the Recycling Bin” Conference held in Indianapolis. More than 200 attendees were on hand for this 20th annual conference, the largest since the coalition was formed.

The Glass Packaging Institute sponsored the “Kick-Off” reception at Traders Point Creamery, which featured [Down Under] by Crane Lake wine donated by Saint-Gobain Containers. This wine is packaged in Saint-Gobain’s eco-friendly Revolution glass bottle, weighing in at nearly 50% less than most wine bottles. Its carbon footprint is also 25% less, and it’s made with at least 50% recycled glass. Both Traders Point Creamery and [Down Under] by Crane Lake were GPI’s 2009 Clear Choice Award Winners.

GPI also moderated a session on commercial recycling programs, which featured Brenda Rising-Moore from Union Jack Pub in Indianapolis, who has organized bar and restaurant recycling at Green Broad Ripple village in Indianapolis. The IRC board will visit Broad Ripple to see their glass and other container recycling efforts first hand on June 4th. The session also featured Paul Reusch, US. EPA Region 5, who spoke on special event recycling. And Steve Russell, representing Strategic Materials, Inc. participated in the “Commodities Markets” session. Presentations will be available on IRC’s web site.

Colorado Glass Recycler Proves Quality Prevails

Six years ago, Jeff Dahl was a pioneer, collecting glass bottles for recycling from a handful of local Colorado Springs, CO bars and taking them in his Chevy S10 pickup and trailer to Rocky Mountain Bottle Co. (RMBC). Today, Dahl Recycling services over 80 bars and restaurants, as well as Ft. Carson, the Air Force Academy, and residential customers collecting over 110 tons a month of glass bottles for recycling. And they’re still going to RMBC to make new glass containers.

About a year and a half ago, Dahl nearly lost all of his customers to the single-stream recycling collection program that began in Colorado Springs. To keep his customers and ensure that RMBC received high-quality recycled glass, Dahl decided to get into the waste hauling business as well.

“I was going to lose my bar accounts to single-stream recycling, so now I’m in the trash business,” says Dahl. “By keeping glass out of single stream and recycling cardboard I reduce my customers’ cost for trash service, plus the recycled material is cleaner.” Dahl also collects paper, plastic, and aluminum for recycling from his 200 residential customers, about 80% of whom recycle.

Florida Legislature Passes Comprehensive Recycling Bill

State Senator Lee Constantine’s bill to improve recycling in Florida has passed the legislature. The new legislation establishes gradually increasing recycling goals over the next decade, culminating with a 75% recycling goal by 2020. Solid waste disposed of in landfills, incinerators, or waste management facilities cannot be applied to this goal, unless it is utilized for production of renewable energy.

The bill also requires each state and local agency to report annually the quantity and type of recyclables beginning January 1, 2011. Private and other commercial businesses, while not required, are encouraged to do the same. And, the Department of the Environment is obligated under the new regulations to develop a comprehensive program to assist in achieving the recycling goal for most recyclables, including glass.

Delaware House Passes Bottle Bill Repeal, Bill Sent To Governor

The Delaware House passed Senate Bill 234, which rescinds the state’s container deposit law and institutes statewide single-stream curbside recycling for residents. The deposits paid on the covered containers will be discontinued on December 1, 2010. Single stream recycling would need to be provided to all single-family homes by September 15, 2011. Delaware Governor Jack Markell (D) strongly supports this legislation and his office has indicated he will sign the bill into law.

The state’s container deposit law currently includes a 5-cent deposit on glass beer bottles and smaller plastic carbonated drink containers. Aluminum containers were exempted from the program in 1994. The single-stream recycling program will be funded through 2014 with a 4-cent tax (at the point of purchase) on glass beer bottles and smaller plastic soda bottles. Funds generated from the tax will be used to purchase collection trucks and bins, and related grant programs and administrative costs.

Recent studies published in Resource Recycling have cited the detrimental impact single-stream collection has on recycling, particularly glass containers, with an average of 40%-60% of glass collected in this manner ending up in landfills, or only being suitable for lower value, single use applications.

O-I Offers North America Winemakers “Lean and Green” Bottles

Glass container manufacturer O-I has announced the launch of its lightest ever North American wine bottle, which is up to 27% lighter than similar wine bottles. Manufactured at O-I’s California facilities, the new bottles weigh in at just 11.6 ounces. O-I is also launching a 13-ounce 750 mL claret bottle.

The bottles are part of O-I’s global Lean+Green® initiative to create strong, durable, yet lighter bottles using advanced manufacturing techniques. O-I’s lightweight bottles will provide for a carbon dioxide savings of more than 89 tonnes based on production of one million bottles.

“O-I developed its lighter wine bottles to meet the same strict quality standards of our traditional wine bottles," said Stan Gossett, VP and Category Director for North America Wine. "We are proud to offer additional lightweight packaging options that help customers realize higher environmental savings, while retaining the strength and premium image for which O-I packaging is known." More

Glass Packaging Sector of Saint-Gobain Launches New International Brand

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Glass bottle and jar manufacturer Saint-Gobain Containers, and all Saint-Gobain glass packaging businesses worldwide, will now market itself and its products under a new brand name, “Verallia."

This new international brand will unify all the glass packaging businesses of Saint-Gobain under the Verallia brand. The new brand was established to raise the profile of the Saint-Gobain glass packaging business with its markets, customers, manufacturing network, and regional economies.

“The Verallia brand was also created to reflect our values and our unique business model that is built upon the combination of strength and proximity: the strength of a worldwide manufacturing and sales network, and the proximity that we cultivate every day with our customers and business partners,” said Jérôme Fessard, CEO of the Packaging Sector. More

Vitro Announces “Vino Lite” Reduced-Weight Wine Bottles

Vitro Packaging has launched the Vino Lite Collection of reduced weight glass wine bottles to support the wine industry’s demand for light-weight stock wine molds and fill a marketplace need for more sustainable wine bottle offerings. Vitro has created a collection of bottles that are 20% lighter, on average, than its current stock bottles. The Vino Lite bottles also offer a similar look to current stock bottles, so there is no sacrificing appearance for a greener bottle.

“Our launch of the Vino Lite Collection by Vitro was in direct response to customer requirements to design a more environmentally friendly reduced weight container without sacrificing the appearance of the package,” says John T. Shaddox, President of Vitro Packaging. “With this new family of products Vitro has broadened its already extensive portfolio of shapes and sizes to include options that satisfy the ever growing ‘green’ movement, without forcing customers to give up the existing shelf space look of their wine.”

Two Months Left to Enter the 2010 Clear Choice Awards

The Glass Packaging Institute celebrates the 21st year of the Clear Choice Awards, which recognizes the contribution glass packaging makes to the image, marketability, sustainability and success of food, beverage and cosmetic products. Clear Choice Awards winners will be announced on the GPI website the week of September 12, during GPI’s Recycle Glass Week.

GPI will award top package designs in the following categories: Beer, Wine, Food, Carbonated Beverage, Non-Carbonated Beverage, Distilled Spirits, Flavored Alcoholic Beverage, Organic Food or Beverage, and Fragrance/Cosmetics/Other. GPI will also choose one glass package to receive the Clear Choice Award for Overall Package Design, and honor eligible entries with GPI’s Conversion Recognition.

Enter the 2010 Clear Choice Awards. There is no fee to enter. All entries must be postmarked by Saturday, July 10, 2010. All 2010 Clear Choice Awards winners receive an award and benefit from industry-wide recognition and brand-building media coverage.

O-I Announces Aggressive Plan To Reduce Carbon Footprint

Glass packaging manufacturer Owens-Illinois, Inc., has announced plans to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions across its worldwide operations over the next decade.

O-I recently conducted a complete life cycle assessment of the environmental impact of glass containers, which will serve as a baseline for tracking the company's progress. "Our recent life cycle assessment showed that glass already has a smaller carbon footprint than other packaging materials. But, we see room for additional improvement in the carbon footprint of glass and our company as the world's leading maker of glass packaging," said O-I Chief Executive Officer Al Stroucken.

With 2007 as a baseline, O-I intends to achieve by 2017 cuts in global energy consumption by 50%, a reduction in carbon dioxide-equivalent emission by 65%, and nearly double its use of recycled glass to reach of global average of 60% recycled content. More

New Survey Finds Consumers Trust Glass Containers For Health and the Environment

Health conscious (87%) and environmentally conscious (83%) American consumers trust glass bottles and jars to protect their foods and beverages—and themselves—from harmful chemicals often found in alternative packaging materials, according to a survey of one thousand Americans conducted by Opinion Research for the Glass Packaging Institute.

“Glass is made from all-natural resources—sand, soda ash, limestone, and recycled glass—and with a 400-year history in the American marketplace, glass is the only packaging material 'generally recognized as safe' by the U.S. FDA for food and beverage contact,” says GPI president, Joseph Cattaneo. “Glass is the only packaging material that fully preserves the original taste of food and beverages.”

Consumers believe glass bottles and jars (60%) have the least negative impact on their health compared to other packaging materials, such as plastic (9%) and aluminum (7%). Two-thirds (66%) of respondents say knowing that a food or beverage container has an impact on their health influences their purchasing habits.

In fact, most (81%) respondents have seen, read, or heard that certain containers leach or seep chemicals into foods and beverages, and think glass bottles and jars (7%) are least likely to leach or seep chemicals while plastic bottles or containers are most likely (82%).

Join GPI in Recycling Across America During 2010 Cycling Event

As the exclusive environmental sponsor for Race Across America’s (RAAM) 2010 cycling event, June 12-18, GPI’s Recycle Glass Week will help to host five race time stations: Oceanside, California (June 12th); Durango, Colorado (June 12th); Bloomington, Indiana (June 17th); Oxford, Ohio (June 18th); and Annapolis, Maryland (June 19th).

At each time station, local residents are welcome to stop by to recycle their glass bottles and jars, and other containers, for a chance to win organic Recycle Glass Week/Race Across America t-shirts, stickers, affinity bracelets, and endlessly recyclable glass water bottles courtesy of Saint-Gobain Containers. Local recycling representatives will also be on hand to talk with community residents about local recycling programs.

RAAM has 54 time stations across the 3,000-mile course where racers report the time they arrived to race headquarters. Don’t miss seeing these athletes as they cycle through your town during the toughest endurance bicycle race in America. More

GPI Launches Recycle Glass Week E-hunt to Encourage Glass Bottle Recycling

Online Scavenger Hunt Aims to Educate Consumers about Benefits of Recycling Glass for Chance to Win Prizes during Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18

“We hope the recycle e-hunt proves a fun way to educate about the environmental benefits of glass container recycling, and that it will encourage people to recycle more glass bottles and jars,” says GPI president Joseph Cattaneo. “Recycling glass saves energy, reduces use of raw materials, and lessens CO₂ emissions. Recycling your glass containers will help glass container manufacturers to meet the goal to use 50 percent recycled glass in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013.”

GPI has partnered with Earth911.com, O-I, Race Across America, and Saint-Gobain Containers to host recycle e-hunt clues. GPI is launching the recycle e-hunt in advance of its sponsorship of Race Across America’s (RAAM) 2010 cycling event, June 12-18, and will announce recycle e-hunt prize winners during GPI’s second annual Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18.

Saint-Gobain Containers Invites Craft Brewers to Meet George Wendt

The craft beer industry poured into Chicago the week of April 5th for the 2010 Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America and World Beer Cup. Saint-Gobain Containers (SGCI), a sponsoring member of the Brewers Association, participated in the conference for the fourth consecutive year.

Along with a booth in the trade show, SGCI hosted a hospitality suite inviting craft brewers to sit back, relax, and enjoy a sampling of craft beer with special guest, George Wendt. Best known for his role as Norm Peterson of the classic television sitcom Cheers, George Wendt now has a book on store shelves, Drinking with George—A Barstool Professional’s Guide to Beer. Guests in the hospitality suite were able to meet and chat with George, take pictures, and get his autograph. The event was very successful with over 200 people in attendance.

The Brewers Association also includes a special brew in the welcome pack for the conference. This year’s beer, Heartwood Symposium Ale, was created with the collaboration of 15 Illinois breweries and packaged in bottles donated by SGCI.

Some People Actually Do Live in (Recycled) Glass Houses

Tito Ingenieri has built his house out of millions of recycled glass bottles. In his town of Quilmes, Argentina, people gladly give him their empty glass bottles and then admire his creation. Watch him show you how to build a one-of-a-kind house that recycles glass and keeps the streets clean. Check it out

North Carolina’s On-Premise Container Recycling Law Proves a Success

According to new data, the North Carolina ABC law, which went into effect January 1, 2008, requiring all on Alcohol Beverage Control permit holders to recycle beverage containers, is proving successful.

Compliance among the 8,500 permit holders is high with most using a service provider, but many self hauling. And local government glass recovery, which does not include private collection services, increased 39% from FY2007 (51,883 tons) to FY 2009 (72,074 tons). During the same period in the private sector, another 36,700 tons of glass were estimated to be recovered for a total of nearly 57,000 tons of new glass.

This data, and more, was presented at the Carolina Recycling Conference in a session organized by the Glass Packaging Institute. Representatives from Strategic Materials and Reflective Recycling addressed glass container collection, processing, and markets, and Jim Hickman, Managing Director, Open Window Consulting, and previously with the NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance which oversaw implementation of the ABC law, provided these new results.

Prior to the ABC law, the state was recycling about 12-17% of the estimated 300,000 tons of beverage and non-beverage glass it generated. Now, according to Hickman, they estimate they are recycling about 30-35% of glass generated in the state. “With this new law we’ve had a big impact on one of the major generating sectors, but there’s still a lot to do,” says Hickman.

“Another key finding was that despite the early grumblings we got from bar/restaurant owners, it ended up not being a very difficult law for them to implement,” says Hickman.

Reusable Glass Bottles Encourage Consumers to “Fall in Love With Their Tap All Over Again”

Be Truly You introduces new glass water bottle that inspires people to do away with plastic water bottles and take advantage of the clean, safe water available from their tap

In honor of Earth Day, Be Truly You has launched a new line of eco-friendly glass water bottles, the Metro Bottle. The new 20 oz. glass bottle, made with 20% recycled glass, offers consumers three ways to make a difference: choose a reusable bottle made from 100% recyclable glass, purchase a product made in the U. S., and provide a child with safe water for 40 days through the UNICEF Tap Project.

"It was a challenge to find a domestic, glass bottle manufacturer and distributor willing to work with a small company like ours," said Ann Caiola, co-founder of Be Truly You, "GPI was a wonderful resource, which led us to Saint-Gobain Containers and All-Pak, a division of Berlin Packaging. These two companies stepped up to the challenge and helped us bring this new glass water bottle to life."

The first bottle in the company’s Metro Bottle line features a design inviting consumers to “fall in love with their tap…all over again” and reduce their bottled water usage. The larger mouth of the bottle accommodates ice cubes and easy cleaning. Be Truly You encourages the use of tap water as an alternative to water from disposable plastic bottles, which can have health and environmental impacts.

