GPI provides “Friends of Glass” Recognition for Glass Container Recycling Initiatives

Alexandria, September 23, 2009 – The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is proud to recognize Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. as a “Friend of Glass” for its achievements in making significant and innovative efforts to promote or participate in glass container recycling for bottle-to-bottle use. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is among the seven “Friends of Glass” recognized by GPI during Recycle Glass Week, September 21 – 27, 2009.

“At Sierra Nevada, recycling and reducing consumption are fundamental parts of our operation. We strive for the highest recycled content in our packaging materials and rely on quality glass packaging for our product. Maintaining a clean and high quality stream of cullet helps to increase the amount of recycled content we are able to maintain. We are honored to be recognized as a Friend of Glass and look forward to helping increase and promote glass container recycling,” said Cory Ross, Packaging Manager, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Founded in Chico, California in 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. considers resourcefulness a philosophy. Since the beginning, Sierra Nevada has pioneered efforts to integrate sound environmental values into management decisions and practices. Reducing consumption and reusing and recycling raw materials are basic components of the company’s operations. Sierra Nevada uses glass packaging and kegs for its line of craft and specialty brews. In 2008, Sierra Nevada diverted a total of 638,082 pounds of glass from entering a landfill.

“We believe that partnerships with ‘Friends of Glass’ like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. are imperative to facilitating better collection and recycling processes for glass bottle-to-bottle recycling to help save energy and our environment,” said Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “The glass container industry thanks our 2009 ‘Friends of Glass’ for their work on behalf of glass container recycling and encourages other communities and organizations to follow their lead.”

Sierra Nevada’s recycling program goes beyond just glass containers. They have reached a 99.5% diversion rate – sending less than 1% of their total solid waste to landfill – through creative recycling and composting efforts. Sierra Nevada collects and recycles cardboard, shrink wrap, paper, cans, bottles PET strapping, wood, food scraps from break rooms, and much more.

This year, GPI recognizes “Friends of Glass” in five categories: Earth911.com (website); the Hyatt Regency Atlanta (hospitality industry); the City of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Natural Resource Department (community); Representative Jay Inslee (legislator); and “Best Friends of Glass,” including Sierra Nevada Brewing Company; McIlhenny Company, makers of TABASCO® Brand Products; and Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

Recycle Glass Week is an awareness event aimed to educate consumers about the environmental benefits of and to encourage participation in glass container recycling to help save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the industry’s nationwide goal of using 50 percent recycled content in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013. Doubling the U.S. glass container recycling rate (28 percent in 2007) would allow manufacturers to use 50 percent recycled glass to make new glass containers, saving enough energy to power 21,978 homes for one year and removing 181,550 tons of waste from landfills every month.

During Recycle Glass Week, GPI and its member companies are also holding nationwide glass recycling-related activities; providing consumers with information and opportunities to hold their own recycling events; and announcing the winners of its 2009 Clear Choice Awards.

Today, glass is the proven form of packaging for those who are looking for sustainability, purity, and recyclability. Glass is made from all-natural, sustainable raw materials and it can be recycled again and again without loss of quality or purity. Reuse of post-consumer recycled glass containers minimizes consumption of raw materials, lessens the industry’s demand for energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Find out more about Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. here. For more information on upcoming Recycle Glass Week activities and events, please go to www.gpi.org.

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals. www.gpi.org