Since the 1950s, over 9.5 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced, most of it still polluting our planet. Discover why glass is a sustainable packaging solution for the food and beverage industry.
Plastic Is Still With Us – Why It’s Time to Rethink Packaging
By Michael Beatty, Sales and Marketing Director at Glassworks International
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Every bit of plastic ever made… is still with us. It’s a sobering thought, but it’s the truth.
After researching this subject, I’ve discovered that since mass production began in the 1950s, over 9.5 billion tonnes of plastic have been created; enough to cover the entire planet in cling film. Despite its widespread use, only 9% of plastic has ever been recycled, and most of that only once.
As someone who has recently joined the food and beverage packaging industry, I believe this isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a decision-making one.
Where Does All the Plastic Go?
The statistics speak volumes:
•79% ends up in landfills or scattered across the natural environment
•12% is incinerated, releasing harmful toxins and CO₂
•Only 9% is recycled, often downgraded and eventually discarded
Worse still, plastic doesn’t disappear, it just breaks down into microplastics.
These tiny particles (less than 5mm in size) are now found in:
•Oceans, rivers and soil
•The air we breathe
•Our food and water
•Even our bloodstreams and organs
It’s estimated that we each consume about 5 grams of plastic per week — the equivalent of one credit card entering our bodies via food, air and water.
The Case for Change – Why Material Matters
At Glassworks International, we’ve spent over 25 years helping brands across the food and beverage sector make smarter, more sustainable packaging choices. In our view, glass remains the most responsible material available.
Here’s why glass matters:
•100% endlessly recyclable with no loss in quality
•Made from natural, non-toxic materials like sand and limestone
•Free from harmful chemicals, unlike many plastic alternatives
•Preserves taste and integrity of the product
•Leaves no trace of microplastics in our ecosystems
We don’t just offer packaging, we offer peace of mind and a pathway toward a circular economy where materials can be reused again and again.
A Choice That Shapes the Future
We made plastic to last forever, but treat it like it’s disposable. That contradiction is catching up with us.
Whether you’re a start-up launching a new product or a global brand looking to reduce your environmental footprint, your packaging choices send a powerful message. Consumers today are more informed and more environmentally conscious than ever.
At Glassworks International, we’re committed to helping you:
• Reduce your plastic use
• Build a brand that reflects your values
• Deliver packaging that looks great, performs brilliantly and respects the planet
Let’s Work Together
The time to switch to sustainable packaging isn’t in the future, it’s now. Let’s lead the way with solutions that work for your product, your customer and the planet.
Contact us today to learn more about our glass bottles and jars for the food and beverage industry and how we can help you make the right choice for your packaging.
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