Enter the 2010 Clear Choice Awards

O-I Invests in New Research Effort

Perrysburg, OH Lab to Receive Most of $18M Investment

Owens-Illinois Inc. CEO Al Stroucken has announced $18 million in new research-related investments, primarily at their Perrysburg, OH headquarters. According to Stroucken, this new investment “plays a critical role in helping O-I achieve its strategic objectives on a global scale.”

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland was present for the announcement and toured O-I’s new 4,000-square-foot materials science laboratory. Nearly three dozen scientists and engineers will arrive at the lab in the coming months as part of this new research initiative. O-I plans to spend $11.5 million through Dec. 31 to enhance research capacity in Perrysburg, and add 32 to 35 research jobs in Perrysburg by the end of the year. Another $6 million will be invested in the Zanesville, OH plant where products developed in Perrysburg will be initially manufactured. More

Vitro Awarded Distinction of “Socially Responsible Company 2010”

In a March 17-18 ceremony in Mexico City, the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (CEMEFI) awarded Vitro the distinction of being a Socially Responsible Company 2010. The event was part of the 3rd Latin American Forum of Socially Responsible Companies where top executives and representatives from “Forum Empresa”, “CEMEFI”, “The Mexican Institute for Norms and Certification” and “RedEAmerica” discussed transparency and accountability, among other topics.

“We are proud to receive, for the third consecutive year, this award which confirms that, in spite of a challenging environment, at Vitro we continue working diligently to offer our customers quality products and services with a clear focus on continuous improvement always making sure that we exercise a positive influence in the communities where we have a presence,” assures Hugo Lara, Vitro CEO.

A fundamental part of Vitro’s contribution to sustainable development is its recycling program. “Thanks to this initiative, in 2009, we were able to collect 152,133 tons of glass to recycle representing a significant increase of 16 percent over 2008. This translates into natural gas consumption savings of 164,304 million BTU’s, the reduction of our carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and the freeing up of 304,266 cubic metric tons in solid waste disposal sites,” says Albert Chico, Vitro’s Manager of Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility.

At Earth Day's 40th Anniversary, Most Americans Believe it will Take Another 40 Years to Achieve "Zero Waste"

Glass Container Industry Continues to Work Toward goal of using 50% Recycled Glass in Manufacture of New Glass Bottles and Jars by 2013

While a majority of Americans (57%) would like the U.S. to achieve “zero-waste”—or a state where all products are reused and any trash sent to landfills is minimal—in 20 years or less, they believe it will take 41 years or more (53%) before “zero-waste” can be achieved, according to a survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by Opinion Research for the Glass Packaging Institute from April 8-11, 2010.

“Creating ‘zero-waste’ in the U.S. is a goal that needs to be shared by all industries, communities, and consumers,” says Joseph Cattaneo, GPI president. “In this regard, the glass container industry continues to forge ahead in creating more awareness about the environmental benefits of glass container recycling to meet our goal to use up to 50 percent recycled content in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013.”

GPI encourages consumers to commit to make glass recycling a daily habit on April 22nd, the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Glass is 100% and endlessly recyclable. “One of the outstanding environmental benefits of glass containers is their recyclability in a closed-loop process,” says Cattaneo. Find out how to recycle glass bottles in your community. Get all survey results

GPI’s Recycle Glass Week is Environmental Sponsor for Race Across America’s 2010 Cycling Event

Glass Packaging Institute Sponsors June 12-18 endurance cycling event as precursor to Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18

The Glass Packaging Institute’s Recycle Glass Week will be the primary environmental sponsor for this year’s Race Across America (RAAM), the longest-running ultra-endurance bicycle race in the world. RAAM has become a platform for racers and teams raising money for charitable causes—with cyclists raising over one million dollars annually—and a rare opportunity to combine outstanding wellness, and environmental and social missions in one event.

“Cycling and recycling are both environmentally sound practices that encourage sustainability and health for people and our planet,” says Joseph Cattaneo, GPI President. “GPI is delighted to partner with Race Across America to increase awareness about the environmental benefits of cycling and glass container recycling to help meet the industry’s goal to use 50% recycled content in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013.”

“As we involve more people in cycling, we simultaneously increase health and overall wellness, in addition to environmental sustainability,” says Fred Boethling, President of RAAM. “We are very excited to continue expanding our event concept to include more teams, and with the sponsorship of the Glass Packaging Institute’s Recycle Glass Week, encourage recycling and create more awareness for environmental responsibility.”

During RAAM 2010, soloists and groups composed of two, four and eight riders will race relay-style across the 3,000+-mile course from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland. This year’s RAAM event is projected to include 275 riders with over 1,000 crewmembers. Get the latest event news when you sign up for the RAAM e-newsletter.

The Bottle Bank Arcade: Making Glass Bottle Recycling Fun!

TheFunTheory.com, an initiative from Volkswagen, proves that fun is the easiest way to change people’s behavior for the better. They turned a typical European bottle bank for recycling glass bottles and jars into an arcade, complete with lights and noise. In just one night, the bottle bank arcade was used by nearly 100 people, while during the same period, the nearby conventional bottle bank was used twice. Watch the fun

Maryland Holds Hearings on Recycling Legislation

The Maryland legislature held hearings earlier this month on two pieces of recycling-based legislation. HB 982 would define commodity specific recycling goals for the state, and HB 944 would require the majority of bars and restaurants to recycle their beverage containers. HB 944 is similar to a North Carolina ABC permit holder recycling law, which has increased the annual tonnage of top-quality glass recycled in the state by approximately 72,000 tons per year and boasts a high bar and restaurant participation rate.

HB 944 would require, beginning January 1, 2012, bars and restaurants located in counties with populations greater than 150,000 to recycle glass, aluminum, and plastic beverage containers sold on-premise. The legislation also requests that the beverage distributors work together with their customers to develop a comprehensive recycling program for the covered containers.

Dan Steen, on behalf of O-I, and Bryan Vickers, on behalf of GPI, testified in support of the legislation, introduced by Delegate Doyle Niemann. HB 982 would also define “recycling” as a process that results in the manufacture of new or similar products. Importantly, this bill recognizes the connection between recycling programs and the end markets that rely on them. Both bills are supported by the Sierra Club and a coalition of state environmental groups. The bills go to committee within the week.

Indiana Recycling Leaders Tour Saint-Gobain Containers Plant

Saint-Gobain Glass Containers hosted a tour for the staff of the Indiana Recycling Coalition (IRC) at their Dunkirk, IN plant in March. IRC staffers Carey Hamilton, Monica Whitfield Brase, and Katie Graham learned about the mechanics of the glassmaking process, including Saint-Gobain's use of cullet to manufacture new glass bottles. Using cullet benefits the environment and Saint Gobain's bottom line.

"The IRC spends just as much time explaining how recycling benefits Indiana's economy as it does explaining how it benefits our environment," said IRC Executive Director Carey Hamilton. The IRC is working to familiarize its membership with why the industry is seeking more glass containers collected through recycling programs. "Hearing how Saint Gobain uses cullet in its manufacturing process as a way to save money, which can later be used to help it expand and grow, really helps us sell others on the benefits of recycling,” says Hamilton.

During Recycle Glass Week in September 2009, the IRC visited a cullet processor to understand the challenges of marketing material from single-stream collection programs. The GPI is also working with the IRC to promote ways in which bar and restaurant programs can provide additional volumes of cullet to be used to make new bottles and jars.

Partnering in Muncie, IN Boosts Local Glass Recycling Efforts

Saint-Gobain Containers (SGCI), headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, has joined forces with Muncie Mission to promote and increase local glass bottle recycling. This includes drop-off collection and outreach to local restaurants.

Muncie Mission has established a weekly route throughout the city to pick up glass recyclables, and SGCI donates recycling collection bins for organizations that want to get involved. Currently eight organizations are participating in the program—everything from restaurants to churches. Plus, Muncie Mission offers drop-off glass collection at their recycling facility.

And in August of 2009, SGCI expanded glass recycling efforts at its Muncie headquarters. All employees were given a recycling bin to collect glass recyclables at home and return them to the drop-off container located in the headquarters parking lot [photo right]. Muncie Mission then picks up the recyclables, takes them to their recycling center and removes any contaminants. The finished cullet is used at SGCI’s Dunkirk, IN plant to make new glass container. As of February 28th, SGCI employees have recycled nearly 10 tons of glass.

Follow “ChooseGlass” on Twitter and Win an iPod Shuffle!

GPI is giving away an iPod Shuffle to our 1000th follower on Twitter. Follow us @ChooseGlass for your chance to win!

WineLovesGlass.com Engages and Educates Wine-Drinking Consumers

Website and blog highlight glass packaging for wine and open debate about alternative wine packaging

Wine drinkers have a new resource for need-to-know wine news and trends at the just-launched WineLovesGlass.com. The new website, developed by glass packaging manufacturer Owens-Illinois, Inc. (O-I), aims to educate visitors about the benefits of wine in glass bottles and the important role packaging plays in protecting the taste, look, and aroma of wine.

“Our goal in creating the site was to help those who are just learning about wine, especially the millennial generation, understand why wine is best in glass bottles, and why other packaging alternatives often fall short,” said Kelley Yoder, marketing manager of wine for O-I North America. “The site will also give wine drinkers a sense of how glass packaging impacts all facets of the wine drinking experiencing including its flavor preservation qualities, aesthetic appeal, and social acceptance.”

Saint-Gobain Wins EPA's ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for Second Straight Year

For the second year in a row, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has named Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc., a leading producer of glass containers for the food and beverage industries in the U.S., as ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. The award, which recognizes outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, will be presented at a ceremony in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2010.

“The Partner of the Year Award underscores our commitment to limiting the environmental impact of our manufacturing processes and protecting the health of the communities where we live and work,” says Gilles Colas, General Delegate for Saint-Gobain in North America.

Through a wide range of energy-awareness programs, process improvements, and energy management practices in 2009, Saint-Gobain businesses in North America were able to reduce their energy intensity by 2.2 %—equivalent to the amount of energy needed to make nearly 486 million glass bottles or enough fiber glass insulation for more than 100,000 typical U.S. homes. The company's energy-use reduction equated to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions released to the atmosphere of more than 70,000 tons last year. More

Mark Your Calendars—GPI Announces 2010 Recycle Glass Week

Recycle Glass Week 2010 to be held September 12-18

GPI’s second annual Recycle Glass Week is planned for September 12-18, 2010. During the week, GPI and its member companies will hold nationwide activities and events to build awareness and boost glass bottle recycling. We’ll also announce the 2010 Clear Choice Awards winners, and recognize Friends of Glass, those organizations or persons that recycle glass or promote the recycling of glass as a way to better the environment.

“After the success of last year’s event, we’re delighted to announce Recycle Glass Week 2010, which will offer even more community recycling events and ways for consumers to get involved,” says Glass Packaging Institute president, Joseph Cattaneo. “We’re asking consumers to recycle their glass bottles and jars to help reduce the amount of recyclable materials entering landfills and to help make new glass containers.”

GPI Seeks 2010 Clear Choice Awards Entries for Best Glass Package Designs

2010 Awards to Again be Held with Recycle Glass Week

Enter Now

“Designing and packaging in glass ensures that your product has the competitive edge, as more and more consumers demand glass for its pure, recyclable, and premium characteristics,” says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “Glass containers continue to lead the pack in providing the aesthetics consumers want in a ‘green’ package.”

GPI will award top package designs in the following categories: Beer; Wine; Food; Carbonated Beverage; Non-Carbonated Beverage; Distilled Spirits; Flavored Alcoholic Beverage; Organic Food or Beverage; and Fragrance/Cosmetics/Other. GPI will also choose one glass package to receive the Clear Choice Award for Overall Package Design, and honor eligible entries with GPI’s Conversion Recognition. There is no fee to enter. All entries must be postmarked by July 10, 2010.

March 10, 2010 - GPI Seeks 2010 Clear Choice Awards Entries for Best Glass Package Designs

Maryland Legislator Introduces Bar and Restaurant Recycling Bill

Maryland House Del. Doyle Niemann (D-47th) has introduced legislation that would require the owner of a bar or restaurant which serves alcohol to provide for the collection, storage, separation, and recycling of all glass, aluminum, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage containers that are “generated for disposal.” If passed, these recycling requirements would begin January 1, 2012. Milk and other primarily “dairy” beverage containers would be exempt, as would bars and restaurants located in counties with populations of less than 150,000. Beginning in 2013, local governments would be required beginning to submit a report to the State Department of Environment on the tonnage of glass, aluminum, and PET collected and recycled through the program.

Massachusetts Governor Includes Container Deposit Expansion in FY 2011 Budget Proposal

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s (D) FY 2011 budget proposes an expansion of the state’s container deposit system to include non-carbonated beverages. This follows a similar effort last July, when the Governor included container deposit expansion in the supplemental budget. The state estimates this expansion could generate an additional $20 million annually from unredeemed deposits. According to the plan, $5 million of these deposits would be dedicated to help fund recycling programs. Beverage container recycling operators have requested that the handling fee (currently at 2.25 cents per container) be increased as well. Legislation has been introduced that would increase the handling fee by 1 cent per container.

Vintage Budweiser Ad Showcases Glass Recyclability

To get glass container recycling started, be sure to invite the ants to your next picnic. Or recycle glass bottles yourself. This 1997 Budweiser commercial proves that the glass recycling message still holds strong more than a decade later. Watch the ad

Coca-Cola and KAB Announce 2010 Bin Grant Program

The Coca-Cola Company and Keep America Beautiful have opened the spring grant cycle for the Coca-Cola/KAB Recycling Bin Grant Program. Applications for this effort to promote and support community recycling are open until March 12, 2010. Find out more at www.bingrant.org.

Grants are open to government agencies, civic organizations, schools, nonprofit groups and for-profit companies. Successful applicants will be notified on or before April 22.

Grant recipients have the benefit of receiving both donated recycling bins and expertise on how to set up recycling programs from KAB. The grant program is part of Coca-Cola’s significant investment in recycling programs and initiatives in the U.S.

Alaskan Senator Introduces Resolution of Disapproval to Prevent EPA Regulation of GHGs

38 cosponsors, including three Senate Democrats, joined Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in sponsoring a “resolution of disapproval” that would prevent the EPA from regulating GHGs. The resolution would need to pass full votes by both the Senate and House of Representatives, in addition to being signed by President Obama before going into effect.

In a Senate-floor speech Senator Murkowski stated that the Clean Air Act was written by Congress to regulate criteria pollutants, not greenhouse gases, and its implementation remains subject to oversight and guidance from elected representatives. Senator Murkowski also expects court challenges to raising the regulatory thresholds under the Clean Air Act to encompass larger emitters.

