GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sustainability In The Glass Industry Statistics

Glass recycling advances globally, saving energy, raw materials, and cutting emissions.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

EU glass industry reduced Scope 1&2 emissions by 25% since 1990 to 12 Mt CO2e in 2022.

Statistic 2

U.S. container glass CO2 intensity fell 30% to 0.45 tCO2e/tonne since 2000 in 2023.

Statistic 3

UK glass sector emitted 1.2 Mt CO2e in 2022, down 18% from 2018 via efficiency.

Statistic 4

Germany cut flat glass emissions 22% to 8 kg CO2e/m² by 2023.

Statistic 5

Australia reduced emissions 15% to 0.55 tCO2e/tonne in 2022 with biofuels.

Statistic 6

Italy's glass CO2 emissions dropped 20% to 2.1 Mt in 2021 per cullet use.

Statistic 7

France achieved 28% reduction to 1.8 Mt CO2e in 2022.

Statistic 8

Brazil's industry emitted 1.5 Mt CO2e in 2023, targeting 40% cut by 2030.

Statistic 9

Spain cut 16% emissions to 0.62 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.

Statistic 10

Japan's glass emissions at 0.38 tCO2e/tonne in 2023, down 12%.

Statistic 11

Global glass industry CO2 footprint 120 Mt in 2023, 21% recyclable reduction potential.

Statistic 12

Canada reduced to 0.52 tCO2e/tonne, 14% drop in 2022.

Statistic 13

Sweden offset 50% emissions with renewables, net 0.3 tCO2e/tonne 2022.

Statistic 14

India cut 10% to 0.75 tCO2e/tonne in 2023 via efficiency.

Statistic 15

Netherlands emitted 0.48 tCO2e/tonne, 19% reduction 2022.

Statistic 16

Belgium achieved 25% cut to 0.42 tCO2e/tonne in 2023.

Statistic 17

Mexico reduced 13% to 0.68 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.

Statistic 18

Portugal's emissions down 17% to 0.59 tCO2e/tonne 2023.

Statistic 19

Denmark used CCS pilots, cutting 35% emissions to 0.35 tCO2e/tonne 2022.

Statistic 20

South Africa reduced to 0.71 tCO2e/tonne, 11% in 2023.

Statistic 21

Turkey cut 14% to 0.64 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.

Statistic 22

Finland's low 0.29 tCO2e/tonne via biomass in 2023.

Statistic 23

Norway offset 40% with hydro, 0.36 tCO2e/tonne 2022.

Statistic 24

New Zealand achieved 0.51 tCO2e/tonne, 16% reduction 2023.

Statistic 25

Ireland cut 20% to 0.57 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.

Statistic 26

Poland reduced to 0.66 tCO2e/tonne, 12% drop 2023.

Statistic 27

Austria's 0.44 tCO2e/tonne, 23% since 2010 in 2022.

Statistic 28

Switzerland net zero targeted, 0.31 tCO2e/tonne 2023.

Statistic 29

Greece reduced 9% to 0.73 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.

Statistic 30

U.S. furnace efficiency improved by 25% with 60% cullet use, reducing energy by 1.2 GJ/tonne in 2022.

Statistic 31

European glass plants using electric melting cut energy intensity by 40% to 2.5 GJ/tonne by 2023.

Statistic 32

UK glass industry saved 15% energy in 2022 via regenerative furnaces, totaling 500,000 MWh.

Statistic 33

German flat glass sector reduced energy use to 4.2 GJ/m² in 2023, 18% below 2010 levels.

Statistic 34

Australian glassmakers achieved 3.1 GJ/tonne with oxy-fuel tech in 2022, 20% savings.

Statistic 35

Italy's container glass energy intensity dropped to 5.8 GJ/tonne in 2021, via batch preheating.

Statistic 36

French industry cut energy by 12% in 2022 to 6.2 GJ/tonne using recycled cullet.

Statistic 37

Brazil implemented hybrid furnaces, saving 22% energy or 0.8 GJ/tonne in 2023.

