The average glass recycling rate in the European Union has risen above the 70% threshold for the first time. This is from data compiled by the European Container Glass Federation

This figure equates to over 11 million tonnes of glass which was collected throughout the EU in 2011. In the UK alone the glass recycling rate reached just over 60%.

It is estimated that the industry achieves an overall saving of more than 12 million tonnes of raw materials (sand, soda ash, limestone), more than seven million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (the equivalent of taking four million cars off the road) and 2.5% in energy saving for every 10% of glass recycled in Europe.