In comments to the EPA and in communications with Members of Congress, GPI and its member companies have maintained that the only appropriate avenue to regulate greenhouse gas emissions is the U.S. Congress. They have also worked diligently with Members of Congress and their staff to ensure that all economic and environmental aspects are taken into account when considering emissions reductions regulation of glass container manufacturing facilities and their suppliers.

Read Senator Murkowski’s Senate floor statement and resolution of disapproval

GPI Design Competition Winner Lands Internship at Diageo

Nathan Sahr, a member of the winning team from GPI’s 2008 Packaging Design Competition, has landed an internship this winter and spring at Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business. Nathan, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree from MSU’s School of Packaging this December, says in addition to his studies, his knowledge from GPI’s guest lectures on glass container production and marketability, and his experience at O-I’s Glass University helped him secure this prestigious internship.

“I really enjoyed working with glass for the GPI design competition because of its premium look and high quality,” said Nathan. “From GPI, O-I, and my Michigan State classes, I basically decided I wanted to work in the beverage industry and Diageo was definitely at the top of my list for places I’d want to work.”

SGD N.A. Launches Infinite Glass, 100% Recycled Content Glass Bottles for Cosmetics Industry

After 18 months of research and development, SGD N.A., the world leader in glass bottle manufacturing for the perfume and cosmetics industries, has launched the first incarnation of its Infinite Glass line, Gaïa, which boasts glass jars and bottles made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass or “cullet.” In Greek mythology, Gaïa is a goddess personifying earth and symbolizing the ecosystem.

“The goal was to create ecological glass packaging with all of its performance advantages—compatibility, barrier quality, stability—while maintaining limitless decoration possibilities,” said Sheherazade Chamlou, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for SGD North America. “By addressing environmental issues, Infinite Glass is the perfect synergy between being green and glamorous.”

Hear What MSU Design Contest Winners Have To Say About Glass

GPI spoke with Professor Dennis Young and undergraduate students Mike Rowe and Zack Werner, winners of GPI’s 4th Glass Packaging Design Competition held fall semester 2009 at Michigan State University School of Packaging. Mike and Zack share a little about the creative process, and details about the winning 12-ounce glass package design for Lucini Premium Olive Oil. Professor Dennis Young provides listeners with ‘a look inside’ the GPI design competition and how it benefits his students. Listen to the podcast or read the text.

Unique Fusion of Color and Shape Makes Glass Bottle a Winner in MSU Design Contest

An elegant tear-drop shaped bottle for olive oil (at left) took first place in GPI’s Glass Packaging Design Competition held fall semester 2009 at Michigan State University School of Packaging.

The winning 12-ounce glass package was created by the team of Mike Rowe and Zack Werner, beating out 32 other MSU student teams. “My idea about glass has changed not only from our design, but from seeing the other innovative ideas,” says Zach Werner.

“The winning design makes excellent use of the material characteristics and design flexibility of glass containers. "Good use of shape and color produces a great shelf impact," says Dennis Young, MSU Instructor. The competition is part of Young’s Glass and Metal Packaging course. “We had an excellent quality of projects from all the teams of students,” says Young.

The winning design is a spherical body with a gradual sloping neck and a bulky base for overall support. “The form is based on an Old Italian wine bottle shape, with a rustic paper label,” says Mike Rowe. The amber color reduces the amount of sunlight entering the bottle, and the flint lower half provides a “window” so consumers can view the product.

A Symphony of Glass Beer Bottles

Watch the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria play the Victoria Bitter beer commercial theme song on bottles of VB, as it’s known in Australia, where it is the highest selling beer. It’s not to be missed.

University of Kansas Students Bring Glass Bottle Recycling to Local Bars

Ratified in January 2009, “Students for Bar Recycling” took on the challenge of establishing recycling at all the bars in Lawrence, KS, where the University resides, with a focus on glass containers.

The student organization was started by Andrew Stanley and Ben Hornung, University of Kansas seniors. “We were watching a game at a sports bar and asked them what they do with all the empty bottles, and they said they didn’t recycle them,” says Hornung. They checked with other bars and restaurants and found none were recycling. “Lawrence is pretty progressive with respect to the green movement, so we we’re blown away that there wasn’t recycling in place.”

But starting November 2009, thanks to the efforts of the student organization, Ripple Glass began a trial run with a bar in Lawrence called The Barrel House, a piano bar, where they now have drop-off bins for glass containers. “We want to do whatever we can to make it a successful pilot,” says Hornung. That is the focus this semester, along with adding more local bars.

Delaware Governor Proposes to Dissolve Container Deposit Program, Provide Universal Curbside Recycling

The office of Delaware Governor Jack Markell has proposed a mandate that all private waste haulers and municipalities provide curbside recycling service to all customers. Initial set-up costs would be funded via the state’s current 5-cent container deposit program. While recycling services would need to be provided, businesses and residences would not be required to participant. Over time, the deposit program would transition to a 2-cent fee per recovered container, with all proceeds directed towards state wide recycling efforts.

Governor Markell vetoed legislation at the end of 2009 that would have repealed the state’s container deposit program, H.B. 201, which was opposed by GPI. The Governor’s new proposal would need to be introduced and pass the Delaware General Assembly to become law.

California Assembly Committee Rejects Effort to Suspend AB 32

California’s Assembly Committee on Natural Resources rejected legislation that would have temporarily suspended the state’s climate change law, more commonly known as AB 32. Assembly Bill 118, which would have suspended AB 32 until the unemployment rate lowered to 5.5%, was voted down by a 6-3 margin. AB 32 would require GHG emissions reductions to 1990 levels by 2020 and is scheduled go into effect in 2012. The law directly affects the state’s glass container manufacturers through mandated emissions reductions at their facilities. A continuing effort to repeal the law is expected by Assemblyman Dan Logue, who hopes to gather enough signatures to place the issue on the ballot when California residents vote later this year.

GPI Submits Comments to EPA on Proposed Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule

On December 28th, GPI submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning the agency’s proposed Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule. In the comments, GPI explained the concern for significant “leakage” should the agency determine emissions levels from the facility level. GPI and its member companies have worked diligently with Congress to ensure that any federal emissions regulation would take into account unregulated, international competition so domestic facilities would not be placed at a competitive disadvantage.

GPI also requests that the EPA raise the facility threshold from 25,000 tons per year (tpy) to 100,000 tpy. This change would reduce the major sources in their proposal by almost two-thirds, but only decrease the total quantity of GHG emissions subject to regulation by 4 percent. Finally, GPI asks that the EPA leave emissions regulations to Congress, who has been actively working on cap-and-trade and other climate change proposals for two years, to ensure that all economic and environmental aspects are taken into account. For a copy of GPI’s comments, contact Bryan Vickers at bvickers@pacellp.com.

A Year in the Clear: Introducing the Monthly Clear Choice Awards Wallpaper Calendars

From January through December 2010, GPI will feature a winning product design from the 2009 Clear Choice Awards as a downloadable monthly wallpaper calendar. They will be available at the top of the right hand column in each Inside Glass Packaging.

Download January and February's calendars here. January's calendar features Silver Palm Cabernet Sauvignon by Jackson Family Wines, Overall Package Design winner in the 2009 Clear Choice Awards. The glass bottle was supplied by Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc. February spotlights the Crystal Winner, Alcoholic Beverage Category, Canadian Club 30 Year Aged Whiskey. The glass bottle was supplied by O-I and Pavisa and manufactured by Beam Global Spirits and Wine, Inc. Get more information on this product and the other 2009 Clear Choice Award winners.

Glass Industry Adapts HACCP Protocols for Glass Containers

Food safety—from spinach to peanut butter—is an ongoing concern for American consumers, and those across the globe. To compete in a world market and reduce barriers to international trade, more food manufacturers, packagers. and distributors are adopting well-established Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards.

HACCP is an international protocol to identify and manage risks in the food supply chain. It is recognized as the primary food safety standard for many countries, and also holds packaging companies responsible for ensuring that packaging materials do not compromise food safety.

As many glass container customers have asked their packaging suppliers, including glass suppliers, to adopt the approach, the GPI formed a task group to develop a proactive product safety program for glass container industry HACCP implementation.

The result is a generic, voluntary Glass Container HACCP Program that’s suitable and tailored for the many different types of glass container manufacturing operations and applications. Representatives from Gallo Glass, O-I, Saint-Gobain Containers and Vitro Packaging participated in development of the document. Download the protocol

British Designer Paul Smith Fashions New Evian Glass Water Bottle

Evian Natural Spring Water has partnered with brilliant British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith on a new limited edition 750 mL glass bottle. The glass bottle is manufactured by Owens-Illinois and is decorated by Saga Décor (a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain Emballage). According to Smith, “It is a nice glass bottle with colourful stripes around the top, printed with organic ink!”

Smith’s design is the third in a series of designer bottles for Evian’s latest youth-oriented ad campaign, “Live Young,” following one by Christian Lacroix in 2008 and last year's model by Jean Paul Gaultier. The bottle comes with five different collectible caps, and is available online at www.ShopEvian.com as well as in fine restaurants, hotels, concept stores, and wellness centers in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami in the U.S.

Watch Paul Smith’s video for Evian

What’s Ahead: 2010 North American Glass Packaging Outlook

Upping the Ante, Glass Industry Actively Seeks More Bottles for Recycling

The North American glass container industry worked diligently in 2009 to create more recycling awareness and improve recycled glass collection for bottle-to-bottle recycling, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use of raw materials, extend the life of glass manufacturing furnaces, save energy, and meet the industry’s 50% recycled content goal by 2013. In the U.S., there are 50 glass container manufacturing plants and 74 facilities that process glass for recycling.

Doubling the U.S. glass container recycling rate (28% in 2008) would allow manufacturers to use 50% recycled glass or “cullet” to make new glass containers, saving enough energy to power 21,978 homes for one year and removing 181,550 tons of waste from landfills every month.

The goal of using 50% cullet in the manufacture of new glass containers by 2013 was the impetus behind the Glass Packaging Institute’s 2009 Recycle Glass Week. More than 50 educational activities and public events in 22 states brought in over 20 tons of glass for bottle-to-bottle recycling, built awareness about the environmental benefits of recycling glass containers, and led to permanent collection locations for glass bottles and jars in Colorado and Indiana.

In 2010, the glass container industry will intensify its efforts to make U.S. glass container recycling successful. This includes helping to improve curbside recycling programs, expand drop-off collection, initiate more on-premise recycling, and build on state bottle deposit programs.

Get details on the 2010 outlook for glass containers:

Unity of Glass Container Manufacturers in U.S. Grows Stronger

Making a Difference through Packaging Choices

Less is More, and What’s Old is New Again

Closing the Loop Attracts Green-Conscious Consumers

More Americans Recycling, But Higher Quality Cullet Requires Partnerships and Innovation

Climate Change Legislation Takes Center Stage

New and Expanded Container Deposit Legislation Pushes Forward

Share Your Life with Glass

See how glass surrounds us in our everyday lives, providing a natural and pure way to care for us and our planet. Hear what “glass” has to say in this Vitro video

Glass Bottle Recycling Raises Funds for Indiana Cub Scouts

A Cub Scout pack in Indiana is collecting nearly two tons of recycled glass a month from four restaurants and other businesses near the Dunkirk Saint-Gobain Container, Inc. plant, with the help of a plant employee. Rick Wayman, president of the local GMP union there, as well as the troop’s cub master, organized the effort that involves his grandson, Print Barger.

“Saint-Gobain of Dunkirk has allowed me to use two cullet tubs, which I have mounted on a small trailer. Both tubs, when full hold approximately 800 to 900 pounds of cullet. We do collections once every few weeks, which produces two full tubs,” noted Wayman. He said a proposed expansion of the effort that would double the amount currently collected can be achieved by adding on two additional tubs and servicing three more businesses near the glass manufacturing location.

The scouts also collect other recyclables, with money raised from their sale going into the troop’s general fund. “The glass recycling component would not have been possible without the help of local plant management of SGCI at the Dunkirk location and the local leaders and scouts of Pack 37,” said Wayman, “so we’re grateful to them.”

CRI Study Shows Cost Impacts of Single-Stream Collection

A study commissioned by the Container Recycling Institute, and conducted by CM Consulting, “Understanding economic and environmental impact of single-stream collection systems,” highlights the negative downstream impacts of contaminated feedstock, a result of mixing recyclable materials through single-stream collection. This is especially true for glass containers.

According to CRI Executive Director Susan Collins, "Once the materials are mixed together in a single-stream recycling system, there will be cross-contamination of materials and significant glass breakage. Those cross-contamination and breakage issues then result in increased costs for the secondary processors."

According to the report, on average, 40% of glass from single-stream collection winds up in landfills, while 20% is small broken glass used for low-end applications. Only 40% is recycled into new glass containers and fiberglass. In contrast, mixed glass from dual-stream systems yields an average of 90% being recycled into containers and fiberglass, with 10% glass fines used for low-end applications, and nearly nothing sent to landfill. In container-deposit systems, color-sorted material results in 98% being recycled and only 2% marketed as glass fines. Get the report

Houston Certified Green Restaurant Serves up Dinner, Drinks, and Recycling

New Houston, TX restaurant, Ruggles Green, is serving up organic and natural food, as well as reducing its waste stream and recycling.

According to a report from KHOU-TV in Houston, one of the restaurants biggest waste streams is glass. They have two containers for glass as well as for cardboard. Restaurant partner Federico Marques reports, “If restaurants focused only on glass and cardboard and nothing else, they could probably reduce their landfill waste by half.”

Between glass bottles and cardboard, the restaurant recycles almost 80% of waste generated. In October 2009, glass bottles represented 53% of their recycling mix, with cardboard next at 25%. The glass is collected by Mark Austin of WeCANRecycle, who was featured in the June 2009 issue of GPI’s Inside Glass Packaging. Watch the video

Be Truly You with Inspirational, Reusable Glass Water Bottles

GPI recently spoke with Heather McDowell and Ann Caiola, Founders of Be Truly You, a new company that offers eco-friendly and soul-friendly glass water bottles, and other products that encourage people to “be truly you.” Heather and Ann give us “a look inside” the brand, including why they chose glass for their line of inspirational water bottles, which are currently the company’s biggest seller. Listen to the podcast or Read the transcript

GPI "Friends and Family" are invited to receive a 20% discount for anything on the Be Truly You website. Enter code GPIFF20 into the "Discount Coupon" box in the "Voucher" section of the checkout screen. Just click "Recalculate" to apply and receive your discount.

U.S. EPA Declares GHGs a Danger to Public Health

On December 7th, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson presented an “endangerment finding,” declaring that greenhouse gases (GHG) are a danger to public health. This decision may pave the way for the EPA to issue emissions regulations for a variety of industries, including the glass container and other energy-intensive trade exposed (EITE) industries.

Administrator Jackson’s announcement came as delegates from around the world began meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, to try and come to a global agreement on greenhouse gas reduction. In addition to the endangerment finding, EPA plans to move forward with a tailoring rule, which would require glass container facilities to install best available control technology on existing equipment, and any planned upgrades or modifications.