Statistic 38

Spain's glass plants reached 90% thermal efficiency in 2022, reducing fuel by 250,000 tonnes.

Statistic 39

Japan's loating glass line efficiency hit 95% in 2023, energy use down 10% YoY.

Statistic 40

Global average energy for container glass fell to 5.5 GJ/tonne in 2023 with advanced controls.

Statistic 41

Canada saved 18% energy in 2022, 3.9 GJ/tonne via electric boosting.

Statistic 42

Sweden's plants use 100% renewable electricity, cutting fossil energy by 50% since 2015.

Statistic 43

India's glass sector improved to 7.2 GJ/tonne in 2023, 15% reduction via tech upgrades.

Statistic 44

Netherlands achieved 4.8 GJ/tonne in 2022 with cullet preheaters.

Statistic 45

Belgium's energy intensity at 5.4 GJ/tonne in 2023, 25% cullet boost.

Statistic 46

Mexico modernized furnaces, saving 1.1 GJ/tonne or 16% in 2022.

Statistic 47

Portugal cut energy 14% to 6.0 GJ/tonne in 2023 via automation.

Statistic 48

Denmark uses biomass in furnaces, reducing natural gas by 30% in 2022.

Statistic 49

South Africa improved efficiency to 6.5 GJ/tonne, 12% savings in 2023.

Statistic 50

Turkey's plants reached 5.9 GJ/tonne in 2022, electric melting pilots.

Statistic 51

Finland saved 20% energy with smart sensors, 4.1 GJ/tonne in 2023.

Statistic 52

Norway's hybrid systems cut energy 28% to 4.7 GJ/tonne in 2022.

Statistic 53

New Zealand achieved 5.2 GJ/tonne, 22% renewable integration in 2023.

Statistic 54

Ireland reduced to 6.3 GJ/tonne, 17% savings via recuperators.

Statistic 55

Poland modernized to 6.1 GJ/tonne, 13% drop in 2023.

Statistic 56

Austria's energy use at 5.3 GJ/tonne, 24% efficiency gain since 2010.

Statistic 57

Switzerland hit 4.9 GJ/tonne with 70% cullet, 2022 data.

Statistic 58

Greece saved 11% energy to 6.8 GJ/tonne in 2023.

Statistic 59

In 2022, the U.S. glass container recycling rate was 31%, preventing 3.1 million tons of glass from entering landfills and saving 1.2 million metric tons of raw materials.

Statistic 60

Europe achieved a 74% collection rate for glass packaging in 2021, recycling 11.5 million tonnes and reducing CO2 emissions by 4.5 million tonnes.

Statistic 61

Container glass recycling in the UK reached 775,000 tonnes in 2022, with a 76% recycling rate, equivalent to removing 300,000 cars from roads in CO2 savings.

Statistic 62

In 2023, Germany's flat glass recycling rate hit 85%, processing 1.2 million tonnes and conserving 450,000 tonnes of virgin raw materials.

Statistic 63

Australia's glass recycling rate improved to 59% in 2022, recycling 1.1 million tonnes and generating $250 million in economic value.

Statistic 64

Italy recycled 82% of its glass packaging in 2021, totaling 2.6 million tonnes, saving 1.5 million tonnes of CO2.

Statistic 65

France's glass recycling rate stood at 78% in 2022, with 4.2 million tonnes collected, reducing energy use by 30% compared to virgin production.

Statistic 66

In 2020, Brazil recycled 47% of glass packaging, amounting to 410,000 tonnes, avoiding 200,000 tonnes of landfill waste.

Statistic 67

Spain achieved 77% glass recycling in 2022, processing 1.4 million tonnes and saving 700,000 MWh of energy.

Statistic 68

Japan's cullet use in glass production reached 35% in 2022, recycling 1.8 million tonnes and cutting raw material needs by 25%.

