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Raising your recycling game
Glass is an incredible material. It’s made from recycled glass and raw materials found in nature – sand, soda ash and limestone – and it’s 100% recyclable, in a closed loop. This means it can be endlessly recycled as long as we keep collecting it properly.
Why glass was the real star of the original Christmas story
In the midst of all the excitement and chaos of the season, it’s easy to overlook the original Christmas story: the Nativity. Even more often overlooked is the starring role that glass played in the both the nativity and its historic context – proving that if there were ever a material for the ages... it's glass.
Christmas wishes from Friends of Glass! 🎄
Thanks for being a Friend of Glass in 2019!
Gifting in Glass this Christmas
This year, why not skip the last-minute shopping trip and give those closest to you a present with meaning? We've rounded up some of the best gifts in glass on the web.
10 things you might not know about recycling
There’s no denying that recycling is having a moment right now: images of marine litter are a constant on our TV screens thanks to series like Blue Planet, ‘buy-in-bulk’ retail outlets and circular living shops are popping up in cities across Europe, and #ZeroWaste influencers are all over our Instagram timelines.
Tips to cut your waste – with the help of glass
We've all seen the images of waste building up on our planet and polluting our oceans - and we can all play our own small part in making a difference to our planet's health. Did you know there are several small, simple steps you can take to make a difference, even in a world that's constantly on the go? Read on...
Friends of Glass support Recycle Week
It’s that time of year again as we celebrate recycling with Recycle Week and both Friends of Glass and British Glass are delighted to be supporting the campaign yet again.
Friends of Glass takes on ‘La Parisienne’ race
On Sunday 8 September 2019, a Friends of Glass team took part in Paris' annual 'Course la Parisienne' race.
Ever been thanked by a dolphin while checking out your groceries?
Ahead of World Oceans Day on 8 June, we built custom pop-up checkouts in selected supermarkets across Europe.
What happens when 6 friends of glass get together?
Just like you, we're worried about ocean pollution. That's why we sent a team of glass lovers on a beach clean-up mission with a difference.
JO’S CHEERS TO THE OCEAN WEEKEND
Our #CheersToTheOceanUK competition winner Jo Moseley recently jetted off to Biarritz for her weekend of surfing, litter picking and exploring. See what she got up to in her personal blog of the weekend.
Glass Guardians Campaign Relaunched
The highly successful Glass Guardians programme for schools across the UK launches for its second year today.
The 12 days of Christmas
Here at Friends of Glass we've decided to get in the festive spirit and what better way to do so than with the 12 days of Christmas carol.
Win a trip to Biarritz
We’re putting together a beach clean-up crew, and we want you to be part of it. Will you raise a glass to the ocean, for the chance to join us in France?
The NMA and Friends of Glass launch Wishes for the Ocean campaign
It’s time to make those Christmas wishes – and at the UK’s National Marine Aquarium it’s #WishesfortheOcean.
The student guide to recycling glass
We know it’s tough being a student.
Students encouraged to recycle glass in new competition
University first year students in three key sites – York, Cardiff and Oxford, with 32,000 fresher students in total - are being urged to get recycling.
Know what you can recycle
More people than ever are recycling and we couldn’t be happier – the glass industry love to use recycled glass when they manufacture new containers but not all types of glass can be used in production.
University Student Recycling Competition – enter here!
Unlike many other types of packaging, which can breakdown into potentially harmful micro-particles that end up in our food chain, glass is made from ingredients that occur naturally and are completely non-toxic.
Love the ocean with our competition
Everyone is much more aware of the impact they have on the environment around us – especially the negative impact of ocean littering.
Dive into an ocean-friendly lifestyle with 5 everyday actions!
Off to the coast for a last-minute holiday? The last thing you want is to share your spot on the beach with leftover rubbish, but unfortunately even the dreamiest destination can be home to traces of marine littering. Surfrider Foundation Europe reckons that each year, a staggering 8 million tonnes of waste ends up in our ocean, adding up to waste islands which are round one third the size of Europe. Scary stuff!
Top Destinations to Toast the Ocean This Summer
Summer is fast approaching! For anyone still in need of some travel inspiration, we’ve got you covered: we’ve rounded up our five top destinations where you can enjoy an unforgettable waterfront experience, glass in hand.
Local Girl Turns Superhero to Scoop Top Glass Recycling Prize
Local schoolgirl 11-year-old Beth Ashley (pictured) from Bramley, Leeds has scooped top prize of an Apple iPad Mini in a glass recycling competition. The competition was organised by Leeds City Council, Lidl and Friends of Glass.