Glass Delivers for Health and "Green" Conscious Consumers

Traders Point Creamery, Organic Meadow, Oberweis Dairy, and More Offer Wholesome Milk and Other Dairy Products in Pure Glass Bottles

Increasingly available in grocery stores and through traditional milkman delivery services, farm-fresh milk in glass bottles is making its way back into homes across the U.S. Several dairies, highlighted below, have introduced or reintroduced glass bottles for milk and other dairy products to meet consumer demand and environmental objectives.

“Packaging milk in glass is an American tradition and a decision that is proven to be healthy for you and the environment,” says Joseph Cattaneo, GPI president. “Glass is 100% pure, which protects the ‘farm-fresh’ taste of milk, and is 100% recyclable and reusable.”

In fact, researchers report a trend toward glass packaging as the first choice of consumers who say they care about the environment and their individual and family health*. Nearly 60% of consumers believe glass packaging is “best suited to a healthy lifestyle.” And while 83.1% of consumers think plastic containers have added chemicals, only 11.9% think glass does. And dairies are responding.

Traders Point Creamery, located in Zionsville, Indiana, packages its whole milk, chocolate milk, and yogurt in glass bottles. The company’s 100% grass-fed, certified organic Brown Swiss cows produce non-homogenized milk that is high in essential vitamins and minerals, and the European-style yogurt has been voted “America’s Best” by the American Cheese Society for the last two years. Traders Point Creamery is a strong believer in glass—it gives the consumer a pure product in an easily recycled package.

Spear Receives TLMI Environmental Leadership Award

Spear, the world’s leading supplier of prime labels for the food, beverage and personal care industries, has been recognized with the 2009 Environmental Leadership Award from the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute. The Award recognizes the TLMI member company that has consistently demonstrated a commitment to progressive environmental practices.

SpearEARTH, the company’s program that develops and quantifies their environmental activities, proves what made them the 2009 award winner. Over the past year, Spear has reduced 5,000,000 annual landfill pounds through thin film development. Liner and matrix recycling programs have eliminated over 13,500,000 landfill pounds. Solvent recovery and supply programs allow Spear to reclaim more than 3,500,000 pounds of solvent and vertically integrate 95% of total usage. Finally, energy reduction and process improvement programs have saved 9,250 (tCO2) total carbon emissions. More

Take a Virtual Tour Through a Glass Processing Facility

Hazel Mobley, Strategic Materials, shows viewers the ins and outs of their cullet processing facility in Atlanta, GA. And asks Georgians to recycle more of their glass bottles and jars. The video was produced by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs as part of a series of videos on single-stream recycling in the state. Watch now

Saint-Gobain Containers and eCullet Partner in Seattle to Boost Glass Recycling and Recycled Content

In South Seattle, Washington, a joint initiative between Saint-Gobain Containers, the nations’ largest manufacturer of wine bottles, and eCullet, developer of state-of-the-art camera sorting technology for processing recycled glass, will help produce new glass containers made with double the amount of recycled glass —increasing the recycled content from 17% to 35%— with the potential to increase more in the future.

"Since we produce millions of bottles per year at the plant, this is a critical step to help us reach our company-wide goal of using 50% recycled content by 2013," said Peter Walters, Vice President of Purchasing and Distribution for Saint-Gobain Containers.

The eCullet facility, in pilot phase of operation since May 2009, has ramped up since the ribbon cutting in September and is currently processing about 5,500 tons a month. When running at full capacity, they plan to deliver 7,500 - 8,000 tons a month of furnace-ready cullet to SGCI for making new glass bottles.

“Everything we process goes to Saint-Gobain,” said Farook Afsari, Chairman and Founder of eCullet. An independent facility, eCullet is located on space leased from SGCI near their manufacturing plant. “From the time the cullet is produced to the time it can be introduced into the batch is literally three to five minutes,” says Afsari. “This makes for an exceptional carbon footprint on the marketing side.”

And according to Walters, “the plant is already seeing substantial reductions in energy and energy costs.” For every 10% cullet used, SGCI is able to reduce energy costs by 4%. And using 10% more recycled glass has led to decreases in nitrogen oxide, a greenhouse gas, and reductions in raw materials. “Glass is endlessly recyclable,” said Walters. “Glass bottles and jars should never end up in a landfill.”

The environmental benefits of the technology extend to customers as well. SGCI's largest customer at the South Seattle plant in the Pacific Northwest is Ste. Michelle Winery located in Woodinville, WA. The increased recycled content in SGCI's bottles allows the Winery to further reflect its own commitment to sustainable practices.

Recycled glass is sourced through single stream curbside collection programs in Seattle and from material coming out of Vancouver, BC’s bottle deposit program. eCullet also has plans to accept recycled glass from curbside programs in Vancouver. “We’re capable of taking color sorted or mixed glass,” said Afsari. “The technology is flexible enough to sort various color mixes and take out all the ceramics and other contaminants.” More

Metro-Wide Glass Recycling System Launches in Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, MO residents can now drop off their glass bottles and jars at one of 60 locations in the metro area, including Whole Foods, Price Chopper and Hen House grocery stores, Sprint Nextel, Hallmark Cards, the Harley Davidson Plant, and community centers.

Glass bottles and jars recycled through this extended drop-off system will then be taken to Ripple Glass, which opens December 1st, for sorting and processing. The finished cullet will be used at a local Owens Corning plant for fiberglass insulation.

Each drop-off container (photo right) holds 8-10 tons of mixed-color glass, but Stacia Stelk, Executive Director at Ripple Glass, admits they aren’t sure how much to expect. “We hope to take in 6,000 to 7,000 tons conservatively in the first year, and by year three around 15,000 to 20,000 annually.”

A feasibility study conducted prior to project development revealed that only 5% of Kansas City residents recycle glass. According to Stelk, they expect there is a big opportunity to significantly increase the recycling rate, estimating there is 80,000 tons of glass thrown away each year. Glass is not collected through the City’s single stream curbside collection program, so residents are “anxious to recycle their glass,” says Stelk.

Climate Change Legislation Passes EPW Committee

The primary climate change vehicle in the Senate, S 1733, passed out of the Environment and Public Works Committee earlier this month by a 10-1 vote, with all Committee Republicans abstaining from the vote, and Senate Finance Chair Max Baucus (D-MT) voting against the measure. S. 1733 mandates a goal of reducing GHG emissions 20% from 2005 levels by 2020, which is slightly more ambitious than its counterpart in the House. It also specifically preserves the right for the EPA to separately regulate GHG emissions where it deems necessary.

Lipsey Mountain Spring Water Brings Glass Jugs to Home and Office

For the past two decades, Lipsey has used recyclable glass jugs to offer better water in a superior package with their “black tie” service. GPI recently talked to Mike Levison, Chief Operating Officer at Lipsey, about the company’s five-gallon glass jug home and workplace water delivery service in the Metropolitan Atlanta area. Mike describes the company’s decision to use glass, marketplace success, and plans for the future. Listen to the podcast or Read the transcript

Saint-Gobain Containers Launches Second Feature Animation

“Becoming a Glass Super Agent” Reveals the Importance of Recycling Glass

Saint-Gobain Containers, a leading producer of glass containers for the U.S. food and beverage industries, recently launched its second feature animation, “Becoming a Glass Super Agent,” targeted for elementary school-aged children.

In the new animation, Captain Cullet, a robot who crushes glass into cullet, and his sidekick, Little Gob o’ Glass, a drop of hot molten glass, focus on the science of making glass as they give students a tour of a working glass bottle factory.

In “The Original Adventure,” Captain Cullet and Little Gob detail the history of glass and educate on the importance of choosing a healthy and safe package for food and beverages. Both animations describe the benefits of glass and the need to recycle glass for a greener environment. The videos and downloadable files are free and available online. Check out the videos

Sierra Nevada is Passionate About “Resourcefulness”—and Glass Packaging

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GPI sat down to speak with Cheri Chastain, Sustainability Coordinator at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., recipient of the Glass Packaging Institute’s “Friend of Glass” recognition and Food & Engineering magazine’s “Sustainable Plant of the Year” award. Chastain gives us “a look inside” the brewing company’s myriad of sustainability initiatives, including why Sierra Nevada chooses glass for its line of specialty and craft beers and the company’s dedication to recycling their bottles and other materials. Listen to the podcast or Read the Transcript

Little Bottle a Favorite on YouTube

Little Bottle proves he’s all American when it comes to recycling—a little bit history buff and a little bit rock and roll. Check it out; and then help Little Bottle spread the word about the environmental power of glass container recycling.

U.S. EPA Report Highlights Climate Change Benefits of Recycling

A U.S. EPA study released in September finds that 42% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from the goods we produce, consumer, and throw away. And, in 2006, recycling resulted in the avoidance of nearly 183 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the report, materials as well as land management directly and indirectly impacts 58% to 62% of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the U.S. EPA report suggests that there are large reduction opportunities through source reduction and recycling.

For example, an increase in the 2006 MSW recycling and composting rate—currently 32.5%—to 50% would lead to the avoidance of 70 to 80 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions. And, reducing product packaging by half could cut as much as 105 million tons of CO2 equivalents per year. Get the full report

EPA Issues Final Rule for GHG Reporting

The EPA has issued the final rule for greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting requirements for glass container manufacturing and other energy intensive facilities. As part of the rule, companies will need to begin collecting data beginning January 1, 2010. The EPA reports will be at the facility, rather than corporate level, with the first reports due March 31, 2011 (for 2010 emissions data).

Regarding the certification of emissions, the EPA determined that facility emissions will need to be self-certified, and subject to an EPA emissions verification program. The EPA also determined that the incoming federal reporting rule would not preempt state and regional programs required by law. Get more information on the rule

Senate Moves Forward on GHG Legislation, Includes Recycling Provision in Draft

Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and John Kerry (D-MA), introduced draft greenhouse gas legislation in the Senate, with a goal of reducing GHG emissions 20% from 2005 levels by 2020. Climate change legislation passed by the House had a lower overall reduction target (17%) for the same timeframe. The Senate legislation also specifically preserves the right for the EPA to separately regulate GHG emissions where it deems necessary. How credits would be distributed to the energy intensive trade-exposed facilities was largely left blank, and will be determined at the Committee level. GPI has advocated that the Senate follow the Rep. Inslee/Doyle amendment from the House bill, which would provide credits and significant time to assist with compliance and provide a level playing field with unregulated, international competition.

This legislation also contains a beneficial recycling provision, which would provide funding for recycling initiatives that reduce energy and award money on a competitive basis through states and municipalities. Manufacturing and processing facilities that deploy new technology to use more recycled material or reduce GHG emissions would be eligible.The program would also support technology that increases collection rates or improves the quality of recyclable material. GPI is working with the Recycling Roundtable to ensure this provision is strengthened and included in final legislation.

2009 Clear Choice Winners Showcased at Pack Expo and Worldwide Food Expo

The 2009 Glass Packaging Institute’s Clear Choice Awards winning products were displayed (see photo at right) along with 200 other award-winning packages at Pack EXPO Las Vegas from October 5-7 in the "Showcase of Packaging Innovations." The Clear Choice Awards winners will travel to the Worldwide Food Expo at the McCormick Center in Chicago, IL, for exhibition at the GPI booth from October 28-31. Don’t miss out. Be sure to stop by for an in-person look. Get a sneak peak now.

FEVE Opens “Friends of Glass” Shop

The European Container Glass Federation, FEVE, opened the first ever “Friends of Glass” shop in conjunction with their September 23rd Choose Glass Week events.

The Brussels shop displays a huge variety of products packaged in glass. Doors were opened with a press conference featuring Friends of Glass spokespersons, celebrities, and members of the glass industry.

Jill Peeters, TV presenter and winner of the C3 Climate Change Communication Award 2009, and Bernard Tirtiaux, writer and glass sculptor, shared why they support the “Friends of Glass” initiative. Harp player Maria Palatine brought glass to life playing on a glass “carillon.” More

In related news, friend of glass Lisa Barbuscia—model, actress and author of Lisa B: Lifestyle Essentials—dishes to Hello! magazine on why she “hearts” glass containers, and how choosing glass matters to the environment. Read the article

Recycle Glass Week Wrap Up: Events Create Buzz About Glass Recycling & Boost Local Programs

With more than 50 events in 22 states, Recycle Glass Week created awareness across the country that recycling your glass bottles and jars has powerful environmental and energy benefits. In Colorado and Indiana, it led to permanent and expanded glass recycling collection sites for high-quality cullet. And Captain Cullet and Little Gob educated thousands of elementary students about 100% recyclable glass containers.

Here are some highlights:

Anchor Collects 14 Tons of Recycled Glass Across the U.S.

Anchor Glass manufacturing plants and surrounding communities collected almost 14 tons (over 27,000 pounds) of recovered glass during Recycle Glass week. The Jacksonville, Florida plant took tops honors with 7.4 tons, and held an “Anchor Night” at Cliff's Bar & Grill to collect bottles. Henryetta, Oklahoma, came in at 6 tons. They also placed 6 recycling containers throughout the community to encourage more glass recycling. The Winchester, Indiana plant gathered nearly a ton during the week. Salem, New Jersey, collected about 400 pounds and placed glass recycling posters at 14 local retailers. Finally, in Tampa, Florida, for 30 days the SunTrust building set up a lobby display promoting glass recycling with collection bins for flint, amber, and green glass—and brought in 300 pounds.

Golden, CO Makes Drop-Off Glass Container Recycling Permanent

Rocky Mountain Bottle Company far exceeded the goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of glass, collecting 1,640 pounds during Recycle Glass Week. Because RMBC met the goal, the company will donate $1,000 to the United Way. Since the Recycle Glass Week event, RMBC has received permission to keep a permanent drop-off bin for glass container recycling at the Golden Recycling Center in Colorado, so recycled glass for bottle-to-bottle use can continue to be collected.

Elementary Students in Brockway, PA Meet the Glass Collection Challenge

The O-I Crenshaw and Brockway, Pennsylvania, facilities visited Brockway Elementary school to educate approximately 585 students on the importance of recycling glass containers. The students were challenged to collect glass throughout Recycle Glass Week, and reached 5,760 pounds. O-I partnered with Veolia Environmental Services and the Jefferson County Waste Authority to make the event a success.

Indiana, Ohio, and Georgia Collection Events Round Up More Glass

O-I employees in Lapel, Indiana brought in 1,007 pounds of glass during Recycle Glass Week. In Zanesville, Ohio, an O-I community collection event yields 850 pounds of glass for recycling. And in Atlanta, GA, Strategic Materials, Inc. partnered with O-I's local manufacturing plant to provide bins for employees to collect glass during Recycle Glass Week. At the end of the week O-I presented the city of East Point's Keep America Beautiful Organization with a $2,000 donation.

