ACR+ News
ACR+ International Seminar on the Interpretation of Life Cycle Thinking in the Waste Management Hierarchy
5-6 July 2011 in Brussels, with the support of HOLCIM Group Ltd.
- Final Report now available for ACR+ Members
“The Interpretation of Life Cycle Thinking in the Waste Management Hierarchy” Report based on the ACR+ International Experts Seminar hold on 5-6 July 2011 in Brussels is now available for ACR+ Members.
You can download here the Final Report.
- Outcomes
Thank you for participating in the Seminar. All the presentations can now be downloaded below:
- Waste and Life Cycle Thinking - an introduction by Jean-Pierre Hannequart
- LCA applied for Alternative Resources Management as a “Sustainability Act” - by Jean-Pierre Degré
- Towards International Recognition and Rules for Co-processing. From Chile to UNEP-SBC- by Andrés Jensen
- Life Cycle Thinking for Local Authorities- by Cok van Bergen Henegouw
- The Ecological Footprint of Waste Management - a Case Study - by Alexandra Lalet
- Mixed Waste Plastics – a Case Study from Czech Republic- by Bruno Fux
- Modeling Waste Management Systems - by Marta Vila Gambao
Photo gallery
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To read the press release click here.
- The Seminar
The International Experts Seminar on “The Interpretation of Life Cycle Thinking in the Waste Management Hierarchy” took place on 5 – 6 July 2011 in Brussels, Belgium.
It was organised by ACR+, with the support of Holcim Company and was meant to gather a group of experts in order to discuss the concrete examples of interpretation of the EU waste hierarchy through Life Cycle Thinking, as foreseen in article 14, 2 of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98.
- Study Visits
On the second day of the Seminar, we organised two site visits. In the morning, the participants visited the anaerobic digestion plant in Sequedin (Lille Métropole, France), which was followed by an afternoon visit to the co-processing centre in Seneffe (Belgium). You can also download the day's itinerary.
Anaerobic digestion centre in Sequedin
A quarter of our household waste is organic waste, which breaks down naturally and can then be turned into compost or biogas. With a capacity of 100 000 tonnes per year, the anaerobic digestion centre does not only produce compost, but also recovers the fermentation gases. The recovered methane gas is later converted into fuel that can, for instance, power vehicles. For detailed information on the anaerobic digestion plant, please download their information brochure.
Co-processing centre in Seneffe
This industrial waste pre-treatment platform recycles waste into solid or liquid substitute fuels, suitable for the cement-making process. Replacing the incineration of industrial waste by recovering them as substitute fuels reduces overall emissions of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the mineral fraction of the waste and its ash is incorporated into the material fused to form clinker, the main component of cement. So there is no final residue, and all the waste is recovered as energy and raw materials. For detailed information on the co-processing centre, please download their information brochure.
- Practical details
For more information on the event, please consult the Seminar programme.
Thank you for being there with us!
Glass recycling and separate waste collection: key drivers towards a circular economy
Press release available in the following languages:
You can download the final report “Good practices in collection and closed-loop glass recycling in Europe’’ here:
PRESS RELEASE
Brussels, 21 February 2012
A report published today by the Association of Cities and Regions for the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) (1) says separated waste collection schemes should be widely supported if we are to build a circular economy for glass packaging. It stated that Europe needs to use its resources much more sparingly by recycling more, meaning we need higher collection rates and higher quality of collected glass. The report concludes that only glass bottles and jars collected separately will result in both a higher quantity and quality of post consumer glass (cullet) availability that can save resources to make new packaging.
Glass stands out as one of the best examples of the closed loop production model because it is one of the most effectively recycled materials in Europe (67% on average). This is not only because of its natural characteristics - it is 100% and infinitely recyclable - but also because of well established separate collection schemes. More can be done however and the study highlights some good practices. More recycled glass brings major benefits for the environment because when recycled glass is used, fewer raw materials are extracted, less waste is generated, less energy is used and less CO2 is emitted (2).
“Last year, more than 25bn bottles and jars were collected in Europe, while almost 100% of the glass collected is used, the vast majority of it well over 80% is actually recycled in a bottle-to-bottle production system supporting a circular economy,” observes Adeline Farrelly, FEVE Secretary General. “The better the quality of the glass collected the more we can recycle in a bottle to bottle system. This type of glass recycling is not only a local industry but also brings major economic and environmental benefits. We strongly support the findings of this timely study which underpins the importance given to recycling in the EU’s waste hierarchy.”
Based on a comprehensive assessment of European municipalities’ collection schemes, the ACR+ study identifies eight schemes including bottle banks with colour separation, as key drivers to glass recycling growth.