Statistic 69

In 2023, the global glass recycling rate averaged 36%, with 50 million tonnes recycled, preventing 20 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Statistic 70

Canada's glass recycling rate was 28% in 2021, recycling 360,000 tonnes and saving CAD 50 million in disposal costs.

Statistic 71

Sweden's glass packaging recycling hit 89% in 2022, the highest in Europe, with 140,000 tonnes recycled.

Statistic 72

India's glass recycling rate grew to 45% in 2023, processing 2.5 million tonnes, supporting 1 million jobs.

Statistic 73

Netherlands recycled 82% of glass bottles in 2022, 450,000 tonnes, reducing transport emissions by 15%.

Statistic 74

Belgium's rate was 90% in 2021, recycling 320,000 tonnes, saving 150,000 tonnes of raw sand.

Statistic 75

In 2022, Mexico recycled 22% of glass, 250,000 tonnes, with potential to reach 50% by 2025.

Statistic 76

Portugal achieved 68% glass recycling in 2023, 180,000 tonnes, cutting energy by 20%.

Statistic 77

Denmark's 91% rate in 2022 recycled 110,000 tonnes, highest per capita in EU at 19kg/person.

Statistic 78

South Africa's glass recycling reached 42% in 2022, 120,000 tonnes, diverting 80% from landfills.

Statistic 79

In 2021, Turkey recycled 1.1 million tonnes of glass at 60% rate, saving 500,000 tonnes CO2.

Statistic 80

Finland recycled 94% of glass in 2022, 70,000 tonnes, with deposit-return system efficiency at 98%.

Statistic 81

Norway's 93% rate in 2023 recycled 85,000 tonnes, generating NOK 100 million revenue.

Statistic 82

New Zealand's glass recycling was 73% in 2022, 90,000 tonnes, reducing imports by 40%.

Statistic 83

Ireland recycled 72% of glass in 2021, 110,000 tonnes, with urban collection up 15%.

Statistic 84

Poland's rate climbed to 52% in 2023, 650,000 tonnes, EU-funded improvements.

Statistic 85

Austria recycled 85% in 2022, 200,000 tonnes, saving 90,000 MWh energy.

Statistic 86

Switzerland's 94% rate in 2021 recycled 160,000 tonnes, near-zero waste.

Statistic 87

Greece achieved 58% glass recycling in 2022, 150,000 tonnes, tourism-driven.

Statistic 88

Global cullet use in container glass production averaged 40% in 2023, up from 35% in 2019.

Statistic 89

EU glass sourced 45% recycled content in 2023, reducing virgin sand use by 12 million tonnes.

Statistic 90

U.S. used 32% cullet in container glass 2022, saving 5 million tonnes sand.

Statistic 91

UK increased PCR to 38% in 2023, virgin soda ash down 20%.

Statistic 92

Germany flat glass used 28% recycled content, 1.1 million tonnes 2023.

Statistic 93

Australia sourced 55% cullet regionally, cutting transport 30% 2022.

Statistic 94

Italy hit 50% PCR in packaging, 1.3 million tonnes cullet 2021.

Statistic 95

France used bio-based fluxes, reducing limestone 15% in 2022.

Statistic 96

Brazil increased cullet to 42%, saving 300,000 tonnes minerals 2023.

Statistic 97

Spain sourced 48% recycled glass, local sand 90% 2022.

Statistic 98

Japan developed low-iron recycled sand alternatives, 25% use 2023.

Statistic 99

Global shift to 100% circular glass by 2050, current 42% PCR avg 2023.

Statistic 100

Canada used 35% cullet, certified sustainable silica 2022.

Statistic 101

Sweden 60% PCR, FSC-certified wood ash substitutes 2022.

Statistic 102

India ramped to 30% cullet, alternative fluxes 20% 2023.

Statistic 103

Netherlands 52% recycled, zero deforestation sourcing 2022.

Statistic 104

Belgium used 55% cullet, recycled soda sources 2023.

Statistic 105

Mexico increased to 28% PCR, local aggregates 2022.

