Wherever you are, chances are that you come into contact with glass on a daily basis. From getting ready for the day with the help from your favourite skincare product, preparing a healthy meal for friends and family, to winding down at night with some after-work drinks. Glass is healthy, versatile, and better yet, sustainable: it’s the only packaging material which is infinitely recyclable, as well as being reusable and refillable. So what can we do with all this packaging once we’re done to ensure we’re treating it right?
5 min
Consumers recognise glass packaging as safe, sustainable and fit for the future
8 out of 10 consumers believe in glass as a packaging material for the future, recognising its recyclability, reusability and health benefits as the glass industry continues its path towards climate neutrality
5 min
8 out of 10 consumers believe in glass as a packaging material for the future, recognising its recyclability, reusability and health benefits as the glass industry continues its path towards climate neutrality
5 reasons to buy milk in glass bottles
Glass dairy containers are good for the environment because glass is one of the most recyclable materials you can use. And milk just tastes better when it’s in glass!
2 min
Glass dairy containers are good for the environment because glass is one of the most recyclable materials you can use. And milk just tastes better when it’s in glass!
Why does beer taste better in glass?
Whether it’s cracking open a cold lager to cool down on a summer day or enjoying a carefully crafted bottle of ale in the local bar, we bet that when it comes to planning your next beer, you’re thinking about glass. But why is it that we enjoy beer better when it comes in glass? In this article we’ll not only explain to you why your favourite drink tastes different in glass, but also how you can store your beer at home for the best experience.
5 min
Whether it’s cracking open a cold lager to cool down on a summer day or enjoying a carefully crafted bottle of ale in the local bar, we bet that when it comes to planning your next beer, you’re thinking about glass. But why is it that we enjoy beer better when it comes in glass? In this article we’ll not only explain to you why your favourite drink tastes different in glass, but also how you can store your beer at home for the best experience.
What are the benefits of glass in a circular economy?
The circular economy begins again as it ends, forming an endless cycle of materials. Glass is the perfect example of this when we think of the physical transformation from sand to glass and back to sand again, through the process of recycling.
5 min
The circular economy begins again as it ends, forming an endless cycle of materials. Glass is the perfect example of this when we think of the physical transformation from sand to glass and back to sand again, through the process of recycling.
What is the difference between glass and crystal?
All crystal is glass, but not all glass is crystal. How does that work? In this article, we will explain all the differences and similarities between these two versatile materials.
4 min
All crystal is glass, but not all glass is crystal. How does that work? In this article, we will explain all the differences and similarities between these two versatile materials.
6 Sustainable beauty tips for your skincare routine
Do you like to start the day with a multi-step skincare routine, or wind down at the end of a long day with a relaxing clay face mask? Do you dream of having that radiant and smooth ‘glass skin’? Many of us like to take a moment to unwind by treating ourselves to a refreshing skincare routine.
5 min
Do you like to start the day with a multi-step skincare routine, or wind down at the end of a long day with a relaxing clay face mask? Do you dream of having that radiant and smooth ‘glass skin’? Many of us like to take a moment to unwind by treating ourselves to a refreshing skincare routine.
DIY Treat Jars for you this Easter
Before you start filling your recycling bags this Easter, take a moment to think about what other uses there could be for your used glass.
1 min
Before you start filling your recycling bags this Easter, take a moment to think about what other uses there could be for your used glass.
Why is wine stored in glass?
Glass bottles remain the best choice for wine lovers. New research showed that 94% of consumers in France prefer glass wine bottles over other packaging materials, such as bag-in-box. But why is it that we think of glass when we think of wine? Or why do we often store them horizontally? And are wine bottles sustainable?
7 min
Glass bottles remain the best choice for wine lovers. New research showed that 94% of consumers in France prefer glass wine bottles over other packaging materials, such as bag-in-box. But why is it that we think of glass when we think of wine? Or why do we often store them horizontally? And are wine bottles sustainable?
