It’s a generation game when it comes to recycling

A survey has revealed that when it comes to awareness about recyclability of materials, it’s not so much our nationalities that divide us, but our age. 

The survey into the recycling habits of 8,000 Europeans in 11 countries by Friends of Glass has shown that recycling across Europe continues to enjoy strong support, with awareness about glass recyclability particularly high.

However, while 94% of European consumers are aware of the importance of recycling food and drink packaging, the younger generation in general are less informed recyclers.

For example, the survey found that only just over 50% of 18-29 year-olds in the UK knew that glass could be recycled infinitely compared with 77% of 50-59 year-olds.

An impressive 96.4% of the younger Britons claimed to recycle but only 31.4% thought that glass was the most environmentally-friendly food and drink packaging material.

The survey confirmed that across Europe, the 60+ age group are generally more aware of the importance of environmental benefits of recycling food and drink packaging than those between 18-29.

Rebecca Cocking of Friends of Glass UK commented: “While it’s encouraging to see so many Millennials taking the trouble to recycle, it’s a concern that their awareness that glass can be recycled an infinite number of times isn’t higher.

“Obviously more work needs to be done to highlight the brilliant sustainable properties of glass and why it remains an important food and drink packaging material today and for the future”.