Findings reveal that nearly 8 in 10 consumers view glass as a material fit for the future – one that can help them to live healthier lives, on a healthier planet.

An independent research survey carried out among more than 4,000 consumers across 13 European countries, commissioned by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) for the Friends of Glass consumer platform, shows that nearly 8 in 10 view glass as a material fit for the future.

They recognised its credentials on bringing both recyclability and health benefits to the table.

Against a backdrop of consumers trying to cut back on packaging, glass is the only packaging material reported to have grown in usage among respondents in the last three years – by 8% – while bag-in-box, metal, and plastic have all seen drops of between 24%-41%.

Glass is considered as an integral part of a healthy living lifestyle, because it’s inherently recyclable, recycled effectively across Europe and safe when recycled.

Consumers believe in and trust glass recycling, with 8 out of 10 respondents saying they ‘always’ or ‘often’ recycle their glass packaging and 82% stating they have a good understanding of how to recycle.

Half of respondents even said they buy more in glass specifically because it can be recycled more effectively than other packaging materials.

These results support recent Close the Glass Loop data on recycling rates in Europe, showing an average of 79% glass collection across the bloc.

What’s more, health and product preservation remain high on the agenda for shoppers.

Respondents point to an evolved understanding of sustainability that goes beyond a single environmental focus.

Six out 10 consumers consider reducing food waste, recycling and protecting physical and mental health and wellbeing as the top three sustainability elements in their everyday life.

Over a third of consumers polled stated they’re choosing more glass specifically because inert glass packaging better preserves health and keeps products safer for longer.

And as many as 7 in 10 Europeans trust recycled glass to continue to protect food and drinks from any health hazards after recycling – making glass the safest recycled material of those surveyed.

As such, glass is seen by consumers to offer the best of both worlds for recycled packaging that’s protective of people and planet.

Glass’ shelf stable qualities allow people to reduce their food waste by protecting their favourite products for longer – considered a must-have as inflation continues to bite and people look to stock up on lasting pantry staples.

Adeline Farrelly, Secretary General of FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation said:

“As people continue to celebrate the International Year of Glass, and policymakers set their sights on new waste reduction targets, these findings prove that consumers increasingly recognise glass as a healthy, widely recycled everyday packaging material – one that is already proven to deliver on commitments to a healthier world.

"As an industry we are constantly looking for ways to innovate to ensure glass continues to be a sustainable material that we can rely on to protect our health and that of the planet.

"We’re happy to see consumers recognize these qualities and validate that glass is the packaging material that will see us into the future.

"Now it’s over to our favourite brands to pick up that challenge.”