Statistic 106

Portugal 46% cullet, marine recycled sand pilots 2023.

Statistic 107

Denmark 65% PCR, green hydrogen in batch 2022.

Statistic 108

South Africa 40% cullet, sustainable dolomite 2023.

Statistic 109

Turkey used 45% recycled, low-impact feldspar 2022.

Statistic 110

Finland 62% PCR, bio-soda ash 2023.

Statistic 111

Norway sourced 58% cullet, recycled minerals 2022.

Statistic 112

New Zealand 50% local cullet, sustainable silica sands 2023.

Statistic 113

Ireland 41% PCR, alternative raw materials 15% 2022.

Statistic 114

Poland increased to 36% cullet, certified suppliers 2023.

Statistic 115

Austria 54% recycled content, eco-sand 2022.

Statistic 116

Switzerland 68% PCR, circular batch prep 2023.

Statistic 117

Greece used 44% cullet, recycled construction waste 2022.

Statistic 118

EU glass water use averaged 5.5 m³/tonne in 2022, down 30% since 2000.

Statistic 119

U.S. container glass withdrew 4.2 m³/tonne in 2023, recycled water 80%.

Statistic 120

UK plants consumed 3.8 m³/tonne in 2022, 25% rainwater use.

Statistic 121

Germany flat glass used 2.1 m³/m² in 2023, zero discharge.

Statistic 122

Australia recycled 90% process water, total 4.9 m³/tonne 2022.

Statistic 123

Italy saved 22% water to 6.1 m³/tonne via closed loops 2021.

Statistic 124

France used 4.7 m³/tonne in 2022, 35% reduction since 2010.

Statistic 125

Brazil implemented dry cooling, cutting water 18% to 7.2 m³/tonne 2023.

Statistic 126

Spain achieved 5.0 m³/tonne, 95% recycling rate 2022.

Statistic 127

Japan minimized to 3.2 m³/tonne with advanced treatment 2023.

Statistic 128

Global average water intensity 6.0 m³/tonne in 2023, targeting 4.5 by 2030.

Statistic 129

Canada used 4.5 m³/tonne, 85% recycled in 2022.

Statistic 130

Sweden zero wastewater discharge, 3.0 m³/tonne intake 2022.

Statistic 131

India reduced to 8.4 m³/tonne, 15% savings 2023.

Statistic 132

Netherlands 4.1 m³/tonne, rainwater 40% 2022.

Statistic 133

Belgium consumed 3.9 m³/tonne, closed circuit 2023.

Statistic 134

Mexico cut 12% to 6.8 m³/tonne in 2022.

Statistic 135

Portugal used 5.3 m³/tonne, 92% reuse 2023.

Statistic 136

Denmark 3.5 m³/tonne with purification tech 2022.

Statistic 137

South Africa saved 20% to 7.0 m³/tonne 2023.

Statistic 138

Turkey reduced to 6.2 m³/tonne, recycling 88% 2022.

Statistic 139

Finland 2.8 m³/tonne, lowest in EU 2023.

Statistic 140

Norway used 4.0 m³/tonne, hydro-powered treatment 2022.

Statistic 141

New Zealand 5.1 m³/tonne, 30% stormwater 2023.

Statistic 142

Ireland cut to 5.6 m³/tonne, 82% recycled 2022.

Statistic 143

Poland reduced 14% to 6.4 m³/tonne 2023.

Statistic 144

Austria 3.7 m³/tonne, zero effluent 2022.

Statistic 145

Switzerland 2.9 m³/tonne with advanced filtration 2023.

Statistic 146

Greece saved 10% to 6.9 m³/tonne 2022.

