The Bureau for International Recycling (BIR) went to the Bright Green Exhibition at COP15 to advocate global support for the industry and was armed with impressive statistics: a recent study shows that recycling delivers annual CO2 reductions of 500 million tonnes.
Dominique Malin, BIR’s President, said: “The figure of 500 million tonnes… is equivalent to almost two per cent of global fossil fuel emissions and represents more than the CO2 emitted by aviation worldwide… Our members across the globe are providing nearly 50 per cent of the raw materials needed, and we can still increase this figure.”
Get our weekly digest
resource.co article ai
How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.