Glass emission factors
Glass production requires melting silica sand, soda ash, and limestone at temperatures exceeding 1,500°C, making it highly energy-intensive. Virgin glass production generates approximately 0.8 to 1.2 kg CO₂e per kilogram. Recycled glass (cullet) reduces energy requirements by 25-30% per percentage of cullet used, as it melts at lower temperatures. Container glass recycling rates in the UK exceed 70%.
Why it matters for carbon reporting
For food and beverage companies, glass packaging is often a significant contributor to product carbon footprint. While glass is infinitely recyclable and perceived as premium, it is heavier than alternatives like aluminium or PET, increasing transport emissions. Understanding the full lifecycle emission factor helps brands make informed packaging decisions.
Practical example
A craft brewery producing 1 million bottles per year switches from virgin glass (1.0 kg CO₂e/kg) to bottles made with 80% recycled cullet (0.65 kg CO₂e/kg). With each bottle weighing 350g, the change saves 122 tCO₂e annually in packaging emissions.
How to reduce glass emissions
- 1Specify maximum recycled cullet content with glass suppliers
- 2Consider lightweighting bottle designs to reduce material per unit
- 3Evaluate whether glass is the optimal material versus aluminium or PET
- 4Support closed-loop collection schemes for your glass packaging
Sample emission factors
View allGlass and glass products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Glass and glass products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Glass and glass products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Glass and glass products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Glass and glass products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Glass and glass products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Glass and glass products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Glass and glass products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
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