POST-BLUE PLANET II SHOPPERS CHOOSE GLASS
The impact of last autumn’s BBC Blue Planet II series, which raised serious concerns about the poor state of our marine systems and oceans, continues to have a profound effect on public attitudes and behaviour. As people try to make more sustainable choices to protect the oceans, glass packaging – famously 100% recyclable and non-toxic - is proving to be a hit with shoppers, as revealed in a new survey by Friends of Glass.
DUERR’S CASE STUDY
In the second of our occasional blogs that look at the most recent striking and innovative ideas in glass bottle and jar design, we talk to those responsible for turning the humble marmalade jar into a work of art.
ABSOLUT-LY FABULOUS
At Friends of Glass, we love to see the arrival of exciting new bottle and jar designs. In the first of a new occasional series, we talk to those responsible for some of the most recent striking and innovative ideas.
Our oceans are at risk
Six months on from Blue Planet II’s debut on our TV screens, the conversation it sparked about our impact on our oceans is still alive and kicking. It’s clearer than ever that the future of the ocean is under threat, and our own behaviour as consumers and citizens is called into question. How deep is your love for the ocean?
Become a Glass Guardian!
School children have been given the opportunity to become a Glass Guardian - we’ve worked with British Glass and teamed up with the National Schools Partnership to design a new recycling educational programme.
Leeds enjoys a Lidl Recycling Love
Glass recycling in Leeds is set to get a boost this February thanks to a set of brand new glass banks being installed in Lidl’s Halton store carpark from February 12th. The banks join over 700 other bottle banks in the Leeds area, making it easier than ever for the people of Leeds to recycle their glass bottle and jars.
For the love of oceans, let’s act now
While many of our New Year’s resolutions may not last, our imprint on the ocean will. Here are a few ways you can reduce your impact on the ocean and ultimately, on the planet itself.
#friendsofglass cookery evening at the Wrenkh Cooking Salon in Vienna
Austrian food bloggers are #friendsofglass
Don’t waste: recycle!
Do you think of your empty jars and bottles as a natural resource? They are if you recycle.
Friends of Glass UK recycling competition with Portsmouth City Council
Friends of Glass UK organised a competition with Portsmouth City Council to highlight how important and easy it is to recycle glass bottles and jars.
Luxepack 2017: Authenticity and innovation matter for consumers
Even an ‘ancient process’ such as the one of making glass can evolve and be influenced by innovation.
5 reasons to buy milk in glass bottles
Glass dairy containers are good for the environment because glass is one of the most recyclable materials you can use. And milk just tastes better when it's in glass!
Consumers encouraged to close the loop by recycling more glass
Did you know that glass can be recycled infinitely?
Look and feel good by recycling your beauty care products
Did you know that the glass from all your little jars and scented bottles is recyclable?
Cheers! Friends of Glass wins Gold, Silver & Bronze for its talking bottles
Friends of Glass has taken home four Stevie® Awards at the 14th Annual International Business Awards for the pan-European ‘Endless Lives of Glass’ campaign in 2016.
GLASS HAS ENDLESS LIVES: SINGING BOTTLES
Did you know that glass has endless lives? These surprised young folks didn’t. Born from nature & 100% endlessly recyclable, glass has endless lives.
Initiative to raise young people’s awareness about glass recycling in France
Friends of Glass France has commissioned Respondi Institute to better understand young people's beliefs and behaviors regarding recycling.
World Environment Day: 3 easy ways to connect with nature using glass
For World Environment Day on 5 June, challenge yourself to get away from phones, computers and all other electronics. Take a journey into discovering nature at its best. Why not do it with glass?
Raise a Glass! Friends of Glass wins global award for best social media
Friends of Glass has taken home the award for Best Social Media Campaign for the pan-European ‘Endless Lives of Glass’ campaign in 2016.
Friends of Glass UK, M&S and Leeds City Council #RecyclingHero challenge
Friends of Glass UK launched initiative with Marks & Spencer and Leeds City Council to make consumers aware of the benefits of recycling glass.
Drip-free wine bottles
Have you ever ruined your table sheets or clothes with wine drops? If the answer is yes, you will love what comes next. A scientist invented a drip-free wine bottle! So, no more wine mistakes or spillages again.
Invisible glass
A new product, created by Guardian Glass, makes glass completely invisible. Glass so far has never been really invisible; every piece of lighting has some form of reflection. But that’s in the past now! Guardian Glass developed a coating that’s completely see through.
Step your coffee game up
Kitchen firm Oxo has created a new pour-over coffee brewer and look how beautiful it came out! It is constructed in a full glass design with a metal element in the middle.
