ARDAGH Glass Packaging-Europe has agreed to buy Swedish glass recycler Svensk Glasåtervinning (SGÅ).
The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approvals that are expected to be obtained in the second quarter of 2024.
SGÅ has collected and recycled glass packaging throughout Sweden for over 30 years and delivers the country’s 90% glass recycling rate. A recent change in regulation of post-consumer glass collection requires the Swedish municipalities to take over the role of collection and introduce property-based glass collection.
AGP-Europe said its purchase of SGÅ is driven by a commitment to protect Sweden’s circular glass recycling system, in light of the new regulation. The system is vital to secure an ongoing supply of high-quality glass cullet. The firm added that this purchase also ensures glass collected in Sweden is retained within the country for use in glass packaging production and not exported for other industry applications.
Martin Petersson, CEO AGP-Europe, said, “Buying SGÅ is the perfect complement to our glass production in Sweden. It will protect glass recycling and ensure we continue to close the glass loop, securing the supply of recycled glass cullet – one of our most important raw materials for lower-carbon glass packaging.”
Magnus Andersson, CEO SGÅ, added, “Ardagh knows and understands the glass industry, including glass recycling, and as a result, the glass industry in Sweden is fully supportive of the new ownership. We look forward to our continuing work with Ardagh to develop long-term goals for the company, and to maintain our position as a world-class glass recycler.”