Indy Recycle Glass Week Initiative Expands New Drop-Off Site

To provide more clean, quality glass to an Indiana cullet processor, Strategic Materials, Inc., Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. and the City's Office of Sustainability began a pilot 'glass only' recycling bin effort in 2009. The first roll-off container was placed at a city park, next to the existing drop-off container for mixed recyclables. This bin's role was twofold: separate glass from the existing co-mingled program and relieve weekend overflow issues at this site.

Later this month, the second glass only container will be placed in another city park where other recyclables are now co-mingled. The glass only bins have been painted with 'glass only' messages by students from a local school as well as from a college campus interested in promoting recycling in their community.

Get a complete overview of events and photos

Utah State University Student Wins National Glass Recycling YouTube Video Competition

Video Creates Awareness for Benefits of Glass Container Recycling

Tyler Larson, a senior in broadcast journalism at Utah State University, is the winner of GPI’s second-annual Recycle Glass Week university student YouTube video competition.

“Tyler’s video, ‘One Choice,’ reaffirms the message that ‘every bottle counts,’” said Joseph Cattaneo, GPI president. The winning video launched for Recycle Glass Week. Watch it now.

“Overall, I hope my video will help make people more conscience of the choices they make—simple choices that can make such a large impact on the environment around us,” said Larson. “Glass recycling is a great example of what we all can do.” More on Tyler and his video

GPI Hosts Rep. Inslee at Congressional Fly-In

Two dozen glass container industry representatives arrived in Washington, DC on Tuesday, September 22nd in support of Recycle Glass Week. They met with over 30 Congressional offices to brief their elected officials about the importance of the glass container manufacturing industry, the energy and environmental benefits of glass bottle recycling and GPI’s goal of using 50% recycled content in the manufacture of new glass containers by 2013. The glass container industry operates 50 glass container manufacturing plants in the U.S. as well as 74 facilities that process or “recycle” glass.

Congressman Jay Inslee (WA-1st) was also presented with a “Friends of Glass” award (see photo at right). Representatives Jay Inslee and Mike Doyle (PA-14th) authored an important amendment to the climate change bill (H.R. 2454), passed earlier this year by the House of Representatives.

Their amendment provides for the distribution of allowances and grants significant time to the glass container and other energy intensive, trade exposed industries to address international and other competitive concerns. If certain conditions in the legislation are met, allowances granted to qualifying industries may be phased out by 2025.

2009 Clear Choice Awards Winners Announced

Glass containers continue to provide a premium image in a ‘green’ package

GPI named the winners of its 20th Annual Clear Choice Awards through a virtual event on its website during Recycle Glass Week. The day winners were announced over 300 people viewed the Clear Choice Awards video announcement.

Twelve consumer product goods companies were recognized for their achievements in expanding the frontiers of glass packaging design. “It was incredibly refreshing and exciting to find so many extraordinary examples of creativity displayed by the powerful submissions entered in this year's Glass Packaging Institutes Clear Choice Awards,” said Chris Lyons, Group Publisher, ST Media, Design Group, and 2009 Clear Choice Awards judge.

Beyond an overall package design winner, categories included alcoholic beverage, non-alcoholic beverage, food, and cosmetics. Submissions were judged on innovation, package design, and shelf impact. Download photos of winning products. And see the winning package designs in person at Worldwide Food Expo and PACK Expo.

“Glass is an endlessly fascinating packaging sector and each year the Glass Packaging Institute's Clear Choice awards succeeds in recognizing and celebrating new and appealing container inventiveness,” said Ben Miyares, Vice President, Industry Relations, Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, and 2009 Clear Choice Awards judge. Get the news release

GPI Recognizes Seven “Friends of Glass” for Recycling Achievements

Honorees include Earth911.com, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and the City of Ft. Collins, Colorado

As part of Recycle Glass Week, GPI recognized seven “Friends of Glass” in five categories, presenting them with an award (photo below) made from 100% recycled glass bottles.

The 2009 “Friends of Glass” honorees include Earth911.com (website); the Hyatt Regency Atlanta (hospitality industry);Friends of Glass the City of Ft. Collins, Colorado Natural Resource Department (community); Representative Jay Inslee (legislator); and “Best Friends of Glass,” including Sierra Nevada Brewing Company; McIlhenny Company, makers of TABASCO® Brand Products; and Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

“The glass container industry thanks our 2009 ‘Friends of Glass’ for their work on behalf of glass container recycling and encourages other communities and organizations to follow their lead,” says Joseph Cattaneo, GPI president. Find out more on what these “Friends of Glass” are doing to boost glass bottle recycling

GPI Recognizes Seven “Friends of Glass” for Recycling Achievements

Honorees include Earth911.com, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and the City of Ft. Collins, Colorado

As part of Recycle Glass Week, GPI recognized seven “Friends of Glass” in five categories, presenting them with an award (photo below) made from 100% recycled glass bottles.

Recycle Glass Week Proves a Huge Success

Coast to Coast Events Round Up Supporters—and Glass Bottles and Jars for Recycling.

GPI’s 2009 Recycle Glass Week proved a clear success, with glass container manufacturers, including Anchor Glass, O-I, Rocky Mountain Bottle Company, and Saint-Gobain Containers, collecting glass bottles for recycling through events at their plants and in local communities. In all, over 50 educational activities and public events in 22 states were held during the week, building awareness for glass bottle recycling across the U.S.

Saint-Gobain Containers employees visited over 20 schools across the country and spoke to over 1,500 students. They provided promotional items from their educational program at local festivals, events, and businesses to reach an additional 3,000 children. Saint-Gobain Containers has a goal to reach over 10,000 students during the school year with their glass recycling awareness initiative.

Below are a few highlights from the week. A complete wrap-up of 2009 Recycle Glass Week events will be available on the GPI web site and in the October issue of Inside Glass Packaging.

New York City

In New York City, thousands attended Madison Square Park’s daytime concert series on September 19th and 26th, which had three TOMRA reverse vending machines for collecting glass and other containers as part of Recycle Glass Week. Over 500 park visitors received a “Little Bottle” sticker after recycling, and a few lucky winners received t-shirts and iPod shuffles.

Headlining musician Natalia Zuckerman wore her “Little Bottle” sticker on stage, and a park representative gave a shout-out to GPI, TOMRA, and Voss Water for sponsoring the collection event. All deposit refund monies are being donated to the Madison Square Park Conservancy.

At the Today Show, “Choose Glass. Recycle Glass.” and Recycle Glass Week banners received air time in the outdoor broadcast area—right behind Matt, Meredith, and Al. See the Today Show photo gallery. Little Bottle also made his way around famed New York City locations spreading fun, “Little Bottle” stickers, and a message to recycle glass bottles and jars. See more photos of New York City events

Indianapolis, IN

In Indianapolis, IN, GPI hosted a glass recycling tour as part of Recycle Glass Week, showcasing ten bars and restaurants that are diverting as much as ten tons a month of glass bottles for recycling. Representatives from the Indiana Recycling Coalition, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, and SustainIndy, a city agency, learned how Green Broad Ripple, a local community group organized the program.

They also saw first hand how it produces a cleaner feedstock for glass container manufacturers, compared to single-steam collection, when they toured the local Strategic Materials, Inc., cullet processing facility. SMI provides a roll-off container that is picked up twice a week to support the program. The City of Indianapolis also plans to add “glass-only” containers at two drop-off sites for residents, allowing for higher-quality glass container recycling. More on the bar/restaurant program

Winchester, IN

The Anchor Glass plant in Winchester, IN, collected one ton of recycled glass bottles through a drop-off program to raise money for the local food pantry. Anchor gave the pantry a donation equal to double the standard reimbursement rate for recycled glass during Recycle Glass Week.

Jacksonville, FL

Anchor Glass in Jacksonville, FL, collected 6.4 tons for the week at their manufacturing plant. And they still haven’t tallied what was collected at the local Cliff’s Bar and Grill.

Perrysburg, OH

To support Recycle Glass Week, O-I employees at the North American Headquarters in Perrysburg, OH, set a goal to collect one ton of glass. But employees stepped up and more than doubled their goal, collecting over 5,000 pounds for the week. O-I hopes that employees will maintain this pace in their collection efforts at the O-I campus.

September 10, 2009 - “Little Bottle” Helps Kick Off Recycle Glass Week with Animated PSA

September 8, 2009 - MEDIA ADVISORY - GPI Announces 2009 Clear Choice Awards Winners September 22nd

Kick Off Recycle Glass Week in NYC’s Madison Square Park

Recycle Glass Week kicks off with three chances to meet “Little Bottle,” the event’s mascot, in New York City. Recycle with Little Bottle at the Madison Square Park Concert Series on two weekends, September 19th and 26th. Spot him on the streets of NYC for a photo op on September 20th, or meet up with him at the Today Show on Monday September 21st.

Madison Square Park Concert Series
Stop by and recycle your empty glass containers, cans, and plastic bottles for a chance to receive cool prizes! GPI and TOMRA , a provider of reverse vending machines for collecting and sorting empty beverage containers for recycling, along with VOSS Water, will provide a container recycling kiosk for park visitors.

Where’s Little Bottle?
On Sunday, September 20th Little Bottle will roam NYC, stopping at celebrated landmarks. If you spot him, stop him. Little Bottle will be posing for pictures, and you could see yours on the GPI website during Recycle Glass Week!

Meet us at the Today Show
Little Bottle is hoping to make his dreams come true by meeting Al, Matt, Meredith and Ann on Monday, September 21st in the outdoor broadcast area of Rockefeller Center at the Today Show. Stop by and say “hi” and help him spread the word about the benefits of glass container recycling.

New Survey Finds 8 out of 10 U.S. Households Recycle

Survey kicks off Nationwide Events for Recycle Glass Week, Starting September 21st

Nearly 94% of Americans know recycling is good for the environment and nearly 60% identify glass as part of sustaining a healthy lifestyle, according to a recent survey commissioned by the Glass Packaging Institute and Dr. Doyle Yoon, Professor at Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Oklahoma.

Of those households that recycle, 82% recycle glass bottles. When consumers were asked which containers are most “environmentally friendly,” 22% said glass bottles and jars, while 27% answered paper containers. Fewer chose plastic bottles (8%) or bag-in-box containers (9.5%).

The survey results are being released as part of Recycle Glass Week. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.7%. Get all the results

Over 50 U.S. Glass Manufacturing Facilities Hold Local Recycle Glass Week Events

Activities in 22 States for Glass Packaging Institute’s Recycle Glass Week

The Glass Packaging Institute’s Recycle Glass Week kicks off September 21st with 51 events at glass container manufacturing plants and towns across the country to promote consumer recycling of glass bottles and jars.

“Glass manufacturing companies, with the support of thousands of plant employees, will be holding events to encourage glass container recycling during Recycle Glass Week,” says GPI president, Joseph Cattaneo. “We’re encouraging consumers to recycle their glass bottles and jars to save energy, reduce the amount of recyclable materials entering landfills, and help create a greener future.”

Anchor Glass will hold events in Winchester, IN; Salem, NJ; Henryetta, OK; Elmira, NY; Jacksonville, FL; Shakopee, MN; Warner Robins, GA; Lawrenceburg, IN; and Tampa, FL. O-I is holding events at each of its 21 plants across the country. Saint-Gobain Containers’ glass committees have a goal to reach out to over 10,000 students with their glass container educational awareness program featuring “Captain Cullet” and “Little Gob.” More events

August 20, 2009 - Mark your Calendar for Recycle Glass Week, Kicks Off September 21st

August 20, 2009 - Submission Deadline Extended - GPI Calls for Entries for University Student Recycle Glass YouTube Competition; Chance to Win $2,000

Mark Your Calendar for Recycle Glass Week Events

And, check back for more ways to participate on the GPI website. We’ll post activities daily as Recycle Glass Week approaches.

The Glass Packaging Institute kicks off Recycle Glass Week with four chances to meet “Little Bottle” in New York City. Recycle with Little Bottle at the Madison Square Park Concert Series on two weekends. Meet up with him at the Today Show, or spot him on the streets of NYC for a photo op. Later in the week, GPI recognizes its “Friends of Glass”. Here are the details:

Event: Recycle in NYC’s Madison Square Park
Dates: Saturday, September 19th; Saturday, September 26th

Stop by and recycle your empty glass containers, cans, and plastic bottles for a chance to receive cool prizes!

GPI and TOMRA, a provider of reverse vending machines for collecting and sorting empty beverage containers for recycling, along with VOSS Water, are teaming up in NYC for the Madison Square Park Concert Series, a 5-week series of FREE concerts in the park sponsored by the Madison Square Park Conservancy.

On two Saturdays, September 19th and 26th, GPI and TOMRA representatives, along with Little Bottle, will provide a container recycling kiosk for park visitors to use during the day and at the concerts. And did we mention there’ll be prizes for some lucky recyclers?

Event: Where’s Little Bottle?
Date: Sunday, September 20th

Little Bottle will roam NYC, stopping at celebrated landmarks. If you spot him, stop him. Little Bottle will be posing for pictures, and you could see yours on the GPI website during Recycle Glass Week!

Event: Meet us at the Today Show
Date: Monday, September 21st

It’s been a lifelong dream of Little Bottle’s to meet Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Al Roker and the rest of the Today Show crew. Little Bottle is hoping to make his dreams come true on Monday, September 21st in the outdoor broadcast area of Rockefeller Center. Stop by and say “hi” and help him spread the word about the benefits of glass container recycling.

Event: 2009 “Friends of Glass” Announced
Date: Wednesday September 23rd

GPI honors a website, hospitality organization, legislator, community, and best friends of glass for making innovative and significant efforts to promote or participate in glass container recycling. Find out who the honorees are and what they’re doing to make a difference.

For More Ways to Participate in Recycle Glass Week, Get our Top 10 List

Australia Glass Baby Bottle Giveaway Underscores Consumer Preference

O-I, a worldwide glass container manufacturer, teamed with Mother and Baby magazine to educate the community and new mothers in Australia about the benefits of glass packaging. O-I invited new mothers to take a short glass perceptions survey, and in return, receive a free O-I glass sample pack containing glass baby bottles. In less than a week, more than 7,500 people responded to the giveaway. “We set out to learn if there was a demand for glass baby bottles in Australia and quickly found that this demographic genuinely cared about their packaging choices across the board—with glass the clear preference,” said Dieter Lehmann, communications manager, O-I Asia Pacific.

Reused Glass Bottles Make a Trendy Design Statement

The re-nest blog gives you six ways to reuse your glass bottles and jars for stunning—and funky—architectural designs. More

Tomra Pacific to Open California Retail Recycling Center

Tomra Pacific Inc., a unit of TOMRA of North America, a provider of advanced recycling solutions, has announced that it will open a RePlanet recycling center in Tustin, CA, on the grounds of an Albertson’s supermarket. This new center will join over 440 existing RePlanet centers in California.

