The European container glass industry had solid growth in 2014, according to recent FEVE data.

In the EU28, production volume increased by 1.6% and more than 22 million tons or some 50 billion glass containers were sold to customers inside and outside EU markets.

All EU countries recorded positive growth although at different paces. Poland posted a 7.4% increase - the highest in the EU region. Growth in the South-East area (2.9%), France (2.2) and the North-Central area (2.1%) were above the EU average.

Outside the EU, Turkey recorded a 14.8% growth compared to the previous year. The FEVE data refers to container glass for food and drink as well as to flacons for perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors.

FEVE President Vitaliano Torno said: “These figures are even more remarkable when we consider the EU consumption shrinking and the deflation risk in most of the EU countries.”

“Glass packaging remains the preferred choice for customers who want to add value to their product, to communicate its quality and safety to consumers”.

The data underpins the conclusions of a recent Ernst & Young Study commissioned by FEVE to assess the social, environmental and economic impact of the EU container glass industry.

The study shows that the industry is a true example of a well-functioning circular economy based on the glass ‘bottle-to-bottle’ recycling model.

It means less waste, less use of virgin raw materials and energy and less environmental impact. It also provides long- term economic growth and jobs.

The industry invests up to €610 million a year – or 10% of yearly operational costs - to innovate and maintain a European-wide network of 162 EU plants and some 125,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The industry has a positive impact on Europe’s trade balance of €21 billion for products primarily packed in glass.

“The industry is a resilient circular economy, able to adapt to changing market needs and stay competitive. We continue to invest to produce high quality and sustainably sound packaging solutions in Europe," added Mr Torno.

To view a table of six-year production figures in tonnes and 2014 growth figures by country please click on the PDF link below.