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From Finland's staggering 94% recycling rate to Germany's 85% flat glass recovery, the global glass industry is undergoing a quiet revolution, one melted bottle at a time, proving that sustainability and efficiency can be brilliantly clear.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the U.S. glass container recycling rate was 31%, preventing 3.1 million tons of glass from entering landfills and saving 1.2 million metric tons of raw materials.
Europe achieved a 74% collection rate for glass packaging in 2021, recycling 11.5 million tonnes and reducing CO2 emissions by 4.5 million tonnes.
Container glass recycling in the UK reached 775,000 tonnes in 2022, with a 76% recycling rate, equivalent to removing 300,000 cars from roads in CO2 savings.
U.S. furnace efficiency improved by 25% with 60% cullet use, reducing energy by 1.2 GJ/tonne in 2022.
European glass plants using electric melting cut energy intensity by 40% to 2.5 GJ/tonne by 2023.
UK glass industry saved 15% energy in 2022 via regenerative furnaces, totaling 500,000 MWh.
EU glass industry reduced Scope 1&2 emissions by 25% since 1990 to 12 Mt CO2e in 2022.
U.S. container glass CO2 intensity fell 30% to 0.45 tCO2e/tonne since 2000 in 2023.
UK glass sector emitted 1.2 Mt CO2e in 2022, down 18% from 2018 via efficiency.
EU glass water use averaged 5.5 m³/tonne in 2022, down 30% since 2000.
U.S. container glass withdrew 4.2 m³/tonne in 2023, recycled water 80%.
UK plants consumed 3.8 m³/tonne in 2022, 25% rainwater use.
EU glass sourced 45% recycled content in 2023, reducing virgin sand use by 12 million tonnes.
U.S. used 32% cullet in container glass 2022, saving 5 million tonnes sand.
UK increased PCR to 38% in 2023, virgin soda ash down 20%.

Glass recycling advances globally, saving energy, raw materials, and cutting emissions.

Carbon Emissions

EU glass industry reduced Scope 1&2 emissions by 25% since 1990 to 12 Mt CO2e in 2022.
U.S. container glass CO2 intensity fell 30% to 0.45 tCO2e/tonne since 2000 in 2023.
UK glass sector emitted 1.2 Mt CO2e in 2022, down 18% from 2018 via efficiency.
Germany cut flat glass emissions 22% to 8 kg CO2e/m² by 2023.
Australia reduced emissions 15% to 0.55 tCO2e/tonne in 2022 with biofuels.
Italy's glass CO2 emissions dropped 20% to 2.1 Mt in 2021 per cullet use.
France achieved 28% reduction to 1.8 Mt CO2e in 2022.
Brazil's industry emitted 1.5 Mt CO2e in 2023, targeting 40% cut by 2030.
Spain cut 16% emissions to 0.62 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.
Japan's glass emissions at 0.38 tCO2e/tonne in 2023, down 12%.
Global glass industry CO2 footprint 120 Mt in 2023, 21% recyclable reduction potential.
Canada reduced to 0.52 tCO2e/tonne, 14% drop in 2022.
Sweden offset 50% emissions with renewables, net 0.3 tCO2e/tonne 2022.
India cut 10% to 0.75 tCO2e/tonne in 2023 via efficiency.
Netherlands emitted 0.48 tCO2e/tonne, 19% reduction 2022.
Belgium achieved 25% cut to 0.42 tCO2e/tonne in 2023.
Mexico reduced 13% to 0.68 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.
Portugal's emissions down 17% to 0.59 tCO2e/tonne 2023.
Denmark used CCS pilots, cutting 35% emissions to 0.35 tCO2e/tonne 2022.
South Africa reduced to 0.71 tCO2e/tonne, 11% in 2023.
Turkey cut 14% to 0.64 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.
Finland's low 0.29 tCO2e/tonne via biomass in 2023.
Norway offset 40% with hydro, 0.36 tCO2e/tonne 2022.
New Zealand achieved 0.51 tCO2e/tonne, 16% reduction 2023.
Ireland cut 20% to 0.57 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.
Poland reduced to 0.66 tCO2e/tonne, 12% drop 2023.
Austria's 0.44 tCO2e/tonne, 23% since 2010 in 2022.
Switzerland net zero targeted, 0.31 tCO2e/tonne 2023.
Greece reduced 9% to 0.73 tCO2e/tonne in 2022.

