Glass Packaging is Essential For a Sustainable Lifestyle

Popularization of glass packaging, which is made of %100 recyclable and natural materials is of great importance for reducing environmental pollution and for a healthier future. GCA General Manager Dr. Abdullah Gayret states that glass packaging, which preserves the nutritional value of food and beverages and extends their shelf life, is necessary for a healthy lifestyle and adds “The endless recyclability potential of glass packaging is one of the biggest factors in its sustainability.”

The production and consumption need that arose with technological advancements and rapid population growth in the world also brought environmental pollution. The recyclability of the packaging used to meet the increasing food and beverage demand is of great importance in terms of environment, sustainability and health. Glass packaging products that can be safely recycled are considered an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Allowing food and beverages to be stored for a long time by increasing their shelf life without changing the taste, smell and aroma, the glass helps food and beverages to remain healthy as it is not gas or vapor permeable.

“Recycling awareness is an important element in the fight against the climate crisis”

Emphasizing that glass is a very special material that can be recycled endlessly, GCA General Manager Dr. Abdullah Gayret states, “One of the biggest factors in the sustainability of glass packaging is its endless recyclability potential. Glass is 100 percent recyclable and does not suffer any loss of quality during the process. It is our greatest wish that already rising awareness of recycling to be increased for glass packaging wastes as well, which is an important aspect of the fight against the climate crisis. For this reason, as GCA, we attach a great deal of importance to activities that would increase the recycling rate of glass in Türkiye to protect our natural resources by reducing the use of raw materials, and we support various studies in this sense.” Dr. Gayret adds, “The EKOMAT project, which we realized together with our business partners, is an example of this. EKOMAT reverse vending machines we implemented to contribute to the sustainability of the industry, contributed to the recycling of more than 1 million glass, plastic and metal bottles during the first 6 months of the project and with the products recycled, approximately 84 tons of raw materials were saved.”

“It is seen as the best material to protect the planet”

Highlighting that the choice of health and nature-friendly materials is a topic that is discussed all over the world, Dr. Abdullah Gayret stated, “According to the results of the consumer research conducted by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE),   simultaneously in 13 European countries including Turkey, 6 out of 10 consumers in Europe consider reducing food waste and recycling as the two most important sustainability elements in their daily lives. According to the research, 7 out of 10 Europeans believe that recycled glass will continue to protect their food and beverages. That's why glass is considered by consumers as the best material to protect people and the planet." 

“The use of glass packaging in Turkey has increased by 49% in the last 3 years”

Pointing out that 65 percent of the participants in the study found the products using glass packaging to be of higher quality, Mr. Gayret said, “These findings demonstrate that consumers are embracing glass packaging as a healthy everyday packaging material that is endlessly recyclable. The fact that glass is 100% recyclable has made it to be preferred more frequently in Turkey. Studies conducted in this context show that the %49  of consumers  in our country preferred glass packaging more frequently compared to 3 years ago. And the rate of those who say that they can pay more for products in glass packaging has increased by 84 percent."

 

28.04.2023