The global market is anticipated to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% between 2021 and 2028, owing to the rising worldwide demand for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and alcoholic beverages. Economies and industries have been investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency and other clean, low-carbon technologies to achieve carbon neutrality. However, COVID-19, the COP26 and COP27 summits have accelerated the efforts in this direction to ensure a sustainable and circular approach. The environment-first approach that has been gaining momentum has necessitated the adoption of ‘circular economy’ models. The traditional linear economy model of “take, make, use, and dispose of” is no longer sustainable, and we need to move towards a more circular economy model. Circular economy models focus on keeping resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them, and then recovering and regenerating materials at the end of their useful life.
Opportunities in the glass container manufacturing sector
Given that the earth has a finite amount of resources, circular economy models reduce the dependence on mining and extraction of fresh resources. An extension of this idea also includes the adoption of systems and processes to make existing production technologies and supply chains ‘greener’ and more sustainable.Â
While most industries can adopt circular economy models, the glass container manufacturing industry is uniquely poised to capitalise on the momentum in a phased manner. The Indian glass containers packaging market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.94 % up to 2028. Therefore, a huge, untapped opportunity lies here for the glass container manufacturing sector to contribute immensely towards achieving environmental and net-zero targets for India.
Engagement with industry associations, governmental organisations, and other stakeholders is needed to promote the adoption of circular economy principles in glass manufacturing. Sharing best practices and collaborating on research and development will accelerate progress. By transitioning to a circular model, glass container manufacturers can build a more robust and sustainable business model that is less susceptible to supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
Going circular – A win-win situation
Glass containers have been widely used for decades, and for good reason. Glass is durable, recyclable and provides an excellent barrier to keep the contents fresh. The benefits of circular economy models in glass container manufacturing are numerous, and they include:
- Reducing waste: By adopting a circular economy model, glass container manufacturers can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated during the manufacturing process. Instead of disposing of used materials, they can reuse or repurpose them by upcycling the used materials as input within other stages of the production chain or in allied production processes.
- Saving energy:Â Producing new glass requires a significant amount of energy. Manufacturers can save energy and reduce their carbon footprint by using recycled glass. According to the Glass Recycling Coalition, every six tons of recycled container glass used in manufacturing can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one ton.
- Saving cost:Â Adopting a circular economy model can also lead to cost savings for glass container manufacturers. Reusing materials and reducing waste can lower their production costs and improve the bottom line.
- Increasing resource efficiency:Â A circular economy model encourages the efficient use of resources. Manufacturers can reduce their reliance on fresh materials and make the most of their resources by designing containers that are easy to recycle and implementing closed-loop systems.
- Improving brand image: Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and want to support companies that are doing their part to protect the planet. By adopting and showcasing the work done by companies for the creation of a circular economy model, glass container manufacturers can improve their brand image to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
- Complying with regulations and future-proofing: By proactively adopting circular economy principles, glass container manufacturers can ensure compliance with current and future regulations, avoiding potential penalties and risks associated with non-compliance.
Implementing circular models
Implementing these models in glass container manufacturing will require some active interventions from the industry. A few ways this can be done effectively are: Â
Designing for recyclability: The first step to implementing a circular economy model in the glass container industry is to design for recyclability. Companies must consider the recyclability of their products and design containers that are easy to recycle. For example, they can avoid using multiple materials or complex designs that make recycling difficult. By designing containers with recyclability in mind, the industry can reduce waste and create a closed-loop system.
Recovering and regenerating materials:Â Another way to implement circular economy models in the glass container industry is to recover and regenerate materials. Recovering materials involves collecting and reusing glass already used, while regenerating materials involves using recycled glass to create new products. By recovering and regenerating materials, the industry can reduce its reliance on virgin materials and create a more sustainable future.
Implementing closed-loop systems:Â Closed-loop systems collect and recycle materials to create new products. Implementing closed-loop systems in the glass container industry can help reduce waste and save energy. For example, glass containers can be collected, cleaned, and melted to create new glass containers, creating a closed-loop system that minimises waste.
Collaborating with other industries: The glass container industry can also collaborate with other industries to implement circular economy models. For example, the industry can work with the food and beverage industry to create a closed-loop system where glass containers are collected, cleaned and reused. The collaboration can create a more sustainable system where products are designed to be reused and recycled.
The benefits of circular economy models in glass container manufacturing are clear. By reducing waste, saving energy, lowering costs, increasing resource efficiency and improving brand image, glass container manufacturers can create a more sustainable future. Glass container manufacturing companies can transition to a circular economy through collaboration and innovation, remaining open to new ideas and continuously seeking improvement opportunities.
Adopting a circular economy model is not only good for the planet, but it’s also good for business.
About the author:
Rajesh Khosla, CEO of AGI Glaspac, a renowned company in the glass packaging industry. Under his leadership, AGI Glaspac has witnessed remarkable growth and expansion, establishing itself as a market leader. Khosla’s strategic vision and innovative thinking have been crucial in shaping the company’s success story. Khosla deeply understands the glass packaging sector, enabling him to make informed decisions that drive the company’s progress.