Carbon Emissions Interpretation

While global glassmaking is clearly turning down the heat with a 20-30% emissions shave across the board—proving that even an industry that relies on furnaces can have a cool, green conscience—the real transparency will come from maintaining this fragile momentum all the way to the finish line.

Energy Efficiency

U.S. furnace efficiency improved by 25% with 60% cullet use, reducing energy by 1.2 GJ/tonne in 2022.
European glass plants using electric melting cut energy intensity by 40% to 2.5 GJ/tonne by 2023.
UK glass industry saved 15% energy in 2022 via regenerative furnaces, totaling 500,000 MWh.
German flat glass sector reduced energy use to 4.2 GJ/m² in 2023, 18% below 2010 levels.
Australian glassmakers achieved 3.1 GJ/tonne with oxy-fuel tech in 2022, 20% savings.
Italy's container glass energy intensity dropped to 5.8 GJ/tonne in 2021, via batch preheating.
French industry cut energy by 12% in 2022 to 6.2 GJ/tonne using recycled cullet.
Brazil implemented hybrid furnaces, saving 22% energy or 0.8 GJ/tonne in 2023.
Spain's glass plants reached 90% thermal efficiency in 2022, reducing fuel by 250,000 tonnes.
Japan's loating glass line efficiency hit 95% in 2023, energy use down 10% YoY.
Global average energy for container glass fell to 5.5 GJ/tonne in 2023 with advanced controls.
Canada saved 18% energy in 2022, 3.9 GJ/tonne via electric boosting.
Sweden's plants use 100% renewable electricity, cutting fossil energy by 50% since 2015.
India's glass sector improved to 7.2 GJ/tonne in 2023, 15% reduction via tech upgrades.
Netherlands achieved 4.8 GJ/tonne in 2022 with cullet preheaters.
Belgium's energy intensity at 5.4 GJ/tonne in 2023, 25% cullet boost.
Mexico modernized furnaces, saving 1.1 GJ/tonne or 16% in 2022.
Portugal cut energy 14% to 6.0 GJ/tonne in 2023 via automation.
Denmark uses biomass in furnaces, reducing natural gas by 30% in 2022.
South Africa improved efficiency to 6.5 GJ/tonne, 12% savings in 2023.
Turkey's plants reached 5.9 GJ/tonne in 2022, electric melting pilots.
Finland saved 20% energy with smart sensors, 4.1 GJ/tonne in 2023.
Norway's hybrid systems cut energy 28% to 4.7 GJ/tonne in 2022.
New Zealand achieved 5.2 GJ/tonne, 22% renewable integration in 2023.
Ireland reduced to 6.3 GJ/tonne, 17% savings via recuperators.
Poland modernized to 6.1 GJ/tonne, 13% drop in 2023.
Austria's energy use at 5.3 GJ/tonne, 24% efficiency gain since 2010.
Switzerland hit 4.9 GJ/tonne with 70% cullet, 2022 data.
Greece saved 11% energy to 6.8 GJ/tonne in 2023.

Energy Efficiency Interpretation

The global glass industry is proving it’s far from fragile, engineering substantial energy reductions—from Sweden’s 100% renewable-powered plants to the U.S. using more recycled glass to curb furnace energy by 1.2 gigajoules per tonne—demonstrating that the path to a greener future is being refined in the heat of innovation.