4 Homemade Christmas Gifts to make this season
This year, why not skip the last-minute shopping trip and give those closest to you a meaningful Christmas gift? We’ve rounded up some of the best homemade Christmas presents we found online to bring you our top picks, with one special ingredient: glass. Read our article and discover 8 fun and easy Christmas gift ideas you can make at home.
5 min
This year, why not skip the last-minute shopping trip and give those closest to you a meaningful Christmas gift? We’ve rounded up some of the best homemade Christmas presents we found online to bring you our top picks, with one special ingredient: glass. Read our article and discover 8 fun and easy Christmas gift ideas you can make at home.
5 Ways to Decorate For Christmas Using Glass
Snowflakes are falling, knitwear finds its way out of the closet, and the frost is biting our noses – winter has arrived!
2 min
Snowflakes are falling, knitwear finds its way out of the closet, and the frost is biting our noses – winter has arrived!
Choose health, choose glass: Consumer research
We’re all trying to live better and more sustainably, from how we consume and dispose of products to how we look after our own health. Yet packaging remains crucial to preserve products through delivery and storage, and to ensure longer shelf stability of products once purchased. By offering a material that’s not just endlessly recyclable but remains food safe throughout the closed-loop recycling process, glass packaging continues to provide strong sustainable benefits for the health of both people and planet. Glass is never a waste.
3 min
We’re all trying to live better and more sustainably, from how we consume and dispose of products to how we look after our own health. Yet packaging remains crucial to preserve products through delivery and storage, and to ensure longer shelf stability of products once purchased. By offering a material that’s not just endlessly recyclable but remains food safe throughout the closed-loop recycling process, glass packaging continues to provide strong sustainable benefits for the health of both people and planet. Glass is never a waste.
Healthy packaging, healthy families: What makes glass the healthy choice?
Did you know: every week, the average person ingests up to one credit card worth of plastic from food, water, or the air? You are what you eat – and that includes how it’s packaged. That’s why when it comes to our favourite food and drink, we need to look beyond the label.
4 min
Did you know: every week, the average person ingests up to one credit card worth of plastic from food, water, or the air? You are what you eat – and that includes how it’s packaged. That’s why when it comes to our favourite food and drink, we need to look beyond the label.
How is glass manufacturing evolving to face the future?
Have you ever seen a glass bottle being made? It involves taking an alchemy of ingredients and crafting, twisting, shaping and sculpting them into life – all in front of the dancing flames of the furnace. “That’s why I like to think of glass as a living thing,” says Trevor Philips, a Production and Engineering Director who has spent nearly 50 years in the heart of the industry.
4 min
Have you ever seen a glass bottle being made? It involves taking an alchemy of ingredients and crafting, twisting, shaping and sculpting them into life – all in front of the dancing flames of the furnace. “That’s why I like to think of glass as a living thing,” says Trevor Philips, a Production and Engineering Director who has spent nearly 50 years in the heart of the industry.
5 ways you can help close the glass loop
We all have a part to play in building a more sustainable world, starting with how we shop, all the way down to how we get rid of our rubbish. This summer, organisations involved in all stages of the glass collection and recycling value chain have launched Close the Glass Loop – a major glass recycling action plan for Europe.
3 min
We all have a part to play in building a more sustainable world, starting with how we shop, all the way down to how we get rid of our rubbish. This summer, organisations involved in all stages of the glass collection and recycling value chain have launched Close the Glass Loop – a major glass recycling action plan for Europe.
Using glass around the home this Earth Day
Happy Earth Day! Today (22 April) we are exploring the ways you can recycle and reuse glass around your home. There are loads of small changes you can make to live a more sustainable lifestyle and incorporate glass around your home. Here are a few of our tips.
2 min
Happy Earth Day! Today (22 April) we are exploring the ways you can recycle and reuse glass around your home. There are loads of small changes you can make to live a more sustainable lifestyle and incorporate glass around your home. Here are a few of our tips.
10 things you might not know about recycling
There’s no denying that recycling is having a moment right now: images of marine litter are a constant on our TV screens thanks to series like Blue Planet, ‘buy-in-bulk’ retail outlets and circular living shops are popping up in cities across Europe, and #ZeroWaste influencers are all over our Instagram timelines.
