Sales at Bucher Emhart Glass increased in the first half of the year thanks to increased demand for glass containers.

Sales increased by 17% compared to the first half of 2022 to CHF 270 million from CHF 230 million while order intake remained on a par with the prior year's level.

In its half year financial review the Swiss-based glass forming specialist said that despite a slight easing in recent months, global capacity for glass container manufacturing remained tight, and this prompted its customers to modernise and expand their existing plant.

New production facilities were also planned, especially in South America. Energy-efficiency considerations and the shortage of skilled labour are also relevant.

Both of these factors, the company said, are encouraging plant operators to equip their glass container forming plant with its technologies.

The operating profit margin exceeded the prior year's already very high level.

This was driven by the high-capacity utilisation, favourable product mix and positive currency effects.

The encouraging business result in China also contributed to this it said.