Located in the supermarket’s parking lot, the RePlanet center will house four bulk reverse vending machines that consumers can use to deposit their used glass, plastic, and metal beverage containers. In return, consumers will receive vouchers to bring inside the Albertson’s store to redeem their California Redemption Value (CRV) bottle deposits. More

Container Recycling Institute Announces New Executive Director

The Container Recycling Institute has appointed Susan V. Collins as the new executive director. Collins has worked in the industry for 20 years and is a past board member of the California Resource Recovery Association.

"This is an exciting time for the Container Recycling Institute, as we work toward finding new solutions to increase and improve beverage container recycling," said Tex Corley, chair of CRI's board, and president and CEO of Houston-based Strategic Materials, Inc. "Susan's leadership and background will drive container recycling solutions that will build both a more sustainable environment and a more sustainable economy." More

Whatever Happens in Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay Makes Sure Your Glass Bottles are Recycled

When Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and THEhotel (seen in photo at left) were built ten and six years ago, the stage was set for poolside days and exciting nightlife, but not recycling.

All that changed in August 2007, and in 2008, they recycled a total of 6.6 million pounds, including 233,600 pounds (116.8 tons) of glass on the two properties. Now they let guests know they are “Riding the Green Wave.”

Their recycling rate in 2007, the year they began, was 6.5%, in 2008 17.6% and for 2009, they are on track to almost double that. In addition to glass, other containers and mixed paper, they recycled 2.2 million pounds of cardboard in 2008 and 1.7 million pounds of food, which is sent to a local pig farm.

Vitro Creates New Glass Bottle for Coca-Cola Zero in Mexico

Vitro Packaging has helped Coca-Cola launch Coca-Cola Zero in non-returnable 8 oz. glass containers in Mexico. The container uses a heat transfer label, which has never been used in the Mexican market before. The product’s re-launch seeks to bring a new image to Coca-Cola Zero, yet respect its essential characteristic: glass with the characteristic Georgia green color and the world-renowned contour bottle shape. More

Global Research Finds Consumers Rank Glass as Superior Packaging

New global research, commissioned by O-I, a worldwide glass container manufacturer, reveals that consumers around the world overwhelmingly prefer glass to other forms of packaging. However, consumers may struggle to find their favorite brands packaged in glass.  More than 2,900 consumers in nine countries were polled to learn about their packaging preferences. Results confirm that packaging does matter and that consumer choose glass first. Preference for glass ranges from 93.5% for wine to 66% for non-alcoholic beverages. Research also revealed that consumers rank glass packaging as superior to other packaging materials on five key factors: purity, safety, quality, versatility, and recyclability. More

Clear Choice Award Winners Announced September 22, 2009

The entries are in, but who will win?

Be the first to find out the winners of GPI’s 2009 Clear Choice Awards on Tuesday, September 22nd at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Winners will be announced on the GPI website through a satellite video presentation. The 100th viewer will receive a $100 American Express gift card and everybody will get an inside look at the 2009 top glass container designs in North America. Don’t miss out. Mark your calendars.

American Glass Research Glass Container Technology Seminar

Dates: September 16 - 17

MEMORANDUM

August 3, 2009

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI), is pleased to announce that the U.S. glass container shipment and production report (for food and beverages), compiled by Minimax Consulting, LLC, will become available for purchase beginning with the June, 2009 statistical data. Purchasers of the June, 2009 data will also have complimentary access to the May, 2009 report.

The monthly container categories to be reported out are as follows; beer, beverages (non-alcoholic), food, liquor, ready-to-drink alcoholic coolers and cocktails, wine and “other” (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medicinal, industrial)

Data from the vast majority of the U.S. glass container manufacturing industry will be included in the reports. To ensure an accurate year-to-year comparison picture for subscribers, Minimax Consulting, LLC has also collected 2008 data from each of the companies currently reporting and will collectively issue both sets of data.

Import/Export glass container data will also included in the monthly report, beginning with the prior month. GPI will try to issue data to subscribers no later than the 25th of the following month.

Glass Container Shipment Report Pricing

Monthly Subscription: $100 per month
12 Month Subscription: $1,000 ($200 savings)

Please note - information may not be redistributed without the consent of the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI).

If you are interested in purchasing this data, please contact Monique Montoya, at mmontoya@talley.com, or 703/684-6359.

Joe Cattaneo

President

Vitro Boosts 2008 Glass Collected for Recycling

Vitro, one of the largest glass manufacturers in the world headquartered in Monterey, Mexico, collected 128,000 tons of glass recycled during 2008, up 2.4 percent from 2007, thanks to its program “For a More Transparent World.” This translates into a savings of 7.6 cubic metric tons of natural gas and a reduction of 15,111 tons of carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere. The information was presented in Vitro’s 2008 Report on Sustainable Development. More

Delaware Governor Vetoes Repeal of Container Deposit Law

Delaware Governor Jack Markell (D) has vetoed House Bill 201, which would have repealed the state’s container deposit system. In his veto message to the legislature, the Governor acknowledged issues the current law faces, however he requested that stakeholders, legislators and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control work together to propose a solution in 2010. Read Governor Markell’s veto message to the House of Representatives

GPI had contacted Governor Markell, encouraging him to veto the legislation and review the program prior to any drastic changes or elimination. Supporters of the legislation said that the program (from which aluminum containers had already been removed), was largely unsuccessful and had not generated increased recycling rates. The deposit program includes glass and plastic soda, beer and mineral water containers only and an estimated 30% of the covered beverage containers are recovered annually.

O-I Kicks Off Campus Recycling

O-I has invited employees at its world headquarters in Perrysburg, OH to become good stewards of the environment by offering an on-site glass recycling program. Launched in March 2009, the program is an effort to increase the amount of high quality recycling by providing separate bins for flint, amber, and green glass containers.

O-I has partnered with Glass Recyclers to pick up, clean and sort the glass containers. The cullet from Glass Recyclers is then purchased by O-I’s Charlotte, MI facility to be reused in the manufacturing process to create new glass bottles.

To date, the program has collected a total of 11 tons of containers and continues to grow as more employees and the local community actively bring in glass packaging to be recycled on campus.

What’s Your Glass Bottle Karma?

A new ad from the City of Fort Collins, Colorado, encourages residents to raise their bottle karma by using glass-only drop-off bins to ensure that 100% of the glass can be used to make new glass bottles. Glass + Recycling = Destiny.

Atlanta Hyatt Regency Makes Room for Glass Bottle Recycling

The Hyatt Regency Atlanta has been recycling since the 1990s, but they had stopped recycling glass and weren’t recycling any of their food residuals. “We were already largely compliant with the Atlanta Zero Waste Zone challenge when it was rolled out,” says Randy Childers, Senior Director of Engineering at the hotel, “but with their help we now have a source for food waste, our waste oil and grease is going to biodeisel production, and we are recycling glass bottles again.”

Glass by weight is well over 80% of their containers. “Some recyclers in this area won’t take glass,” says Childers, “but anyone that works with us has to take the glass. We made that a non-negotiable with our recycler.” Conex Recycling, Alpharetta, GA, picks up their glass, and other plastic and metal containers. From there, it goes to SP Recycling for processing.

Like other bars and hotels, logistics for collecting and transporting recyclables as well as training staff present the most challenges. But according to Childers, “public and employee consciousness around recycling is pretty high right now, so staff is typically on board as soon as we give them the tools.”

Massachusetts Governor Includes Container Deposit Expansion in Supplemental Budget

Massachusetts Governor Patrick Deval’s (D) supplemental budget sent to the legislature contains a proposal to expand the state’s container deposit system to include non-carbonated beverages. An estimate by the state determined that this expansion could generate an additional $20 million annually from unredeemed deposits. Legislation was introduced earlier this year to expand the system to include these containers, but these bills failed to move out of Committee. The legislature is expected to consider the supplemental budget later this month.

Climate Change Legislation Passes House on Close Vote

Prior to the July 4th recess, the House of Representatives voted 219-212 to pass H.R. 2454, the major climate change vehicle. The legislation would provide approximately 15% of the total available allowances to the glass container and other energy intensive industries to address international and other competitive concerns. If conditions in the bill are met, allowances granted to qualifying industries may be phased out by 2025.

The most immediate goal of the bill is a 17% reduction in GHG emissions by 2020, with an overall 83% reduction by 2050. The Senate has indicated they will take the bill up for debate later this fall. GPI and its member companies continue to meet with Senate staff to address glass container industry concerns. Appropriate funding for increased, quality beverage container recycling is among measures being discussed for their consideration. The 2008 climate change vehicle, S. 2191, considered by the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee had included recycling based provisions and incentives.

Countdown to Recycle Glass Week

A Look Inside: Saint-Gobain Containers’ ECO Series Wine Bottles

Saint-Gobain Containers recently developed a major innovation in sustainable design and manufacturing with the launch of their “ECO Series” wine bottles. Every size winery can now get a lighter-weight, eco-friendly glass bottle that meets their size, shape, and color requirements.

GPI sat down with Katie Gerber, marketing manager of the wine sector for Saint-Gobain Containers, to learn more about the company’s new line of ECO Series wine bottles, including the process for designing the lighter-weight bottles, the environmental benefits of using the ECO Series wine bottles, and plans for the future.

Listen to the Podcast or Read the Transcript

Glass Container Shipment & Production Report through May, 2009.

Download the Excel Spread Sheet

Glass Bottle Declares, “I’ll Be Back”

Hank the Singing Bottle” challenges California’s Governator and shows the world what glass bottles do best: get recycled over and over again. Watch the video

California Glass Recycling Rate Climbs Again in 2008

For calendar year 2008, glass beverage container recycling rose to 76%, up from 67% during the same period in 2007, according to a May California Department of Conservation report announcing recycling rates for beverage containers under the state’s redemption program.

All beverage containers recycled through the redemption program in 2008 reached a new high of 74%, an increase of seven percentage points over 2007. Read the full report

In related news, Encorp Pacific, Canada, the product stewardship corporation responsible for British Columbia's beverage container management, released its collection totals for 2008. Encorp recovered 1.06 billion beverage containers in 2008, for a 77.1% recovery rate. The rate was 76.1% in 2007. Of the specific materials, glass had the highest recovery rate in 2008, at 87.3%. Get the full report

North Carolina Law Encourages “Green” Hotel Practices

In January 2008 when North Carolina’s state “ABC” law went into effect, the focus was primarily on bars and restaurants. The law requires Alcohol Beverage Control permit holders to recycle all their containers—glass, plastic, and aluminum. About 18% of beverages are consumed on premise, and glass makes up to about 80% of that mix.

But conventions centers and hotels have also had to respond to the law, and many have not just started recycling their glass bottles and other containers, but are initiating a variety of “green” practices.

Asheville’s Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa recycles over three tons a month of glass and other containers, and have added recycling to all 512 guest rooms. And at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, glass containers (about 40%) and cardboard make up the majority of their recyclables, and then food residuals are sent to a farm for composting, getting them close to zero waste.

Atlanta Restaurants Recycle Glass to Help Achieve Zero Waste

The City of Atlanta has created a “zero waste zone” in its downtown district. The “Atlanta Recycles” program, in partnership with the Green Foodservice Alliance, U.S. EPA Region 4 and Georgia Department of Natural Resources launched the initiative in February of this year.

To date, more than a dozen participants and the Georgia World Congress Center have pledged to recycle. According to Holly Elmore, Green Foodservice alliance executive director, once the glass bottles and cardboard are recycled and food residuals composted, most restaurants and hotels come close to zero waste.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Centennial Olympic Park has already reduced its waste by nearly 40% recycling glass bottles and other commodities. After they compost their food, they’ll be up to 80% recovery. Read more

Fifth Group Restaurants, in Midtown Atlanta, operates five local restaurants and a catering business. Recycling glass bottles, cardboard, and food residuals is getting these restaurants well on the way to achieving zero waste. More

Houston Recycler Focuses on “Huge Need” For Glass Bottles

Mark Austin, founder of We CAN Recycle set his sights on glass bottle recycling after prices for other recyclables tanked late last year thanks to the current global economy. Prices for glass recyclables remain stable, and Austin is finding business is brisk collecting 4-5 tons a week from 15 local bars and restaurants, and high-rise condos. According to Austin, “there’s just a huge need for recycled glass in this town.”

The nonprofit We CAN Recycle picks up glass bottles from local businesses three days a week and takes them to glass processor Strategic Materials, Inc. From there, most is sold to Longhorn Glass Corp. and manufactured into new bottles for Anheuser-Busch. Some of the glass also goes to an abrasives market.

New York Container Deposit Expansion Law Delayed One Year

A Manhattan judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting the New York container deposit expansion law. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Griesa also struck down a provision that would have required a New York state specific UPC for covered beverages, citing a violation of the commerce clause in the U.S. Constitution. As part of the delay, retailers would not begin to collect a 5-cent deposit on water bottles until April, 2010. Several beverage industry companies and affiliated organizations had filed lawsuits against the state, stating the expansion was in violation of constitutional rights. The Governor’s office has not addressed how they plan to fill the expected $115 million shortfall from the unredeemed deposits fund.

Climate Change Legislation Passes House Energy & Commerce Committee

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce has voted in favor of H.R. 2454, legislation aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The most immediate goal of the bill is a 17% reduction in GHG emissions by 2020, with an overall 83% reduction by 2050. The legislation will provide approximately 15% of the total available allowances to the glass container and other energy intensive industries. If conditions in the bill are met, most of the allowances granted to industry could be phased out by 2025. Legislation now goes to other Committees with jurisdiction over sections of the bill. Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has indicated she would like to begin markup on a Senate version later this summer.

European Consumers Want Milk and Juice Packaged in Glass

According to the European Glass Container Federation (FEVE), glass packaging could return to milk and fruit juices if brand owners respond to EU consumer demand. According to Dominique Tombeur, FEVE president, results of a survey of 6,200 consumers in 12 EU countries published in April show 40% of those surveyed would prefer to buy milk in glass, but only 5% said they were able to do so. Forty-five percent of respondents would also prefer glass for fruit juice compared to 14% who used it. More

Skincare Company Switches to Glass and Reduces Packaging

According to UK’s Marketing Magazine, skincare company Spiezia Organics has redesigned its packaging, switching from plastic to recycled glass containers, in an effort to remain sustainable. By converting to glass, Spiezia Organics was able to reduce secondary packaging by 12%. More

Bag the Box, Pass on Plastic: Survey Finds Nearly 100% of Wine Consumers Prefer Wine Packaged in Traditional Glass Bottles

To understand how glass stacks up when it comes to consumer preferences for packaging wine, The Glass Packaging Institute had a third-party take a look at consumer wine purchases and preferences. This included attitudes about organic wine and packaging for organic products in general.

“While we expected a preference for glass-bottled wine, we were still surprised by the strong and persistent partiality for glass,” says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “Glass protects wine, keeping it smelling and tasting as the vintner intended.”

