More than 90% of spirits in Europe are proudly bottled in glass—a choice that not only underscores the premium nature of our products but also reflects our deep commitment to food safety and sustainability. Glass, with its infinite recyclability, is perfectly aligned with the ambitions of the EU Green Deal and our shared vision for a circular economy.
Speaking at a press conference on 30 June, Sarah Melina Siebel, Director Single Market and Sustainability at spiritsEUROPE underlined the sector’s longstanding collaboration with the Close the Glass Loop initiative. As a founding member, we are pleased to see these efforts paying off, with the EU’s glass packaging recycling rate now reaching a notable 80.8%, bringing us ever closer to our joint target of 90% collection for recycling by 2030.
More than 90% of spirits in Europe are sold in glass bottles. We are encouraged by the growth in collection, and spirits producers will continue to support all efforts that can improve collection and recycling to increase the uptake of recycled content in our packaging.
Through our flagship initiative, The Spirit of Sustainability, we continue to drive progress by improving bottle design, supporting glass collection systems across Europe, and raising awareness throughout the hospitality and retail sectors. Close collaboration with glassmakers and recyclers ensures that every bottle has the best chance to stay in the loop.
Because for us, every bottle truly counts—for the planet, for our industry, and for future generations.
