Data published by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) states that glass packaging production in Europe continues to grow.
Glass packaging production in Europe grew by 1% in volume (tonnes) and by 1% in unit terms in the first half of 2018, compared to the previous half of 2017. The growth is in line with the 2017 data, which recorded a growth of 2% in weight terms and 2.4% in units and compares favourably with the trend since 2012.
Adeline Farrely, FEVE Secretary General, said: “We are encouraged by this positive trend, which confirms our belief that brands and consumers are switching to glass for environmental reasons.”
Between 2012-2017, production has increased by almost 1.7 million tonnes (8.3% increase) or 6.4 billion units (8.9% increase). The food and beverage market segments experienced a demand in growth for glass and the outlook is very positive also for the flaconnage sector for perfumery, cosmetics and pharmacy.
Ms Farrely said: “This increased trust in glass from consumers is heartening for our industry. We are constantly making efforts to optimise the unique recycling properties of glass into a business model that is an authentic example of a Circular Economy.”
Due to the level of media and political attention on ‘marine littering’, all packaging materials, including plastic, have come under the spotlight and consumers are more attentive to the way products are packed.
The Friends of Glass research reveals that 73% of Europeans rate glass as the most ocean friendly packaging, 78% rank it amongst top packaging choices when buying their food and beverage products, and one in two consumers say they use more glass than three years ago.
Ms Farrely continued: “We work hard to improve our production technologies and product characteristics, to reduce energy use and minimise any environmental impact by using recycling glass.”
Pictured: Glass container half year production for food and beverages in Europe
