Europe-wide campaign to improve glass recycling in hospitality
HOTREC is supporting a new Close the Glass Loop campaign aimed at improving glass collection and recycling in the hospitality sector, with a focus on preventing ceramics contamination, which undermines recycling quality.
With more than 2 million hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés across Europe, hospitality plays a central role in collecting glass packaging, particularly beverage bottles. The campaign seeks to equip businesses and staff with simple, practical tools to ensure glass is collected cleanly and efficiently.
Why glass recycling matters for hospitality
Glass can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, making it a cornerstone of Europe’s circular economy. However, even small amounts of ceramics, porcelain or pottery can damage recycling infrastructure and reduce the quality of recycled glass.
Because hospitality venues handle high volumes of beverages and packaging, they represent close to 20% of Europe’s glass recycling potential, and even more in touristic regions.
Investing in staff and practical solutions
During the campaign launch webinar, HOTREC highlighted that waste separation and recycling only work when staff are trained and empowered.
Marie Audren, Director General of HOTREC, said: “High-quality glass recycling depends on effective separation at source and collection. Hospitality businesses play a decisive role in making this happen. With staff training and initiatives such as Close the Glass Loop, we can strengthen hospitality’s contribution to a competitive and circular European economy.”
Marine Thizon, Senior Public Affairs Manager at HOTREC, added: “Hospitality manages multiple waste streams every day. For circular solutions to work, waste separation must be practical and adapted to local realities. Investing in training has a multiplying effect, turning policy goals into real behavioural change on the ground.”
Campaign video: “The Sound of Glass”
At the heart of the campaign is a short video titled: “Reaching Out to 2 Million Bars & Restaurants: Please Stop Mixing Glass and Ceramics!”
The video delivers a simple message: Glass and ceramics share the same table. Not the same bin.
It aims to raise awareness among hospitality staff, including waiters, bartenders and hotel teams, who play a key role in preventing contamination and supporting high-quality glass recycling.
HOTREC’s commitment
HOTREC joined Close the Glass Loop in 2021 to support cross-sector collaboration and promote workable, SME-friendly circular solutions for hospitality businesses.
With the right policies, partnerships and training, the hospitality sector can act as a strong enabler of Europe’s circular economy and high-quality glass recycling.