As the UK public votes to leave the European Union, British Glass has assured its members it will continue to work with them in securing a sustainable future for glass through this profound shift.
EU legislation has had a huge influence on glass production and products. As in other sectors, this goes beyond trade agreements and currency values to affect areas such as carbon emissions, energy efficiency, recycling targets, the registration and control of chemicals and research funding.
Ahead of the vote, British Glass asked members how being part of the EU affected their business and which outcome they favoured. The responses showed no clear consensus – reflecting the varied size and activities of members across the supply chain. Consequently British Glass didn’t campaign on behalf of members for either the remain or leave positions.
Dave Dalton, Chief Executive of British Glass said: “We understand this outcome will not please all of our members. The UK is now embarking on an unfamiliar process and of course the detail of what must happen and how will only gradually become clear.
“British Glass will continue to monitor the ongoing exit negotiations, relaying the implications to our members and facilitating cross-industry collaboration where appropriate.”
The UK’s glass manufacturing is a vital economic and technological asset, contributing almost £2 billion to the UK economy each year and directly employing around 6,000 people, with an estimated 150,000 more jobs contingent on these.
This is why British Glass will look for opportunities through its committees, networks and connections to help the sector work collectively to reduce the burden of the transition and find openings that will allow glass to continue to adapt and thrive.