According to the University of Oklahoma survey, more than 98% of consumers prefer to drink wine served out of glass bottles, with that number reaching nearly 100% for younger wine drinkers, ages 21-to-35. Wine has also emerged as a recognized part of everyday life. Nearly 80 percent of wine consumers say drinking wine is part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Consumers overwhelmingly agree that wine tastes best—and is the most pure—when packaged in glass bottles,” says Cattaneo. Since glass has an almost zero rate of chemical interaction, the product inside a glass bottle keeps its strength, aroma, and flavor.

June 9, 2009 - Survey: Consumer Interest in Organic Food Rises Despite Recession; Glass Containers are Packaging of Choice

June 2, 2009 - Bag the Box, Pass on Plastic: Survey Finds Nearly 100% of Wine Consumers Prefer Wine Packaged in Traditional Glass Bottles

Waste Age Article Lays Out GPI 50% Recycled Content Goal

“Clear Intentions,” in the May issue of Waste Age magazine, describes GPI member companies goal of using at least 50% recycled glass in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013. Get details on initiatives to make that happen

Glass Container Shipment & Production Report through April, 2009.

YTD Comparison available.

Download the Excel Spread Sheet.

Glass Bottles Prove Timeless

Times may change, but the message remains the same, “Beer and bottles just seem to go together.” Check out this advertisement circa 1956 created by the Glass Container Manufacturing Institute which became known as the Glass Packaging Institute in 1976.

Glass Bottles from Local Bars Find Second Career as Dazzling Awards

When Dan Weisenbach, President of Weisenbach Recycled Products learned that many Columbus area bars and restaurants did not have a plan in place for recycling their waste glass, his gears began to spin.

Weisenbach's company makes a unique line of glass awards that are increasingly popular with his customers. “We do awards for green organizations, but also for customers who appreciate a gorgeous award. And everyone loves that it's made from recycled bottles,” says Weisenbach.

“For those who receive the award, it is truly special. Not just another plastic trophy or plaque, it's a beautiful piece of art that they are proud to display. And it's glass, and that means something.”

At a holiday event organized by the local “Green Drinks” affiliate, an international environmental networking group, Dan linked up with the owner of some of Columbus, Ohio's most popular bar/restaurants. Hearing the amount of waste glass that they generated, Dan saw what could be a great source of raw material for his recycled glass products.

NRC Pursues Partnership with Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

The Board of Directors of the National Recycling Coalition, Inc. announced its intent to pursue a formal relationship with Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

According to an NRC statement, “Today’s extraordinary times required extraordinary imagination and measures if NRC were to have a vibrant future. We believe that the partnering of NRC and KAB is the best path to realizing that future.”

The next step is a KAB/NRC proposal, which will be shared with NRC members and state affiliates for their review and feedback. NRC members and affiliate leadership will also be provided an opportunity to speak with representatives of KAB.

Get details

New York State Senator Introduces Legislation to Delay Container Deposit Expansion

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Karl Kruger (D-Brooklyn) introduced legislation to delay the start of New York’s container deposit expansion until January 1, 2010. The legislation also calls for removal of a provision to require containers to be labeled with a New York specific bar code, and seeks to repeal the provision that would send 80% of the unclaimed container deposits to the state.

Governor Patterson has indicated his office would like to revisit the program start date, but has not issued comment on other parts of the legislation. Barring any change in legislation, the newly expanded program and regulations will begin June 1, 2009.

Rep. Markey Introduces National Container Deposit Legislation

Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA), Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chair, has introduced national container deposit legislation that would cover the majority of beverage containers. The co-sponsor is Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).

In announcing the legislation, Rep. Markey noted that a national bottle bill would have profound energy savings for container manufacturing industries, including glass. The findings section of the legislation, H.R. 2046, also notes that domestic container manufacturing facilities would yield greater access to high grade material, should the bill pass.

All alcoholic and non-alcoholic carbonated and non-carbonated beverages would be included. States that already have container deposit programs in place would be exempted from this law, as would other states that are able to certify high container recycling rates. H.R. 2046 would also prohibit the intentional disposal of beverage containers covered in this program.

Glass Industry Participates in Wal-Mart Sustainable Packaging Expo

EJ Gallo, O-I, Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc.,Vitro Packaging, and GPI president Joseph Cattaneo participated and exhibited at Wal-Mart’s fourth annual Sustainable Packaging Expo held last month in Rogers, Arkansas. The Expo focused on finding sustainable packaging solutions to help Wal-Mart reduce the amount of packaging in its supply chain by five percent by 2013.

“It is very important for the glass container industry to be present at these types of events to inform and educate buyers, suppliers, and the public in general about glass and its benefits as a pure, recyclable, and sustainable packaging material,” said Horacio Trujillo, Marketing Manager for Vitro Packaging.

GPI members Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc. and Vitro Packaging exhibited their glass manufactured products for Wal-Mart’s private label brand, Great Value, and O-I and Vitro Packaging also showcased two glass packaging success stories—the light-weighting of Fetzer and Bogle glass wine bottles.

Get light-weighting details

Glass Wows Design Students at Parsons

In April, GPI was invited to present to about 50 students in two sustainable materials courses at New York’s Parsons the New School for Design.

“They are hungry to understand the material production process,” says Erika Doering, Instructor for Materials I, Introduction to Sustainability. “In this first foundation year, they get enough on the aesthetic, but not how a glass bottle is made. Students said it was one of the best lectures they attended.”

According to Doering, many students will be product designers, and if they have a good education in all materials types they can make the best choice for the design problem in front of them. “The more students know about the positive properties of glass, they will place it better,” says Doering. “Glass is a huge material for us. We use it widely, but not always wisely.”

GPI welcomed the opportunity to dialogue with designers-in-the-making. “This is an area we’ve thought about delving into for a long time,” says Rick Bayer, GPI’s academic sub-committee chairman.

GPI Announces University Student Recycle Glass YouTube Competition; Chance to Win $2,000

Competition Kicks-off GPI’s Recycle Glass Week on September 21st

GPI is sponsoring its second annual YouTube video competition as part of Recycle Glass Week, September 21-27, 2009. Students are asked to create a 30-second YouTube video about the benefits of glass container recycling for a chance to win $2,000, $1,000, or $500 (for first, second, or third place, respectively).

“This event helps create awareness and encourages more people to recycle all forms of packaging, including glass containers,” says Joseph Cattaneo, GPI president. “Recycling glass bottles and jars reduces the amount of material entering landfills, saves energy, and helps to create a ‘greener’ future.”

Get eligibility and entry details

GPI Seeks Entries for 2009 Clear Choice Awards

Awards Go “Virtual” and Become Part of Recycle Glass Week

GPI kicks off its 20th year of the Clear Choice Awards, which recognizes the contribution glass packaging makes to the image, marketability, sustainability and success of food, beverage and cosmetic products. This year, GPI is shaking things up by holding a “virtual” Clear Choice Awards event. The 2009 Clear Choice Awards winners will be announced on the GPI website the week of September 21st, during Recycle Glass Week.

“Glass containers continue to lead the pack in providing the aesthetics consumers want in a ‘green’ package,” says Joseph Cattaneo, GPI president. “Designing and packaging in glass ensures that your product has the competitive edge, as more and more consumers are demanding glass for its pure, recyclable, and premium characteristics.” Get information on how to enter

April 28, 2009 - GPI Calls for Entries for University Student Recycle Glass YouTube Competition; Chance to Win $2,000

GPI’s 2009 Recycle Glass Day Expands to Week

Activities to include International Partnership with FEVE, Nationwide Glass Container Recycling Events, and new Friends of Glass Recognition

After the success of Recycle Glass Day in 2008, the Glass Packaging Institute is introducing “Recycle Glass Week,” which kicks off on September 21, 2009. During the same week, FEVE (the European Glass Packaging Federation) will hold “Choose Glass Week” in several European countries, creating an international platform to promote the benefits of and encourage glass container recycling in late September.

Make Room for More Glass Bottles

Women celebrate walk-in closets while men discover the perks of floor to ceiling shelf space…Watch the video

Chicago Unveils Multi-Unit Recycling Toolkit

The City of Chicago, IL has released a new “Multi-Unit Residential Recycling Toolkit” which is posted on their web site.The Toolkit includes everything from vendor contact lists and recyclable collection worksheets to sample letter to residents, pledge cards, and posters.

Also on the City’s web site, check out the bar/restaurant recycling resources

Study Shows Economic Value of Recycling

A study commissioned by the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC), a coalition of ten northeastern states, found that recycling and reuse in a five state region—Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania—was a $35 billion industry in 2007, employing in excess of 100,000 people at over 11,000 recycling and reuse businesses.

Get the report, Recycling Economic Information Study Update

EPA Proposes National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the U.S, which includes glass manufacturing facilities. All glass industry sectors, along with several members of the GPI Environmental Subcommittee, met with EPA officials to provide input on program reporting guidelines.

Once finalized, this rule will likely directly link to future federal climate change legislation. The Obama Administration included an additional $19 million in the EPA’s budget to ensure that a GHG inventory is completed, as it views this as a necessary first step prior to Congress enacting climate change legislation.

Get proposal and dates for public hearings

New Online Tool to Evaluate “Green” Packaging

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition has unveiled an online tool for packaging professionals to evaluate the environmental impact of packaging designs. Called Comparative Packaging Assessment, or “COMPASS”, the tool rates packaging on a host of environmental indicators, including raw materials, greenhouse gas emissions, and solid waste generation.

More about the software

A Look Inside: FEVE’s “Friends of Glass” Campaign

GPI sat down with Dominique Tombeur, President of FEVE, the European Glass Packaging Federation, to talk about FEVE’s new “Friends of Glass” campaign and “Choose Glass Week,” which occurs in conjunction with GPI’s Recycle Glass Week during the month of September, 2009.Dominique also provides a “look inside” consumer perceptions of glass in Europe, as well as what it will take to make glass recycling part of the consumer DNA.

Listen to the podcast or read the transcript

O-I Testifies Before Congress on Climate Change

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair, Henry Waxman (D-CA), has released climate change draft legislation which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83% by 2050.

Prior to its release, Jack McMackin, O-I, presented testimony to both the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee.McMackin spoke on behalf of the Energy-Intensive Manufacturers’ Working Group, whose member companies include the glass container industry.

A focus of McMackin’s testimony was the “leakage” issue, whereby energy-intensive manufacturing industries would face competitive disadvantages through the costs imposed by a cap and trade program, unless cost mitigation issues were addressed. As a remedy, testimony also highlighted an amendment, offered by Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA), which seeks to allocate appropriate credits to energy-intensive industries, moving the emissions allocation scheme from historic to current output and by rewarding industries for carbon efficiency.

Read testimony to House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Ways and Means Committee

GPI and O-I Testify to Maryland Legislature on Beverage Container Recycling

Last month the Maryland legislature held hearings on House Bill 1306, requiring the majority of bars and restaurants to recycle their beverage containers and Senate Bill 530, which would require the state to study deposits on returnable beverage containers and issues relevant to setting up container deposit legislation.

On behalf of the glass container industry, the GPI submitted testimony explaining the importance of sorted, high quality cullet for use in the manufacturing process, as well as the reduced greenhouse gas emissions that result when levels are high. O-I, the largest glass container manufacturer in the world, testified on SB 530, highlighting different avenues for recycling that assist the glass container industry’s ability to better utilize what is collected in municipal programs.

House Bill 1306 is similar to an existing North Carolina ABC permit holder recycling law, which has increased the annual tonnage of glass recycled in the state by approximately 40,000 tons and has a high bar/restaurant participation rate.

More ways to Reuse Glass Bottles

Wang Jianguang of China set the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to bicycle ten meters on glass bottles. How long did it take? Watch and find out

Glass Recycling Gets Boost from 2008 CA DOC Grants

In December 2008, the California Department of Conservation announced $20 million in Recycling Market Development and Expansion Grants to 20 state projects that support environmental and economic innovation in recycling beverage containers. Matching funds totaled more than $72 million.

2008 grant recipients include four that specifically target glass container recycling. Owens Brockway Glass Container, Inc., will develop a specialized mini-cullet plant in Tracy, CA to produce higher quality feedstock for glass bottle manufacturing. eCullet, Inc., will develop, manufacture, and commission a compact pre-processing and sorter system for glass from a materials recovery facility to produce furnace-ready cullet. TOMRA Pacific, Inc., will purchase equipment and construct a new glass processing facility in Commerce, CA. And finally, Vetrazzo, LLC, which will manufacture countertops with recycled glass, is adding cleaning equipment to their facility.

Funds for the grants come from unclaimed California Refund Value (CRV) on aluminum, glass, and plastic beverage containers. The 2009 grant round opens around March 13, 2009. Get details

GPI Supports NC Tax Credit Legislation

North Carolina House Bill 249 was recently reintroduced and provides for a tiered tax credit of either $250 or $500 per year to assist Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) permit holders comply with the state’s law requiring them to recycle all bottles and cans. GPI has sent a letter of support to the bill’s author, Rep. Pryor Gibson. The law requiring ABC permit holders to recycle all containers was successful in its inaugural year, 2008, generating roughly 45,000 tons of glass, much of it going to glass container plants. Currently, the costs to comply with the ABC law are born solely by the permit holder and estimated to be $1,800 annually.

Connecticut Expands Container Deposit Law to Water Bottles

As part of a legislative package aimed at reducing the state’s deficit, Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell signed into law a provision that expands the state’s container deposit program to include water bottles. All flavored and unflavored water bottles will soon carry a refundable five-cent deposit. The state is expecting to see an annual revenue increase of $13 million from the newly added unreturned containers. Earlier this year, Governor Rell signed legislation that would mandate all unredeemed deposits go to the state’s General Fund. Connecticut is among the dozens of states seeking to mend large deficits in the coming year.

Recyclable Packaging Ranks Highest With Consumers

A recent Hartman Group study of 1,600 consumers found the packaging feature that matters most is that it’s recyclable. Three in four consumers, or 75%, ranked the ability to return a package to the marketplace via curbside bins as either “very important” or “important.” Biodegradability ranked second (71%) and minimal packaging third at 62%.

Consumers also placed containers composed of recycled content high, at 67%. According to the report, consumers pay attention to environmental claims on packaging and respond to the three Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. More

A Look Inside: Glowelle Beauty Drink

GPI recently talked with Paul DaSilva, Packaging Development Manager at Nestle USA, about Glowelle, a new ready-to-drink beverage for women that boasts a blend of powerhouse antioxidants for healthy, glowing, “got-to-have-it” skin. Paul gives us a “look inside” Glowelle, a revolutionary inside-out beauty beverage.

Listen to the Podcast or read the transcript

Saint-Gobain Wins EPA's ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has named Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc., a leading producer of glass containers for the food and beverage industries in the U.S., as a 2009 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. The award, which recognizes outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, will be presented at a ceremony in Washington, DC on March 31, 2009.

“As the first glass manufacturer to receive this award, Saint-Gobain Containers is honored to be recognized for our commitment to energy management, our ability to measure and track progress in this area, and our efforts to communicate the importance of energy efficiency,” said Philip McPherson, Senior Vice President of Technology at Saint-Gobain Containers.