In separate collection systems the processed material is of better quality to meet the specifications necessary for the bottle-to-bottle production and is cost competitive in relation to the use of virgin raw materials. Other systems, like co-mingled collections can be either too costly or provide glass only suitable for low-grade applications (e.g. as aggregate). These applications are literally a waste – because the material is lost forever from the circular economy.
“We need a more integrated approach with all the stakeholders along the chain, including citizens, and make more sustainable waste collection decisions in the future,” states Olivier De Clercq, Secretary General of ACR+. “We think it’s important for local authorities and collection organizations to know more about what happens to materials once they are collected. Clear technical guidelines and ad hoc support for proper glass collection would make recycling easier and even better performing.”
The study also recommends more and clearer communication to citizens about the benefits of glass collection and recycling in a bottle-to-bottle system, and the role they can play. Municipalities can work on this aspect too, as can industry. The European container glass manufacturers – through FEVE – support “Friends of Glass” – a self-fed European consumer community of more than 30,000 people promoting the consumer right to choose food and drinks in glass packaging. A number of tools are available on www.friendsofglass.com to increase consumer awareness about glass recycling and the environment.
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- The study “Good practices in collection and closed-loop glass recycling in Europe’’ and its synopsis are available on www.feve.org
- Please visit www.feve.org for more information
STUDY FACT SHEET
The Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and sustainable Resource management (ACR+) on behalf of the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) conducted a study on ‘’Good Practices in collection and closed-loop glass recycling in Europe”.
Objectives
To identify good practices in selective collection and closed-loop recycling of glass packaging waste from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) across European regional and local authorities.
Methodology
The kind of collection scheme as well as the quantity and quality of post-consumer glass collected in a closed–loop recycling system were amongst the most important assessment criteria to define good practices. Eight case studies were selected for the purpose of this study:
Intradel, Liège Province (Belgium), Municipality of Graz (Austria), LIPOR, Greater Porto Intermunicipal Waste Company (Portugal), Municipality of Maastricht (Netherlands), Municipality of Lippe (Germany), Canton of Geneva (Switzerland), City of Grand Besançon (France), Municipality of Odense (Denmark).
Results
The research demonstrates single stream glass collection provides a high quantity and quality of recycled glass for recycling. In the study, the post consumer glass selectively collected varies from case to case: 13 kg/inhabitant/ year (in Porto) to 47 kg/inhabitant/year (in the Canton of Geneva), underlying the differences not only in performance but also in glass packaging use as well as the existence of deposit schemes competing with municipal collection.
Conclusions
Separate collection schemes and glass recycling are key drivers in a circular glass “bottle-to-bottle” production. Where it is in place, the separated collection scheme may need further optimization. Where other systems are in place, separated collection should be supported and given preference. The following factors are considered as key for effective collection and recycling:
• Accessibility and high number of bottle banks (e.g. Maastricht)• Cleanliness and maintenance of bottle banks (e.g. Intradel)
• Clear and Simple communications to residents (e.g. Graz)
• Frequent rate of collection to avoid over filling of bottle banks (e.g. Canton of Geneva)• Separate glass collection by colour type (e.g. Lippe)
• Glass bottle banks placed/located in ‘popular’ central areas (e.g. Porto)
• Higher quality directly dependent from better handling at collection source (e.g. Odense)
• Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) to introduce advanced systems: underground street bottle banks (e.g. Intradel)
ENDS
About FEVE
FEVE is the association of European manufacturers of glass containers and machine-made glass tableware. The members of FEVE produce over 20 million tonnes of glass per year. The association has some 60 corporate members belonging to approximately 20 independent corporate groups. Manufacturing plants are located across 23 European States and include global blue chip and major companies working for the world’s biggest consumer brands. See more on www.feve.org
About the container glass Industry
The European container glass industry provides a wide range of glass packaging products for food and beverages as well as flacons for perfumery, cosmetics and pharmacy to their European and world-wide customers. With its 160 manufacturing plants distributed all over Europe, it is an important contributor to Europe’s real economy and provides direct employment to about 50,000 people, while creating a large number of job opportunities along the total supply chain. See more on www.feve.org. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About ACR+
The Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and sustainable Resource management(ACR+), established in 1994, is an international network of members who share the common aim of promoting the sustainable consumption of resources and management of waste through prevention at the source, reuse and recycling. It currently has nearly 100 members, mainly local and regional authorities as well as national networks of local authorities representing around 1100 municipalities. ACR+ also welcomes other key players in the sustainable resource-product-waste management field, such as NGOs, academic institutions or private organizations, as partner members. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About Glass
Glass is made from natural, sustainable raw materials, abundant in nature such as sand, soda ash and limestone. It is the preferred packaging for consumer health and for the environment. It is chemically inert, 100% and infinitely recyclable, refillable, and reusable. As primary packaging, glass containers ensure the preservation, safe delivery and attractive presentation of a vast array of consumer products, supplied to European and world markets. Whether used for drinks, food, cosmetics, perfumes or pharmaceuticals, glass plays a vital role in supporting European trade and commerce.
