Surprisingly, the answer is NO. Due to the energy intensive process of producing and recycling glass, it only works out better for the environment if the same glass jar is reused at least eight times over a period of years (say, in the days where you returned your milk bottles for refilling). A 2020 study looking at the impact of plastic vs. glass milk bottles concluded that: “Glass is the worst packaging option because of high energy demand in the bottle production and its weight and in the transport phase.” That having been said, making plastic a better option depends on effective recycling.

The current situation with all of our jars and bottles is that the plastic container is recyclable while the label is not. The lids are technically recyclable, however, most councils don’t take them due to their shape and weight confusing the automatic sorting systems. Therefore, for now, the lids go in the red bin and it is up to you whether to remove the label or not. Most of our labels wash off easily when rinsed under the tap (label into the red bin after that). If you forget to wash the label off, don’t fret, it will most likely come off when the bottle is washed during recycling anyway. Then put your bottle or jar in the yellow bin, and feel great about yourself for doing your bit