Europe >> Environment and Recycling

Environmental Commitment

O-I is committed to sustainable packaging solutions that are safe, recyclable, non-toxic and add value to both people and the environment. Our approach will enable us to sustain our business in all economic regions of the world, for present and future generations, while protecting the consumer and the environment.

Glass makers have been very active in the search for a "cleaner planet" establishing industry standards before any other packaging material supplier.

• Early in the 1970s, to save energy, they developed lighter bottles and organized the collection and recycling of glass, signing agreements with national and local authorities that included target figures.
• In the 1990s, as a promise to ensuing generations, they committed to take back all the glass collected.

Made from natural resources, endlessly recyclable and chemically inert, glass has been used to preserve food and beverages for more than 3,000 years and is the only true cradle-to-cradle packaging material.

Today in Europe, O-I is committed to the environment, supporting many recycling and energy conservation initiatives.  Through European Glass associations, O-I promotes the qualities of glass, so customers and end-users are aware of its planet-friendly properties.

In UK, France, Italy and Spain, O-I operates programs for children and students, teaching them facts about glass and how to recycle bottles and jars, for the benefit of their future planet.

All over the world, O-I educates its customers about the benefits of glass, through the Glass University program, which is held in Europe twice in a year and at various times throughout the year in other regions.