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Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe (AGP-Europe) has agreed to acquire Swedish glass recycling centre Svensk Glasåtervinning (SGÅ). For over 30 years, SGÅ has collected and recycled glass packaging across Sweden, achieving a 90% recycling rate. Starting in 2024, new regulations will transfer the responsibility for collecting post-consumer glass from SGÅ to Swedish municipalities, requiring them to implement property-based glass collection. AGP-Europe's acquisition of SGÅ is focused on maintaining Sweden's circular glass recycling system, in light of the new regulation. This system is key to providing a steady supply of high-quality glass cullet. The acquisition also keeps the collected glass in Sweden for use in glass packaging production, preventing it from being exported outside of the country for other uses. AGP-Europe is one of the five companies that have owned a stake in SGÅ since its founding in 1986. By purchasing the shares of the other four co-owners, AGP-Europe will become the sole owner. SGÅ will keep its name and operating model, focusing on receiving and recycling glass packaging waste and selling glass cullet. Martin Petersson, CEO of AGP-Europe, commented: “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 of 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.” The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, which are expected to be granted in the second quarter of 2024.