Contact Details
ACR+
Hara Xirou, Project Manager
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Direct Line +32 (2) 234 65 05
FEVE
Michael Delle Selve, Communications and Operations Manager
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Direct Line: +32 (0)2 536 00 82,
Mobile: +32 475 52 24 58
Fabrice Rivet, Technical Director
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Direct Line: +32 (0)2 536 00 83
Press Releases
2017
- 15 March 2017: INTHERWASTE 1st Thematic Seminar on ‘Waste Deposit in Heritage areas’
- 31 January 2017: With a change in its name, ACR+ states that an efficient resource management goes beyond recycling
2016
- 1 June 2016: ACR+ elects a new Board of Directors and its President
- 23 May 2016: New cross-analysis of “Pay-As-You-Throw” schemes in 7 European municipalities: potential and benefits under study
- 17 March 2016: Growing a sustainable food strategy for more circular economy in cities and regions
- 14 January 2016: Circular economy offers large opportunities for climate change mitigation
2015
- 25 November 2015: ACR+ Position Paper: "A key solution to climate change: sustainable materials management"
- 9 November 2015: Launch of the Circular Europe Network website
- 27 October 2015: Municipal Solid Waste: A Key Sector for a Low-Carbon Economy, New Report Finds (version française)
- 1 October 2015: ACR+ / DSD Conference "Towards a Green Circular Economy"
- 29 May 2015: Second workshop of the Circular Europe Network: presentation of guidelines and factsheets
2014
- 5 November 2014: Regions and cities started to elaborate a circular economy strategy with ACR+
- 4 July 2014: Regions and cities are invited to plan circular economy with ACR+
- 26 May 2014: ACR+ Conference & General Assembly
- 20 March 2014: Management options for 6 composting strategies: New report from ACR+
2013
- 19 December 2013: Consultation on the establishment of a quantitative reduction headline target for marine litter: ACR+ POSITION
- 15 November 2013: ACR+ Appoints a New President
- 15 novembre 2013: ACR+ nomme un nouveau président
- 7 October 2013: The European Week for Waste Reduction gets a fresh boost in 2013: let’s reduce, reuse,and recycle
- 7 Octobre 2013: La Semaine européenne de la réduction des déchets prend un nouveau départ en 2013: réduisons, réutilisons, recyclons
- 25 September 2013: The review of the European Union's key waste targets: ACR+ POSITION
- 27 June 2013: Plastic bags: an analysis of policy options and instruments. New report from ACR+ and ACR+MED
- 5 June 2013: The European Week for Waste Reduction rewards the best actions implemented in 2012 and announces next edition’s new features
- 28 May 2013: Visions for resource efficiency: insights from the R4R mid-term conference
2012
- 19 December 2012: How to increase recycling in cities and regions? R4R gives its first answers
- 23 November 2012: Miniwaste Final conference
- 7 November 2012: Pre-waste final conference in Brussels: experts from Europe find out more on waste prevention practices and tools
- 4 October 2012: ACR+ appoints a new Secretary General
- 11 July 2012: More than 20 best practices on waste prevention to inspire cities and regions and feed their waste prevention plans
- 19 June 2012: The European Week for Waste Reduction rewards the best actions implemented in 2011 and raises questions about its future
- 19 Juin 2012: La Semaine Européenne de la Réduction des Déchets récompense les meilleures actions mises en oeuvre en 2011. Et après... ?
- 26 April 2012: Regions 4 Recycling Project Launch: the regional contribution to a European Recycling Society
2011
- 16 November 2011: European Week for Waste Reduction - 19-27th November 2011
- 25 March 2011: ACR+ launches a database containing 36 best practice cases with quantitative data
- 1 April 2011: Waste prevention workshop in Brussels meets great success
- 3 March 2011: An inventory of communication good practices for sustainable products in the distribution sector
Work Programme and Activity Report
Discover more about ACR+ past and future activities by reading our work programme and activity reports.
- Work programme 2024 (upcoming)
- Activity Report 2023
Previous Activity Reports: 2022 - 2021 - 2020 - 2019 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 - 2008
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