2 min
There’s no denying that recycling is having a moment right now: images of marine litter are a constant on our TV screens thanks to series like Blue Planet, ‘buy-in-bulk’ retail outlets and circular living shops are popping up in cities across Europe, and #ZeroWaste influencers are all over our Instagram timelines.
Olive oil and glass – the perfect match
26 November marks Olive Oil Day! Whether it’s used as a marinade component, the crucial ingredient of a well-dressed salad, a cooking oil, or a delicacy to be enjoyed on its own with bread, the many uses of olive oil makes it a daily pantry staple all around the world.
3 min
26 November marks Olive Oil Day! Whether it’s used as a marinade component, the crucial ingredient of a well-dressed salad, a cooking oil, or a delicacy to be enjoyed on its own with bread, the many uses of olive oil makes it a daily pantry staple all around the world.
Why does glass design continue to appeal to people?
Whether it’s iconic perfumes, artisanal spirits or everyday kitchen staples, nothing denotes style quite like glass. If you’re reading this, you probably love glass in all its shapes and sizes. Have you ever wondered how your favourite products intentionally use glass design to convey a sense of their own brand identity and stand out on the shelves? In the words of La Fermière brand marketer Tina Tarpinian, “we’ll let our iconic packaging do the talking.”
4 min
Whether it’s iconic perfumes, artisanal spirits or everyday kitchen staples, nothing denotes style quite like glass. If you’re reading this, you probably love glass in all its shapes and sizes. Have you ever wondered how your favourite products intentionally use glass design to convey a sense of their own brand identity and stand out on the shelves? In the words of La Fermière brand marketer Tina Tarpinian, “we’ll let our iconic packaging do the talking.”
Time to get green-fingered?
How does your garden grow? Whether you have an acre of land or a tiny windowsill space, there’s nothing like gardening to lift the spirits and reconnect with nature. With many of us spending more time at home than ever before, it’s time to bring the outdoors indoors – with a little help from your used glass.
3 min
How does your garden grow? Whether you have an acre of land or a tiny windowsill space, there’s nothing like gardening to lift the spirits and reconnect with nature. With many of us spending more time at home than ever before, it’s time to bring the outdoors indoors – with a little help from your used glass.
Glass – Your Perfect Picnic Partner
Glass makes spring and summer picnics a breeze when it comes to storing and transporting your food. Not only does glass ensure that your food tastes exactly how you want, but there’s no risk of contamination from unwanted chemicals. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your picnic with glass!
2 min
Glass makes spring and summer picnics a breeze when it comes to storing and transporting your food. Not only does glass ensure that your food tastes exactly how you want, but there’s no risk of contamination from unwanted chemicals. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your picnic with glass!
How does recycling glass help protect the environment?
Have you ever wondered how glass is recycled? What happens to your used glass after you’ve put it into the bottle bank? The good news is that every single one of us can make a difference.
4 min
Have you ever wondered how glass is recycled? What happens to your used glass after you’ve put it into the bottle bank? The good news is that every single one of us can make a difference.
Colours matter…also for glass
Glass has a major part to play in the process of mitigating the effects of climate change. We know recycling is a must, nonetheless there are a few ground rules when it comes to reprocessing glass .
2 min
Glass has a major part to play in the process of mitigating the effects of climate change. We know recycling is a must, nonetheless there are a few ground rules when it comes to reprocessing glass .
How are retailers rising to the packaging waste challenge?
Calling on all shoppers! You might think that how your favourite product is packaged is all about what brands choose to make and what we all want to buy. However, with us shoppers paying more attention than ever to the impact of our shopping choices, the retailers we make visits to everyday are becoming just as concerned with how our favourite products are packaged, helping us make easier, more sustainable choices. So what choices are they making? You probably already know that, while disposable packaging is going out of fashion, endlessly recyclable glass is very much on trend. Well, that message is resonating with our favourite retailers, who are putting more and more glass packaging on their shelves in turn. As Carrefour’s Sustainability Outreach Lead, Scarlett Elizee, says, “we also want to move away from single use and towards a recycling and reuse model that makes the most out of glass.” Here’s why.
