GPI Revamps Web Site
The Glass Packaging Institute recently launched a new Website (www.gpi.org) featuring more resources for consumers and students as well as industry professionals. The site is a one-stop resource for consumers to find out more about the healthiness, recyclability, and sustainability of glass containers, as well as updates about advancements in the industry.
Visitors can use the GPI's Carbon Calculator to find out how much carbon they save from recycling glass containers. Recycling one glass bottle or jar saves enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for four hours.
GPI is encouraging everyone to recycle more glass containers. Member companies of the GPI recently committed to using at least 50 percent of recycled glass available to manufacture new glass bottles and jars by 2013. Using the EPA's benefits calculator, the GPI estimates energy savings from using 50 percent recycled content in all glass containers manufactured in the United States could save enough energy to power over 45,000 households for a year.
Glass is made from all-natural, sustainable raw materials and recycled glass also minimizes consumption of raw materials and lessens the industry's demand for energy. As a rule of thumb, for every 1 percent of recycled glass used, energy costs drop 0.5 percent. A 10 percent increase in recycled glass use decreases fossil fuel emissions by 2.5 percent and decreases particulate emissions by 7 percent.