Through a range of energy-awareness programs, process improvements, and energy management practices, Saint-Gobain's reduction in energy-use equated to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions released to the atmosphere of nearly 70,000 tons in 2008.

“Energy efficiency remains the most cost-effective way to reduce our energy costs and our carbon footprint,” said Joseph R. Grewe, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain Containers. Award winners are selected from more than 12,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program. More

GPI Issues Edition X of Standard Flexo Color Guide

The Glass Packaging Institute’s Edition X of the Standard FLEXO Color Guide for printing inks on corrugated will be available for purchase in April 2009 on the GPI website.

The Color Guide is a critical companion for ink, corrugated companies and their customers who desire the most accurate color match when printing on corrugated substrates. New with this release, Edition X will include inks printed on both white top and natural (brown) substrates.

“I am excited to see this guide be the first digitally available to the industry. This is an extreme offering of GPI to support the industry for communicating color universally,” says Dallas Galbreath, Technical Service Administrator for Dynamic Dies Inc. and one of two “referees” on the project. As referees, Galbreath and Scott Gilbert, Smurfit Stone, oversaw the printing process and acted as the end customer to approve colors. “It was a great opportunity to continue the integrity of the color guide through current quality standards.”

Late Night Meets Glass-Bottled Bud

Super Bowl XLIII boasted some exceptional commercials, but our favorite was Conan O’Brien’s “Swedish” ad for glass-bottled Bud Light … In case you missed it, check it out here

Glass Sculptor Pushes Recycling Message

Bill Hess is a sculptor, designer, and teacher in Central Virginia. He is also committed to spreading the gospel of glass recycling. Hess uses found materials, including recycled glass bottles, to create sculptures, house wares, and fine art.

He contacted GPI after hearing about the 50% recycled content goal and wanted to help. “Glass is a beautiful material, and it’s a shame to put it in a landfill,” he says. “Glass is also natural and inert, and that is really important to know when people are concerned about potential chemicals and other health issues.”

When he lived in Seattle, where there is a large glass art community, Hess began creating glass sculpture. After moving to Virginia, he acquired a kiln and began experimenting with recycled glass bottles. “I’ve always been interested in working with found materials,” says Hess. “About 20 years ago I would dumpster dive to see what was out there—and free—to use in my art.”

Hess spent many years creating sculpture by welding together steel parts rescued from junkyards, and now glass has become a major focus of his work. Over time, he has also connected more of his art to ecology. See this actualized in the glass sculpture (left), “Garden of Sprouting Parts".

Most of the recycled glass bottles Hess uses are gathered from friends and his own family. For larger art pieces he goes to the recycling center in Charlottesville, VA and picks bottles out of the glass bins.“People are dropping off and I’m picking up,” says Hess.

Grant to Greeley, CO Kicks-Off More Glass Recycling

Following the in the footsteps of the successful drop-off recycling centers in Fort Collins, CO, National Recycling has received a $244,641 grant from Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) to build a drop-off center which will serve roughly 120,000 people in Greeley, CO and surrounding communities.

Mixed glass containers will be collected separately and eventually end up at Rocky Mountain Bottle to be made into new glass containers. “We expect to fill up a 20-yard roll-off every couple weeks with just glass,” says John Newman, Vice President of Recycling at National Recycling.

While start-up has been delayed due to weather and contracting issues, they expect to open the doors in early February. “Everything is done,” says Newman. “We’re just waiting for fencing and a couple other items.”

Massachusetts Governor’s Budget Includes Container Deposit Expansion

Governor Deval Patrick's (D) proposed budget for 2010 expands the state’s container deposit program to include plain and flavored water, coffee-based drinks, juices and sports drinks. The Governor’s office anticipates an additional $58 million in revenue from these new containers placed into the program, a portion of which will not be returned for their refund value. The House and Senate are expected to release budgets that derive from the Governor’s proposal. Differences among the bills will be worked out in committee conference meetings. Budget is expected to be approved by July.

Congress Forms Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition

A Congressional Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition has been formed to address energy and environmental issues through legislation. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) are co-chairing the caucus, which currently consists of 35 Members of Congress.

The Coalition will work with House leadership, the White House, and other groups in Congress to advance their energy priorities and has already met with White House Coordinator for Climate and Energy Policy Carol Browner to discuss energy policy priorities for the 111th Congress.

O-I “Ideation Center” Focuses on Glass Benefits

O-I recently opened the doors to its new “Ideation Center,” a product concept and development hub for its engineers, designers, and marketers to work alongside customers to concept innovative packaging and show clients the benefits of glass.

The Center includes exhibits on recent glass innovations, O-I products from around the world, how glass is made, and O-I’s history as glass innovators. The grand opening of O-I’s Ideation Center took place at the company’s global headquarters in Perrysburg, OH, on January 22nd, where members of the innovation team provided tours to O-I employees, suppliers, and local media.

"O-I wants to really revisit the consumer as far as the benefits of glass, and that's something that we haven't done in a long time," said Kevin Stevens, O-I's vice president of sales and marketing for North America. "These are new things for O-I. We've been traditionally an old-line manufacturer, and there was not a lot of effort on marketing, innovation, or new product development."

House Stimulus Bill Includes Recycling-Based Provisions

The House version of the $819 billion stimulus package has appropriated funding in the amount of $3.5 billion for “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants” that were authorized by the Energy Security Act of 2007. These funds may be used for activities to increase participation and efficiency rates for material conservation programs, including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead to increases in energy efficiency.

With cities and other localities also facing record budget shortfalls, this funding may help to expand and keep in place municipal recycling programs around the country. GPI has contacted key Senate offices to support inclusion of this provision in the Senate vehicle.

A Look Inside: Bonterra Vineyards, Pioneering Organic Wine

GPI recently sat down with Don Freytag, Group Brand Director of Brown Forman, Foundation Wine Group, about the Bonterra Vineyards organic wine brand, including the company’s pioneering efforts in organic and biodynamic grape farming and their decision to use 100% recyclable glass bottles.

Listen to the podcast or Read the Transcript

Demand for pure, sustainable packaging continues to put spotlight on glass

In 2008, consumer demand for “pure,” “green,” and “sustainable” food and beverage packaging became more powerful than ever. As reports on chemicals associated with alternative packaging materials raised questions about the purity, health, and environmental consequences of certain food and beverage packaging, the spotlight turned back to glass, a packaging material that remains as pure today as it was 4,000 years ago. Glass containers are still the only packaging container the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has “generally recognized as safe.”

In response to consumer demand, leading food and beverage companies such as Coca-Cola began to again package Coke in glass containers for mainstream retailers, not just for limited releases. And, O-I’s Charlotte, Michigan manufacturing plant resumed the production of glass baby bottles after a 20-year hiatus.

Research within the industry continues to push for glass containers that are stronger and lighter than ever before, and innovative recycling efforts across the nation are helping to increase the amount of quality cullet collected for making new glass containers at manufacturing plants.

In 2009, the glass container industry will look to the future with an emphasis on more sustainable manufacturing and packaging processes, increasing the amount of quality cullet for closed loop glass container recycling, and educating consumers about the environmental and health benefits of choosing glass containers. Member companies of GPI will continue working towards the aggressive goal of using at least 50% recycled glass in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013.

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Indianapolis Commercial District Launches Bar/Restaurant Recycling

Broad Ripple Village, a commercial district in a north Indianapolis, Indiana neighborhood, began recycling glass bottles at ten bars and restaurants in September 2008, the first phase of a larger recycling initiative.

NYT Features GPI Recycled Content Goal and Benefits of Domestic Glass Container Recycling

In response to a New York Times article about the collapse in prices for recycled goods, the newspaper published GPI’s letter-to-the-editor and released a follow-up story about the benefits of recycling glass domestically, including creating American jobs and helping the environment. The story also featured the glass container industry’s goal to use at least 50% recycled glass for the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013. The article and letter-to-the-editor are a call-to-action for Americans to recycle more glass. Read the follow-up story and Letter-to-the-Editor

Oregon Container Deposit Expansion Goes into Effect

Starting January 1st, water bottles purchased in Oregon will come with a five cent deposit. Under the new law, consumers will be able to return any brand of beverage container to grocery stores that sell bottled water. Prior to this law, stores were only required to accept the particular brands of beverage containers they sold.

The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) has been formed to assist with logistics and the expected increases in returns. This cooperative is an expanded Container Recovery, Inc., which will pool money from all of the stores and pay back grocery stores the nickels paid to their customers.

New York Governor Includes Container Deposit Expansion in 2009 Budget Proposal

New York Governor David Patterson (D) has included container deposit expansion language as part of his 2009 state budget. This expansion is just one of many avenues being explored to try to close an estimated $12 billion dollar shortfall for next year. It is estimated that unclaimed deposits could total $118 million in 2009, if expansion to water, teas, sports and other non-carbonated drinks are included. A proposed 18% tax on non-diet sodas is also included in his draft proposal.

South Carolina Introduces ABC Permit Holder Bill

South Carolina State Senator Raymond Cleary (R-Charleston) has introduced legislation that would require all ABC permit holders for on-premise consumption of beer, wine, or liquor to recycle their beverage containers. This bill is similar in many aspects to the current North Carolina law, and would grant a 12-month grace period for those unable to immediately comply. Additionally, all permit holders must provide a detailed plan to the state on how they intend to recycle their containers in the future when renewing their ABC permits. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

“Smart Bottles” Help Glass Manufacturers and Bottlers Reduce Waste

The RFID Journal reports on “smart bottles” that use built-in active RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags and sensors that measure pressure, impacts, and temperature to help reduce glass breakage on assembly lines during manufacturing and bottling.

The technology is targeted at lighter-weight glass bottles and is being used by Ardagh Glass, Coca-Cola, Coors, and others. By placing a smart bottle on the assembly line, a company can identify the exact point in the process at which real glass containers would likely be damaged. More

A Look Inside: Behind-the-Scenes with Winners of Recycle Glass Day PSA

GPI recently spoke with the winners of the Recycle Glass Day YouTube video competition—Michigan State University students Jonathon Beach, Stephen Gizicki, Joshua Lobert, and Adam Simon, and professor Dennis Young—about the creation of their winning video, what they learned about glass container recycling, and how they’ll spend their hard-earned prize money. Listen to the podcast

PI launched the winning video as a Public Service Announcement on December 10th, Recycle Glass Day. Watch the PSA

Revamped Site is One-Stop Resource for Consumers and Industry

The Glass Packaging Institute recently unveiled its new website—www.gpi.org, featuring more resources for consumers and students, as well as industry professionals. The site is a one-stop resource for consumers to find out more about the healthiness, recyclability, and sustainability of glass containers, as well as updates about advancements in the industry.

MSU Design Contest Winners Give a New “Twist” to Glass Bottle

A clear glass bottle with an upward swirling rotation (above) took first place in GPI’s glass Packaging Design Competition held fall semester 2008 at Michigan State University School of Packaging.

Designed to contain extra virgin olive oil, the winning glass package was created by the team of Christine Bingham, Nathan Sahr, and Robert Viney, which beat out 40 other MSU student teams. “We were surprised when it was unveiled as the winner,” says Bingham. “There were some really creative bottles and ours was so simple.”

Demand for pure, sustainable packaging continues to put spotlight on glass

Poll findings help kick-off Recycle Glass Day

According to a new poll released by GPI and Opinion Research, a majority of Americans (71%) plan to recycle following holiday parties, gatherings, or meals this year, and one-in-four (27%) plan to make a New Year’s resolution this year to recycle more.

“We’re excited about the response to our first-ever Recycle Glass Day and people’s commitments to recycle more in 2009,” said Joseph Cattaneo, GPI President. “Recycling your glass bottles and jars saves energy and the environment as glass is 100% recyclable in a closed-loop system.”

A Look Inside: Glass Dharma

GPI talked recently with David Leonhardt, Founder and Owner of Glass Dharma, a company that manufacturers environmentally friendly, reusable glass straws. “My ultimate goal is to provide glass drinking straws to 2% of the population of this country,” says Leondhardt. “That’s about 6 million straws. It’s a pretty heavy mission, but I’m working at it day by day.” Listen to the podcast or hit the jump to read a transcript

Northern CO Glass Recycling Drop-Off Program Expands

Loveland, Fort Collins, and Larimer County glass recycling drop-off program, which began just a few months ago, is already planning to expand.

U.S. EPA Region 10 Responds to Contamination in Single Stream Recycling

U.S. EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) has released deliverables and “next steps” from their year long initiative to develop regional solutions to the growing problem of contamination in commingled, or single stream, recycling systems. Deliverables include common terminology, collection guidelines, processing goals, evaluation protocol, and marketing tools.

Glass Recycling Rate Up Three Percentage Points

New U.S. EPA data shows the glass recycling rate jumped to 28.1% in 2007, up three percentage points from 2006 (25.3%). An estimated 3.2 million tons were recovered compared to 2.9 million in 2006. This is the first significant increase since about 2000.

Hawaii’s HI-5 Redemption Program Boosts Recycled Glass Shipped to Mainland

More than 1,000 tons of redeemable glass containers have been shipped out of Maui to be made in to new glass bottles since the state imposed a new standard for handling bottles in its HI-5 redemption program.

Recycling companies are still handling glass beverage containers, and paying consumers the 5-cent redemption value for each container. In turn, the state is paying the businesses 4 cents for each glass container shipped to a Mainland processor. This has boosted local efforts to recycle glass. Read the article

Saint-Gobain Releases Animated Video for Recycle Glass Day

It’s “Gobs” of fun.

A Look Inside: Red Gold’s Switch to Glass for Premium Salsas

On GPI’s “TIP” podcast, Colt Reichart with Red Gold, Inc. talks about how a new glass package helped Red Gold salsas put some “zest” in their image. Listen to the podcast or follow the jump for a transcript.

Check out the YouTube video Competition!

The videos are in and the judges are working on their scores. Now is your chance to let our judges know who you think should win! So check out all the videos and add your voice to the comments on YouTube!

Featured Products for December 2008

highlighted bottle

TRU Organic Vodka

Modern Spirits has introduced organic TRU Vodkas, a completely sustainable vodka spirit line packaged in 100% recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging. Modern Spirits also plants a tree for every bottle sold. The organic vodkas come in three different flavors: lemon, vanilla, and original. TRU Vodkas are packaged in sleek 750 mL glass bottles featuring modern labeling.

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Cruzan Rum, a brand of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, announced the addition of Cruzan 9, a new spiced rum, to its portfolio. Cruzan 9 has a bold flavor and contains a blend of nine all-natural spices: vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, mace, allspice, pepper and juniper berry. It is available in a 750 mL glass bottle featuring applied ceramic labeling.

Order the Flexo Color Guide - Edition X »

Use our Carbon Calculator to find out how much energy you can save by recycling your glass containers.

About the institute

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.