Voluntary glass product stewardship scheme means more glass is recycled

At its Annual General Meeting, the Glass Packaging Forum (the Forum) released details of its performance against the targets set out in its product stewardship scheme.

John Webber, General Manager told Forum members and representatives from Local and Central government, community groups and recyclers that the Forum has met or is on track to meet the targets set out in the scheme.

“The Forum’s voluntary scheme is an outstanding success. The results speak for themselves:-

- Glass Recycling has reached 68.4%. This is similar to recycling rates associated with countries that operate mandatory recovery systems;

- As glass recovery increases, it is important that we retain our focus on increasing the amount of glass recycled into high value reuses and this has increased by 5% over last year;
- There has been a net gain in membership of 14 companies;

- As a result of our management of the Love NZ public place recycling initiative, we have signed formal agreements with 26 local authorities representing 80% ratepayers;

-The Forum has allocated $235,786 to community and recycling groups to assist with glass recovery; and
- We have delivered positive messages about the benefits of glass recycling to around 2.4 million people.

“These are real achievements for our members who have remained committed during a turbulent economic period and the emotional and financial impacts on many of our businesses from the Christchurch earthquakes. It would have been easy for people to walk away but they haven’t and contrary to the experience of many industry associations we have increased membership by 13%.

“The Forum’s decision to seek early accreditation for its glass packaging product stewardship scheme has been rewarded by the support shown by local and central Government.

“Our strategy from the outset has been to build strong relationships with councils and Government so that industry is seen as part of the solution not the source of the problem. We believe waste reduction should be addressed at ‘best cost’ and we accept that there will be financial demands to help us achieve outcomes. The Community and Government require resolution of related industry issues not attempts by industry to avoid them.”

“The glass recycling rate is affected by the choices consumers make at home and in public places; the availability of recycling facilities; and how glass is processed during collection and processing. Through the Love NZ initiative we aim to increase awareness about recycling; increase the facilities available particularly in public places such as stadia, hospitality, transport hubs and retail outlets; and build relationships with councils so that there is genuine collaboration as to the best options for recovering and processing glass containers.”

The Forum’s progress report is available on www.glassforum.org.nz