The majority of Spaniards consider the glass as the packaging more environmentally friendly, according to a study on consumption habits developed by the Institute between 2000 Profiles Spanish households. Respondents emphasized the ecological character of the glass in front of other materials such as cardboard or plastic. Specifically, 42 percent opted for the choice of organic glass, while in second place with 30 percent, was cardboard, plastics occupy the last place (8 percent).

Respondents explain the ecological value of the glass mainly for its extensive recycling options. In fact, this material is organic in nature, since it is 100 percent recyclable. 'If the Spanish recicláramos all glass is used, it would be necessary to extract new raw materials,' says the secretary general of the National Association of Manufacturing Companies Auto Glass (ANFEVI), Juan Martín Cano.

The social awareness on the use of natural resources by recycling continues to increase. In Spain, currently at 44 percent recycled glass is used. During 2005, the recycling of glass in Spain, according to Ecovidrio was increased by 10 percent, meaning that each half of Spanish recycled 11.6 pounds of glass per year.

Hygiene and environmental protection The study

Institute collects profiles as key benefits of recycling glass, in order of importance, the decrease in the volume of waste (24 percent), image enhancement and hygiene of the cities (23 percent), protecting the environment posed by the reuse of such containers (19 percent) and the economic benefits of better utilization of natural resources (19 per cent),

As the head of ANFEVI, 'the glass is a double environmental component to the rest of the package. First, it is 100 percent recyclable, so the process does not leave any residue. And, second, the glass from raw materials that are abundant in nature and its extraction process is simple and clean.
 

Source: Anfevi