Wine not? No more wine stains on your teeth
The biggest problem when drinking wine? Staining your teeth of course.
Planting in glass
Growing your own plants can be tricky, but with the ‘Haulm’ starter kit you should be good to go in seconds. The beautiful glass pot holds everything you need.
Bottle redesign increases sustainability
One of the UK’s leading regional breweries, Marston’s Brewery, cares about the environment and glass plays a big role as it still is the most sustainable packaging material. But how could they improve even further?
Glass bottle on the go
You need a drink during the day but don’t want to use a plastic bottle? Well, these ‘Soma’ bottles might just be the thing for you.
Strawberry Trifle Recipe
Your new favourite strawberry trifle recipe!
The first upholstered glass stool
Belgian designer Alain Gilles created the first upholstered glass stool. A stool made from glass which conveys warmth and extreme comfort!
A DNA Beer Glass
Looking for the best drinking experience? Well the DNA Glass project is here to help. The DNA Glass creates the perfect drinking experience based on human biology.
A short story on glass
Some of us like a glass of wine and a good book. So why not combine the two.
The glass kayak we all want
If you like the sea you will surely like the next product we are presenting. Meet the Molokini, by Clear Blue Hawaii, a transparent glass kayak.
Sustainable living under glass?
Looking for a new sustainable way of living? Let the following story inspire you. The family Hertefolgers (translated: the heartfollowers) took sustainable living to a whole new level, all thanks to glass.
The toaster of the future?
Let us Introduce you to the toaster of the future, meet the Bamboo and Glass eco-toaster by Trumpf Studios.
The Kids Museum of Glass
Your kids don’t like going to museums? Well maybe this museum in Shanghai could change their mind. It’s a new concept and focuses on teaching kids how glass is made.
A Glass Skateboard?
Ever wanted to skate on a glass board? Well now you can, Invizaboard created the first skateboard made from bulletproof glass.
Even your pets profit if you recycle!
Do you care about recycling and your pets? Well, we just found the perfect thing for you, meet the Pet Feeder. A recycling machine that feeds your pets as well.
Recycling Saves Energy, Calculate Your Impact!
Ever wondered how much energy you could save by just recycling glass? The carbon calculator helps you find out. Now you will finally be able to know how much of a difference you really make – which is important for the environment!
Focus Group recruitment: Brussels, 14th October 2016
Friends of Glass are currently recruiting European mums and dads for a focus group to discuss about the drivers that bring consumers to choose products in glass rather than in other packaging materials.
Wine In Moderation supports friends of glass new campaign
Since 2011 Friends of Glass and Wine in Moderation (WIM) have maintained a proud partnership to encourage safety in food and beverage consumption. Whilst here at Friends of Glass we focus on the safety of packaging, Wine In Moderation concentrates on moderate alcoholic ingestion and the true enjoyment of drinking wine.
Glass has Endless Lives: Talking Bottles
Did you know glass has endless lives? These surprised shoppers didn’t. Glass is infinitely recyclable and the safest packaging for the environment. If you want to play your part in preserving the planet, choose glass and buy glass.
8 FACTS ABOUT GLASS & CIRCULAR ECONOMY WORTH KNOWING
The circular economy begins again as it ends. Glass is the perfect example of this when we think of the physical transformation from sand - to glass - to sand again, through the process of recycling.
When it Comes to Recycling, Age Matters
Europeans are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of recycling food and drink packaging but according to our survey it appears the older generations are more informed and committed than younger ones.
Consumers & Brands Hold Hands For Glass
It looks good, it feels good and it's good for the environment.
Why wouldn't we choose glass?
Tracing Backward in a Sustainable Move Forward
Today recycling is paramount, but our ancestors were recycling hundreds of generations before us.
Let's take a look at the changing importance of recycling over the years ...
Do you know what sea glass is?
There’s a type of glass that comes from the sea. It’s a natural process, driven by the waves and the beach!
Glassberries Design Awards 2016
Design and Innovation at Glassberries Design Awards 5th edition are the goal
of BA Glass – Corticeira Amorim partnership
DIY Treat Jars for you this Easter
Before you start filling your recycling bags this Easter, take a moment to think about what other uses there could be for your used glass.
Eco-sand and the future of recycling
In 1974, the first glass bottles were collected and recycled in France. That means we have been recycling glass for about 42 years via bottle banks and close loop production. As technology is evolving, so is the glass industry.