4 min
Calling on all shoppers! You might think that how your favourite product is packaged is all about what brands choose to make and what we all want to buy. However, with us shoppers paying more attention than ever to the impact of our shopping choices, the retailers we make visits to everyday are becoming just as concerned with how our favourite products are packaged, helping us make easier, more sustainable choices. So what choices are they making? You probably already know that, while disposable packaging is going out of fashion, endlessly recyclable glass is very much on trend. Well, that message is resonating with our favourite retailers, who are putting more and more glass packaging on their shelves in turn. As Carrefour’s Sustainability Outreach Lead, Scarlett Elizee, says, “we also want to move away from single use and towards a recycling and reuse model that makes the most out of glass.” Here’s why.
#CheersWithGlass with Teachers for Future Spain
Friends of Glass Spain partnered with Carlota Bruna, Alex Puértolas, Maxi Iglesias, and Curly Azahara to gather as much virtual #CheersWithGlass and their best wishes for 2022.
1 min
Friends of Glass Spain partnered with Carlota Bruna, Alex Puértolas, Maxi Iglesias, and Curly Azahara to gather as much virtual #CheersWithGlass and their best wishes for 2022.
Living more sustainably – Is it difficult?
Today, we’re living in a changing world – one where our environment is on the brink of a crisis. Every day, this requires us to make choices aimed at adopting a more sustainable lifestyle – one that allows us to enjoy a healthy and full lifestyle, while at the same time respecting the world around us.
6 min
Today, we’re living in a changing world – one where our environment is on the brink of a crisis. Every day, this requires us to make choices aimed at adopting a more sustainable lifestyle – one that allows us to enjoy a healthy and full lifestyle, while at the same time respecting the world around us.
How to get the most out of glass around your home?
Wherever you are, chances are that you come into contact with glass on a daily basis. From getting ready for the day with the help from your favourite skincare product, preparing a healthy meal for friends and family, to winding down at night with some after-work drinks. Glass is healthy, versatile, and better yet, sustainable: it’s the only packaging material which is infinitely recyclable, as well as being reusable and refillable. So what can we do with all this packaging once we’re done to ensure we’re treating it right?
5 min
Wherever you are, chances are that you come into contact with glass on a daily basis. From getting ready for the day with the help from your favourite skincare product, preparing a healthy meal for friends and family, to winding down at night with some after-work drinks. Glass is healthy, versatile, and better yet, sustainable: it’s the only packaging material which is infinitely recyclable, as well as being reusable and refillable. So what can we do with all this packaging once we’re done to ensure we’re treating it right?
Tips to cut your waste – with the help of glass
We’ve all seen the images of waste building up on our planet and polluting our oceans – and we can all play our own small part in making a difference to our planet’s health. Did you know there are several small, simple steps you can take to make a difference, even in a world that’s constantly on the go? Read on…
2 min
We’ve all seen the images of waste building up on our planet and polluting our oceans – and we can all play our own small part in making a difference to our planet’s health. Did you know there are several small, simple steps you can take to make a difference, even in a world that’s constantly on the go? Read on…
2022 will be the International Year of Glass!
We are delighted to announce that 2022 has been recognised as the International Year of Glass 2022 by the United Nations General Assembly on May 18. From the Romans through to the high-tech innovation of today, glass has always been by our sides as part of civilisation, science, art and culture. It’s time to celebrate the past, present, and future of this iconic material, and reflect on how it’s driving progress towards UN Agenda 2030 goals.
2 min
We are delighted to announce that 2022 has been recognised as the International Year of Glass 2022 by the United Nations General Assembly on May 18. From the Romans through to the high-tech innovation of today, glass has always been by our sides as part of civilisation, science, art and culture. It’s time to celebrate the past, present, and future of this iconic material, and reflect on how it’s driving progress towards UN Agenda 2030 goals.