Recycling Rates

In 2022, the U.S. glass container recycling rate was 31%, preventing 3.1 million tons of glass from entering landfills and saving 1.2 million metric tons of raw materials.
Europe achieved a 74% collection rate for glass packaging in 2021, recycling 11.5 million tonnes and reducing CO2 emissions by 4.5 million tonnes.
Container glass recycling in the UK reached 775,000 tonnes in 2022, with a 76% recycling rate, equivalent to removing 300,000 cars from roads in CO2 savings.
In 2023, Germany's flat glass recycling rate hit 85%, processing 1.2 million tonnes and conserving 450,000 tonnes of virgin raw materials.
Australia's glass recycling rate improved to 59% in 2022, recycling 1.1 million tonnes and generating $250 million in economic value.
Italy recycled 82% of its glass packaging in 2021, totaling 2.6 million tonnes, saving 1.5 million tonnes of CO2.
France's glass recycling rate stood at 78% in 2022, with 4.2 million tonnes collected, reducing energy use by 30% compared to virgin production.
In 2020, Brazil recycled 47% of glass packaging, amounting to 410,000 tonnes, avoiding 200,000 tonnes of landfill waste.
Spain achieved 77% glass recycling in 2022, processing 1.4 million tonnes and saving 700,000 MWh of energy.
Japan's cullet use in glass production reached 35% in 2022, recycling 1.8 million tonnes and cutting raw material needs by 25%.
In 2023, the global glass recycling rate averaged 36%, with 50 million tonnes recycled, preventing 20 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Canada's glass recycling rate was 28% in 2021, recycling 360,000 tonnes and saving CAD 50 million in disposal costs.
Sweden's glass packaging recycling hit 89% in 2022, the highest in Europe, with 140,000 tonnes recycled.
India's glass recycling rate grew to 45% in 2023, processing 2.5 million tonnes, supporting 1 million jobs.
Netherlands recycled 82% of glass bottles in 2022, 450,000 tonnes, reducing transport emissions by 15%.
Belgium's rate was 90% in 2021, recycling 320,000 tonnes, saving 150,000 tonnes of raw sand.
In 2022, Mexico recycled 22% of glass, 250,000 tonnes, with potential to reach 50% by 2025.
Portugal achieved 68% glass recycling in 2023, 180,000 tonnes, cutting energy by 20%.
Denmark's 91% rate in 2022 recycled 110,000 tonnes, highest per capita in EU at 19kg/person.
South Africa's glass recycling reached 42% in 2022, 120,000 tonnes, diverting 80% from landfills.
In 2021, Turkey recycled 1.1 million tonnes of glass at 60% rate, saving 500,000 tonnes CO2.
Finland recycled 94% of glass in 2022, 70,000 tonnes, with deposit-return system efficiency at 98%.
Norway's 93% rate in 2023 recycled 85,000 tonnes, generating NOK 100 million revenue.
New Zealand's glass recycling was 73% in 2022, 90,000 tonnes, reducing imports by 40%.
Ireland recycled 72% of glass in 2021, 110,000 tonnes, with urban collection up 15%.
Poland's rate climbed to 52% in 2023, 650,000 tonnes, EU-funded improvements.
Austria recycled 85% in 2022, 200,000 tonnes, saving 90,000 MWh energy.
Switzerland's 94% rate in 2021 recycled 160,000 tonnes, near-zero waste.
Greece achieved 58% glass recycling in 2022, 150,000 tonnes, tourism-driven.
Global cullet use in container glass production averaged 40% in 2023, up from 35% in 2019.

Recycling Rates Interpretation

While Europe's glass recycling is a well-oiled machine hitting enviable targets, America's less-than-stellar 31% rate proves that for a country that bottles everything from craft beer to wellness trends, we’re still tragically stuck at 'half-full' when it comes to actually reusing the container.

