Represented by spiritsEUROPE, the European spirits sector is the latest to deliver growing support for the ‘Close the Glass Loop’ initiative. This programme aims to boost glass packaging collection to 90% by 2030 and put more recycled glass back in the bottle to bottle glass packaging loop.

“With 100% of raw materials for spirit distillates sourced directly from nature, sustainable production processes are in our sector’s DNA and at the heart of what we do” commented Ulrich Adam, spiritsEUROPE Director General. “In line with this, European spirit producers understand and consistently work towards reducing the environmental impact of our activities. In particular, we address the use of resources such as the re-use of by-products from distillation as feed product for farm animals, as well as the challenge of reusable and recyclable packaging."

According to Mr Adam, the Close the Glass Loop initiative complements Drinksinitiatives.eu projects already undertaken with partners across Europe to make the value chain more sustainable.

“Spirits is one of our leading customers, with most products packed in glass” Adeline Farrelly, FEVE Secretary General confirmed. “The collaboration with spiritsEUROPE will strengthen our circular economy model with significant sustainability benefits as increasing recycling rates has also the effect of reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption, as well as diverting waste from landfill.” 

www.feve.org