Raising your recycling game
Glass is an incredible material. It’s made from recycled glass and raw materials found in nature – sand, soda ash and limestone – and it’s 100% recyclable, in a closed loop. This means it can be endlessly recycled as long as we keep collecting it properly.
2 min
Glass is an incredible material. It’s made from recycled glass and raw materials found in nature – sand, soda ash and limestone – and it’s 100% recyclable, in a closed loop. This means it can be endlessly recycled as long as we keep collecting it properly.
Refreshing summer drinks best served in glass
Summertime is still in the air, and there’s no better excuse to chill out with a cool beverage. Here are some of our favourite drinks to enjoy in the sun – best served up in glass, naturally. Perfect for entertaining friends or for kicking back on the terrace with a book, who says happy hour need only last an hour?
3 min
Summertime is still in the air, and there’s no better excuse to chill out with a cool beverage. Here are some of our favourite drinks to enjoy in the sun – best served up in glass, naturally. Perfect for entertaining friends or for kicking back on the terrace with a book, who says happy hour need only last an hour?
What happens to my glass after it’s recycled?
This summer, people and companies across Europe launched their ‘Close the Glass Loop’ campaign, to boost the glass collection for recycling rate to a target of 90% across the whole of Europe.
2 min
This summer, people and companies across Europe launched their ‘Close the Glass Loop’ campaign, to boost the glass collection for recycling rate to a target of 90% across the whole of Europe.
Glass packaging is the top choice for environmentally conscious consumers, new survey reveals
Half of consumers buying more products in glass packaging than in 2016, and 9 in 10 would recommend glass as the best packaging. Purchasing decisions increasingly driven by recyclability and environmental considerations Results come as ‘Close the Glass Loop’ value chain stakeholders meet today to discuss how to further improve collection and recycling of glass. As industries, businesses and politicians make strong commitments to initiatives like the European Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, consumers all over Europe are taking more and more steps to reduce their environmental footprint – and latest figures from the glass industry show that awareness of recycling and environmental impact is increasingly driving everyday purchasing decisions.
4 min
Half of consumers buying more products in glass packaging than in 2016, and 9 in 10 would recommend glass as the best packaging. Purchasing decisions increasingly driven by recyclability and environmental considerations Results come as ‘Close the Glass Loop’ value chain stakeholders meet today to discuss how to further improve collection and recycling of glass. As industries, businesses and politicians make strong commitments to initiatives like the European Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, consumers all over Europe are taking more and more steps to reduce their environmental footprint – and latest figures from the glass industry show that awareness of recycling and environmental impact is increasingly driving everyday purchasing decisions.
Why glass was the real star of the original Christmas story
In the midst of all the excitement and chaos of the season, it’s easy to overlook the original Christmas story: the Nativity. Even more often overlooked is the starring role that glass played in the both the nativity and its historic context – proving that if there were ever a material for the ages… it’s glass.
2 min
In the midst of all the excitement and chaos of the season, it’s easy to overlook the original Christmas story: the Nativity. Even more often overlooked is the starring role that glass played in the both the nativity and its historic context – proving that if there were ever a material for the ages… it’s glass.
Thanks for being a Friend of Glass in 2019!
Friends of Glass support Recycle Week
It’s that time of year again as we celebrate recycling with Recycle Week and both Friends of Glass and British Glass are delighted to be supporting the campaign yet again.
2 min
It’s that time of year again as we celebrate recycling with Recycle Week and both Friends of Glass and British Glass are delighted to be supporting the campaign yet again.
Glass packaging key to connecting with eco-conscious millennial beauty fans, industry survey finds
When it comes to packaging for beauty, fragrance and medical products, three in four European millennials would opt for products in glass over any other packaging material, according to an independent consumer research survey commissioned by FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation.
4 min
When it comes to packaging for beauty, fragrance and medical products, three in four European millennials would opt for products in glass over any other packaging material, according to an independent consumer research survey commissioned by FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation.
