SGD Pharma, a global cosmetic and pharmaceutical glass packaging manufacturer, completed its first successful campaign using 20% post-consumer recycled (PCR) glass. The PCR glass bottles, which offer improved sustainability by reducing the use of virgin raw materials and carbon emissions, debuted at Luxe Pack Monaco 2024.
Other glass packaging lines from SGD Pharma include Nova (pictured) and Constellations.
These new glass bottles reportedly offer improved sustainability by reducing the use of virgin raw materials and cutting carbon emissions through reduced energy usage during the melting process. They will be the first of their kind manufactured in SGD Pharma’s plant in China to meet the needs of customers for environment conscious packaging in the cosmetics and beauty sectors.
PCR glass manufacturing is a strategic part of SGD Pharma’s goal to reduce its global carbon footprint by 35% by 2030 and by 65% by 2040. FEVE, the Federation of European manufacturers of glass containers, states that, on average, a 10% increase of cullet in the furnace decreases its energy use by 3% and CO2 emissions by 5%.
SGD’s new glass bottle contains 20% PCR glass cullet according to FEVE’s standards. To ensure purity and clarity of the glass, the PCR used at the Zhanjiang plant undergoes extensive testing both before and after entering the furnace.
The resulting glass bottles maintain the same levels of aesthetic quality, functionality and safety (with the absence of heavy metals and other prohibited materials) as conventional glass bottles, while also being more environmentally friendly.
Frédéric Barbier, general manager China and APAC, comments, “Glass can be infinitely recycled, which is a great advantage over plastic as a packaging material. For the past ten years, the cosmetic glass industry in Europe has used PCR glass as standard and has experienced a significant reduction in its carbon footprint as a result. Sourcing compliant PCR glass cullet in China is a challenge which is why we’re proud to be the first beauty and pharmaceutical glass maker in China to launch a PCR campaign that complies with international standards. Our first campaign incorporating 20% PCR was a resounding success, and we look forward to a second campaign in coming months with plans to implement regular PCR campaigns in 2025 to answer growing demand for sustainable packaging in the cosmetics and beauty industry."
