Gerresheimer focuses on recycling management and uses even more recycled glass

Düsseldorf/Tettau, October 07, 2020. Gerresheimer is the market leader in the production of cosmetics packaging made of recycled glass. In addition, the Gerresheimer plants in Momignies in Belgium and Tettau in Germany enjoy a very good reputation with their often long-standing customers. As centers of excellence they specialize in the development and industrial production and decoration of glass flacons, jars and bottles for fragrances, decorative cosmetics and beauty care. Numerous well-known cosmetic brands in the mass and prestige segment rely on the experience and know-how of the cosmetic glass experts at both locations. Gerresheimer is also setting trends in terms of sustainability and is currently expanding its stock of cullet in Tettau.

"We have been using recycled glass for cosmetic packaging for over 10 years and are market pioneers in this field," says Nicola Balena, Vice President Global Business Management Cosmetic Moulded Glass. "Our recycled glass flacons have convinced many of our customers who want to improve the sustainability of their packaging without compromise. We are committed to the recycling economy and only produce cosmetic packaging with a high percentage of recycled glass. In this respect we are ahead of the market". In collaboration with its customers, Gerresheimer has developed a cosmetics glass which has the highest proportion of recycled material available today for the end consumer and at the same time offers an unparalleled level of quality.

The two newly installed silos for PCR glass fragments at Gerresheimer in Tettau (Germany) have a considerable capacity.

At Gerresheimer Tettau the "PCR - Post Consumer Recycling" method is used. This means that so-called post-consumer waste is reprocessed, i.e. glass waste produced by consumers in households and offices. Gerresheimer Tettau therefore uses existing resources for the manufacture of its glass products. In order to safeguard the demand for used glass, the batch house was extended during a two-month construction phase. Two silos were created which are twelve meters high and weigh 26 tonnes and in each of which 270 tonnes of cullet can be stored.

"In future we will need even fewer raw materials, have reduced energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions," says Kay Rohn, CEO of Gerresheimer Tettau, explaining the latest investment. The use of three percent cullet in glass production means energy savings of one percent. The proportion of cullet used in glass production can in future be up to 40 percent. This will make the entire glass production process even more efficient and sustainable.

Gerresheimer as a partner to the cosmetics industry

Gerresheimer's portfolio comprises innovative glass and plastic packaging for perfume, cosmetics and personal care. It has a large number of standard shapes as well as customized packaging to meet individual requirements. As a leading partner for selective cosmetics and mass and mass markets, the company offers sustainable and state-of-the-art technologies, individual finishing and decoration techniques and various materials for the production of high-quality packaging solutions.

Gerresheimer has invested several years in the development of sustainable and high-quality cosmetic glass with a higher proportion of recycled glass and presents solutions which are both environmentally friendly and aesthetic. Here are a few examples.

Further Information

Gerresheimer Primary Packaging Glass Cosmetics
Gerresheimer Momignies
Gerresheimer Tettau

About Gerresheimer

Gerresheimer is a leading global partner to the pharma and healthcare industry. With specialty glass and plastic products, the Company contributes to health and well-being. Gerresheimer operates worldwide and its approximately 10,000 employees manufacture products in local markets, close to its customers. With plants in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, Gerresheimer generates revenues of around EUR 1.4 billion. The comprehensive product portfolio includes pharmaceutical packaging and products for the safe, simple administration of medicines: insulin pens, inhalers, micro pumps, prefillable syringes, injection vials, ampoules, bottles, and containers for liquid and solid medicines with closure and safety systems as well as packaging for the cosmetics industry.

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