Consumer survey of perception of glass flaconnage packaging
When it comes to packaging for beauty, fragrance and medical products, 3 in 4 Europeans would opt for products in glass flacons over any other packaging material.
2 min
When it comes to packaging for beauty, fragrance and medical products, 3 in 4 Europeans would opt for products in glass flacons over any other packaging material.
We know it’s tough being a student.
Top Destinations to Toast the Ocean This Summer
Summer is fast approaching! For anyone still in need of some travel inspiration, we’ve got you covered: we’ve rounded up our five top destinations where you can enjoy an unforgettable waterfront experience, glass in hand.
3 min
Summer is fast approaching! For anyone still in need of some travel inspiration, we’ve got you covered: we’ve rounded up our five top destinations where you can enjoy an unforgettable waterfront experience, glass in hand.
Local girl turns superhero to scoop top glass recycling prize
Local schoolgirl 11-year-old Beth Ashley (pictured) from Bramley, Leeds has scooped top prize of an Apple iPad Mini in a glass recycling competition. The competition was organised by Leeds City Council, Lidl and Friends of Glass.
2 min
Local schoolgirl 11-year-old Beth Ashley (pictured) from Bramley, Leeds has scooped top prize of an Apple iPad Mini in a glass recycling competition. The competition was organised by Leeds City Council, Lidl and Friends of Glass.
Friends of Glass 2018 Consumer Survey Results
Since last autumn’s release of BBC’s Blue Planet II, concern over the state of our marine systems and oceans has exponentially grown and public attention has increasingly focused on the need to make more sustainable choices in everyday life.
2 min
Since last autumn’s release of BBC’s Blue Planet II, concern over the state of our marine systems and oceans has exponentially grown and public attention has increasingly focused on the need to make more sustainable choices in everyday life.
Shaping Innovation: The Story Behind Absolut’s Award-Winning Facet Bottle
At Friends of Glass, we love to see the arrival of exciting new bottle and jar designs. In the first of a new occasional series, we talk to those responsible for some of the most recent striking and innovative ideas.
2 min
At Friends of Glass, we love to see the arrival of exciting new bottle and jar designs. In the first of a new occasional series, we talk to those responsible for some of the most recent striking and innovative ideas.
Leeds enjoys a Lidl Recycling Love
Glass recycling in Leeds is set to get a boost this February thanks to a set of brand new glass banks being installed in Lidl’s Halton store carpark from February 12th. The banks join over 700 other bottle banks in the Leeds area, making it easier than ever for the people of Leeds to recycle their glass bottle and jars.
2 min
Glass recycling in Leeds is set to get a boost this February thanks to a set of brand new glass banks being installed in Lidl’s Halton store carpark from February 12th. The banks join over 700 other bottle banks in the Leeds area, making it easier than ever for the people of Leeds to recycle their glass bottle and jars.
Authenticity and innovation matter for consumers
Even an ‘ancient process’ such as the one of making glass can evolve and be influenced by innovation.
1 min
Even an ‘ancient process’ such as the one of making glass can evolve and be influenced by innovation.
Look and feel good by recycling your beauty care products
Did you know that the glass from all your little jars and scented bottles is recyclable?
1 min
Did you know that the glass from all your little jars and scented bottles is recyclable?
World Environment Day: 3 easy ways to connect with nature using glass
For World Environment Day on 5 June, challenge yourself to get away from phones, computers and all other electronics. Take a journey into discovering nature at its best. Why not do it with glass?
1 min
For World Environment Day on 5 June, challenge yourself to get away from phones, computers and all other electronics. Take a journey into discovering nature at its best. Why not do it with glass?
Discover how you can make an impact
From how we live at home to how we show up for the planet, our everyday choices can be the starting point for a more sustainable future.
Take action now
Glass is so much more than just a bottle or jar.
A bottle isn’t just a bottle. A jar isn’t just a jar. Glass is much more than the ingredients it’s made from or the product it holds – it’s a guardian of taste, an infinite shape-shifter, and a creative canvas.