5 reasons why Glass will be your next sustainable friend
In ecology, sustainability is the capacity to endure; it is how biological systems remain diverse and productive indefinitely
Colours matter…also for glass
Glass has a major part to play in the process of mitigating the effects of climate change. We know recycling is a must, nonetheless there are a few ground rules when it comes to reprocessing glass .
Sustainability is a lifestyle
Ecology is no longer an isolated concept, it has become a lifestyle
We can reduce, reuse, recycle in so many ways, it’s hard to ignore. And why not?
Living in Glass Houses
A London-based company wants to build transparent homes that can be built in the country or on buildings. Yes you heard it right, on top of buildings! This project, named the Photon Space Project will custom built all-glass houses, each of which consisting of a bedroom, kitchen, toilet and lounge, while the glass walls can be tinted for privacy
Sustainability is a lifestyle
Ecology is no longer an isolated concept, it has become a lifestyle
We can reduce, reuse, recycle in so many ways, it’s hard to ignore. And why not?
A year of European Taste
This summer, a smorgasbord of food bloggers from across Europe gathered on a rooftop terrace at EXPO in Milan. Top Italian chef Stefania Corrado was cooking, sharing round delicious appetisers from her latest book. Meanwhile, top wine and beer experts swirled, slurped and sipped to decide what the best-selling drinks from a range of European countries say about the continent's palates.
Supermarket in Glass: One Glass Jar at a Time
At Three Stone Hearth supermarket in Berkeley, California, glass is making a powerful statement. Indeed, most products in this worker-owned cooperative are made and sold in reusable and returnable glass Mason jars.
Top Christmas Movies – Featuring Glass!
Ready to toast with friends and family this Christmas? We've paired our favourite Christmas movies to some cheery glasses. Happy Christmas marathon!
How to Make Stained Glass Biscuits
You'll love to make these beautiful see-through Christmas biscuits and hang them on your Christmas tree!
5 Ways to Decorate For Christmas Using Glass
Snowflakes are falling, knitwear finds its way out of the closet, and the frost is biting our noses – winter has arrived!
Tasting With Your Brain, Not Your Tongue
Researchers have discovered that taste does not come from the tongue after all.
All I want for Christmas is Glass….& Health
The holidays are a time for intimate dinners with friends and loved ones. From preparation to second-day leftovers, glass is the ultimate packaging to keep your family safe.
The Art of Glass: Motion, Space and Form
Glass is beautiful, and now more than ever artists are working with it to produce spectacular pieces of art.
When Glass Loves Design: from Tripod Lamp to See-Through Eco-Friendly Toaster
Check out the latest trends on glass and industrial design, where the beauty of glass meets innovation.
Cheers to the Year Ahead
2015 has been a great year for us at Friends of Glass - and we hope it was the same for you!
Glass Remains Glass: Past, Present and Future
Glass is an item so integrated into daily life that quite often people don't realize how omnipresent it actually is.
Sustainability in Action: European Week for Waste Recycling
The 2015 European Week of Waste Reduction is this week (21-29 November 2015). With that in mind, Friends of Glass has an out of this world message on the sustainability of glass and the importance of glass recycling!
UNITED BY TASTE: FRIENDS OF GLASS MAPS EUROPEAN TASTE PREFERENCES & HABITS
In April of this year, Friends of Glass launched the Taste Map Quiz to explore European citizens’ taste preferences and how they are influenced by cultural factors. To date, more than 29,000 people from 30 European countries have taken part in the quiz, helping to build a truly European Taste Map.
What Happens when 7 Taste Experts come together?
Our 7 Taste Makers met in March, to achieve one thing – to define the Taste of Europe.
EU Glass Packaging Recycling Hits All Time High of 73%
For the first time ever, EU citizens are recycling an incredible 73% of glass packaging, that’s over 25 billion glass containers! Put into perspective, this is equivalent to every person on earth recycling 3 glass containers each
Do you look at the label?
In Europe, food labelling has become a key factor of health and food safety.
The Wonders of Water
Discover how there water varies across Europe. There is more to water than you might think!
Summer Glass DIY Ideas for all the Family!
Some fun ways to get crafty with all the family this summer!
Eat, Drink and be Scary!
Tis the season for spooky surprises, candy, and fantasy coming to life. This Saturday is Halloween, so beware of the werewolves, ghosts, pumpkins and princesses – and most importantly, be safe.
Meet Christophe Baert
Chef with EuroToques
Meet Professor Giorgio Calabrese, a famous Italian nutritionist
Renowned Nutritionist
#MapYourTaste on the Tour d’Europe
We’ve set out on a challenge to Map the Taste of Europe
