Ardagh Glass Partners with Don’t Trash Glass to Boost Recycling in Chicago and Beyond
Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America (Ardagh), a leading glass packaging supplier, has joined forces with the Don’t Trash Glass initiative to accelerate recycling efforts in Chicago and expand its reach across the country. This partnership represents a significant step toward promoting a circular economy for glass packaging, reducing waste, and increasing the use of recycled materials in bottle manufacturing.
Don’t Trash Glass, a collaborative program spearheaded by the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) and Glass King Recovery & Recycling, encourages bars, restaurants, and local businesses to separate and collect used glass bottles, diverting them from landfills. These collected bottles are then transformed into cullet (furnace-ready recycled glass), which is used by Ardagh to produce new glass bottles, effectively closing the loop.
“Ardagh is a strong advocate for recycling initiatives that ensure a reliable source of high-quality recycled glass, such as the Don’t Trash Glass program,” said Brian Brandstatter, President and CEO of Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America. “This partnership embodies our commitment to enhancing regional glass collection and recycling while advancing the circularity of glass bottles.”
The Don’t Trash Glass pilot program, launched in 2021 in the Greater Chicago area, has already made a tangible impact, collecting 2.2 million pounds of glass in its first year of collaboration with Diageo North America in Illinois. Building upon this success, the program has expanded its reach to Kentucky and other locations.
“Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without any loss in quality or purity,” emphasized Scott DeFife, President of the Glass Packaging Institute. “Through Ardagh’s partnership, we are tapping into a previously underutilized source of glass bottles from bars and restaurants to manufacture new bottles within the same region.”
The program’s success hinges on the commitment of its partners, according to Rose King, Chief Operating Officer of Glass King Recovery & Recycling. “Partners are crucial to making this program work. They recognize the positive impact their involvement has on local businesses and the circularity of glass bottles.”
To learn more about the Don’t Trash Glass program or to participate as a Chicago-area restaurant or bar, visit gpi.org/dont-trash-glass-program.
About Ardagh Glass Packaging
Ardagh Glass Packaging (AGP) is a leading provider of sustainable and infinitely recyclable glass packaging solutions. With 38 production facilities across North America, Europe, and Africa, Ardagh Glass Packaging employs approximately 14,000 people and generates revenues of $4.6 billion.
About Diageo North America
Diageo North America is a global leader in the beverage alcohol industry, boasting a distinguished portfolio of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit, and Buchanan’s whiskies; Smirnoff, Cîroc, and Ketel One vodkas; Casamigos, DeLeon, and Don Julio tequilas; Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray, and Guinness. Diageo products are distributed in over 180 countries worldwide.
About Glass Packaging Institute (GPI)
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) serves as the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. GPI champions glass as the ideal packaging choice, promotes environmentally sound and recycling policies, advocates for industry standards, and educates packaging professionals.
