Accord Annual Report 2008

Glass recovery soars from 50% in Year One of the Accord to a record 62% at the end of Year Four.

When the targets were set in 2004, 50% of glass was recovered almost exclusively for use in making new glass containers. After four years of the Packaging Accord and a 17% increase in consumption, more than 50,000 tonnes more glass is recycled in New Zealand and new markets have been created for export, and locally in construction, roading, agricultural mulch and filtration.

This huge achievement exceeds the Packaging Accord target of 55% ahead of schedule and reflects the great progress which has been made in reducing old stockpiles of glass. It has been accomplished despite the introduction of commingled collections which reduce the availability of high quality separated glass for traditional glass making. The 62% rate includes circa 4500 tonnes of glass from previous years which have now been processed.

When the Glass Packaging Forum (the Forum) was established in 2006 to represent the sector its initial mandate was to find new economically viable uses for recovered glass to supplement the existing market for making new glass containers. By working with local councils, recycling operators and community groups, the Forum has provided a catalyst so that glass is now routinely being crushed for use in many applications. Export markets, also, almost doubled in the past year as the price for cullet increased.

The Forum has moved from subsidising to providing financial support for projects that are now coming to fruition, demonstrating that voluntary product stewardship schemes are successful because industry seeks environmental and economic outcomes at best cost.

Investment in a mobile glass crusher and a stand-alone unit on Waiheke Island has helped promote glass crushing and has provided a solution for councils without access to a crusher. This investment recognises that operational support is a key component to success.

The crusher also inspired a nationwide schools’ competition to produce the world’s first glass-recycling rap. Students were asked to research glass recycling and incorporate their work in lyrics to accompany a chorus and beat provided by Che Fu.

Education is a commitment under the Packaging Accord and the Forum has agreed a long-term programme with Che Fu to incorporate recycling and environmental messages in music and dance and engender a positive attitudinal change towards sustainability amongst the younger generation.

Underlying the Forum’s work programme is research to better understand glass collection and recycling and opportunities for reuse. Accordingly, funds have been made available for research into:

Smart Bottles to improve knowledge of voluntary take-back schemes;
kerbside collections by Palmerston North City Council;
the use of glass in erosion protection;
the use of glass as insulation; and for
continued research into high value glass uses.

In the past year the Forum has invested circa NZ$0.5 million in funding research, operations and education.

In response to the changing nature of glass recovery, and the legislative framework shaping recycling, the Forum has developed its strategic plan to better enable it to deliver the best cost product stewardship solution for glass packaging and to understand the wider carbon footprint ramifications of glass use and recycling.

”The boys have produced really intelligent lyrics and their song will teach others about recycling. Being a musician, seeing these young people having their first experience in a studio was brilliant. I have enjoyed being part of something this positive and working with such a good crew.” Che Fu