New Webinar from GCA: Nature-Friendly Transformation Journey

The importance of glass packaging in recycling was mentioned

On September 18 , GCA hosted the third "Packaging Glassified" webinar, with the theme "To Get Nature-Friendly". The webinar, moderated by Didem Küsmez, GCA Marketing Communications Manager and GCA OHS and Environment Manager, featured Konca Çalkıvik, Secretary General of the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD Türkiye) and Mete İmer, Secretary General of the ÇEVKO Foundation, who discussed the significance of glass packaging in recycling.  

Since 2015, GCA has been bringing together its innovative product range in the glass packaging industry with its customers, whom it considers business partners, as well as its future-shaping technologies. On September 18, GCA hosted the third webinar in the "Packaging Glassified" series, which began in March, with the theme "To Get ⁠Nature-Friendly". The webinar, which was attended by approximately 500 people, focused on the critical role of glass packaging in recycling processes. The webinar covered a variety of topics, including glass's contribution to the recycling cycle, the benefits it provides in terms of sustainability, such as energy savings and a lower carbon footprint, and the environmental impact of glass packaging and its contribution to recycling processes.

"A total of 100 thousand tons of glass packaging is recycled annually"

Mete İmer, Secretary General of the ÇEVKO Foundation, stated, "Glass packaging is an environmentally appreciated and very important packaging in the eyes of the consumer.  In our capacity as the ÇEVKO Foundation, we enthusiastically advocate for the recycling and evaluation of all waste materials pertaining to packaging, including glass. Türkiye markets approximately 2-2.5 million tons of glass packaging each year. Since it is estimated that the glass packaging waste collected domestically is approximately 50 thousand tons and the glass packaging waste imported from abroad is approximately 50 thousand tons, it is reasonable to assume that approximately 100 thousand tons of glass packaging waste are recycled annually.  In this case, the recycling rate is calculated as four percent of what is put on the market. To increase this extremely low rate, it would be appropriate to financially support and organize the collection and recycling of glass packaging waste through the Extended Producer Responsibility System, as well as the mandatory deposit system that will be established for beverage packaging."   

"The public industry needs to implement practices that encourage recycling"

The following statements were employed by Konca Çalkıvik, Secretary General of the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD Türkiye), in her recommendations for enhancing recycling rates: "The utilization of recycled glass in the glass production process significantly reduces the demand for raw materials and energy consumption, as well as carbon emissions. For instance, the energy saved by recycling a single glass bottle is sufficient to illuminate a 100-watt light bulb for one hour. In contrast to the linear economy model, which is based on the "take-make-dispose" logic, this results in a more efficient utilization of natural resources, as well as the reduction of waste and the protection of the environment. In Türkiye, incentive policies, such as deposit return systems, are crucial for enhancing the collection and recycling rate of glass, which currently stands at 70-80% in EU countries. Innovative methods that contribute to the circular economy are essential for enhancing the livability of the future, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.

"We are collaborating with our industry stakeholders to enhance the contribution of glass to the circular economy"

Commenting on the webinar, GCA General Manager Dr. Abdullah Gayret stated, "The significance of glass packaging in recycling processes is increasing on a daily basis. At GCA, we remain committed to providing environmentally friendly packaging solutions by prioritizing sustainability in all aspects of our operations. We are collaborating with our industry stakeholders to enhance the contribution of glass to the circular economy, recognizing our responsibility to the environment. We believe that this process should be supported more broadly in order to increase recycling rates."

 

17.10.2024