In honor of Global Recycling Day, O-I hosts a podcast discussion with VP of Sustainability, Jim Nordmeyer on glass recycling facts and myths.
While March 18 is marked as Global Recycling Day, at O-I we believe every day should be recycling day. Nevertheless, the celebration allows us to reflect on recycling – the progress we have made and the work ahead. Recycling is a key part of the circular economy. According to the Global Recycling Foundation, “Each year the ‘Seventh Resource’ (recyclables) saves over 700 million tonnes in CO2 emissions and this is projected to increase to 1 billion tonnes by 2030.”
We are adamant about recycling and are proud to make the most sustainable packaging – glass. Glass is made from three natural ingredients: sand, limestone and soda ash and almost always recycled glass. It has endless lives: it is 100 percent recyclable, from bottle to bottle , endlessly. In fact, a glass container can go from the recycling bin back to the store shelf in as little as 30 days.
When we use recycled glass to make new containers, we use fewer raw materials and less energy. Globally, our glass products contain an average of 38 percent post-consumer recycled glass. In Europe, we have produced bottles made of up to 90 percent recycled glass.
In honor of Global Recycling Day, Vice President of Sustainability, Jim Nordmeyer sat down to talk all things glass recycling and dispel some of the myths around glass recycling. This podcast episode, “Every Day is Recycle Day,” has suggestions on recycling for listeners of all backgrounds. “It’s important that we look at ourselves and we look at what we do every day and the things that we can individually do to increase the longevity of our planet,” stated Nordmeyer.
“Every Day is Recycle Day” – Listen Above
This year, The Global Recycling Foundation has announced the theme of #RecyclingHeroes for the 2020 Global Recycling Day, to recognize the people, places and activities that showcase how recycling contributes to a more sustainable and greener future for us all. Nordmeyer shares on the podcast some of his own #RecyclingHeroes, including the work done by the PA Resources Council on glass collection centers in Pittsburgh and the work by FEVE throughout Europe on the Cheers from the Ocean campaign.
O-I continues to invest in recycling. We know our customers want it to go even further; ambitious targets and innovative schemes guide our every move. Learn more about the facts of Glass Recycling.