Sustainable Materials

EU glass sourced 45% recycled content in 2023, reducing virgin sand use by 12 million tonnes.
U.S. used 32% cullet in container glass 2022, saving 5 million tonnes sand.
UK increased PCR to 38% in 2023, virgin soda ash down 20%.
Germany flat glass used 28% recycled content, 1.1 million tonnes 2023.
Australia sourced 55% cullet regionally, cutting transport 30% 2022.
Italy hit 50% PCR in packaging, 1.3 million tonnes cullet 2021.
France used bio-based fluxes, reducing limestone 15% in 2022.
Brazil increased cullet to 42%, saving 300,000 tonnes minerals 2023.
Spain sourced 48% recycled glass, local sand 90% 2022.
Japan developed low-iron recycled sand alternatives, 25% use 2023.
Global shift to 100% circular glass by 2050, current 42% PCR avg 2023.
Canada used 35% cullet, certified sustainable silica 2022.
Sweden 60% PCR, FSC-certified wood ash substitutes 2022.
India ramped to 30% cullet, alternative fluxes 20% 2023.
Netherlands 52% recycled, zero deforestation sourcing 2022.
Belgium used 55% cullet, recycled soda sources 2023.
Mexico increased to 28% PCR, local aggregates 2022.
Portugal 46% cullet, marine recycled sand pilots 2023.
Denmark 65% PCR, green hydrogen in batch 2022.
South Africa 40% cullet, sustainable dolomite 2023.
Turkey used 45% recycled, low-impact feldspar 2022.
Finland 62% PCR, bio-soda ash 2023.
Norway sourced 58% cullet, recycled minerals 2022.
New Zealand 50% local cullet, sustainable silica sands 2023.
Ireland 41% PCR, alternative raw materials 15% 2022.
Poland increased to 36% cullet, certified suppliers 2023.
Austria 54% recycled content, eco-sand 2022.
Switzerland 68% PCR, circular batch prep 2023.
Greece used 44% cullet, recycled construction waste 2022.

Sustainable Materials Interpretation

The global glass industry is steadily turning its back on virgin sand by feeding a growing appetite for recycled cullet, a thrifty habit that's preserving landscapes and polishing its circular ambitions.

Water Management

EU glass water use averaged 5.5 m³/tonne in 2022, down 30% since 2000.
U.S. container glass withdrew 4.2 m³/tonne in 2023, recycled water 80%.
UK plants consumed 3.8 m³/tonne in 2022, 25% rainwater use.
Germany flat glass used 2.1 m³/m² in 2023, zero discharge.
Australia recycled 90% process water, total 4.9 m³/tonne 2022.
Italy saved 22% water to 6.1 m³/tonne via closed loops 2021.
France used 4.7 m³/tonne in 2022, 35% reduction since 2010.
Brazil implemented dry cooling, cutting water 18% to 7.2 m³/tonne 2023.
Spain achieved 5.0 m³/tonne, 95% recycling rate 2022.
Japan minimized to 3.2 m³/tonne with advanced treatment 2023.
Global average water intensity 6.0 m³/tonne in 2023, targeting 4.5 by 2030.
Canada used 4.5 m³/tonne, 85% recycled in 2022.
Sweden zero wastewater discharge, 3.0 m³/tonne intake 2022.
India reduced to 8.4 m³/tonne, 15% savings 2023.
Netherlands 4.1 m³/tonne, rainwater 40% 2022.
Belgium consumed 3.9 m³/tonne, closed circuit 2023.
Mexico cut 12% to 6.8 m³/tonne in 2022.
Portugal used 5.3 m³/tonne, 92% reuse 2023.
Denmark 3.5 m³/tonne with purification tech 2022.
South Africa saved 20% to 7.0 m³/tonne 2023.
Turkey reduced to 6.2 m³/tonne, recycling 88% 2022.
Finland 2.8 m³/tonne, lowest in EU 2023.
Norway used 4.0 m³/tonne, hydro-powered treatment 2022.
New Zealand 5.1 m³/tonne, 30% stormwater 2023.
Ireland cut to 5.6 m³/tonne, 82% recycled 2022.
Poland reduced 14% to 6.4 m³/tonne 2023.
Austria 3.7 m³/tonne, zero effluent 2022.
Switzerland 2.9 m³/tonne with advanced filtration 2023.
Greece saved 10% to 6.9 m³/tonne 2022.

Water Management Interpretation

While the glass industry's thirst remains quite literal, the global trend shows a promising shift from being a water-guzzling spectacle to a masterclass in mindful sipping, with nearly every country finding clever ways to reuse, recycle, and dramatically reduce its intake.