Glass packaging production in Europe has grown by 2.9 per cent in 2016, according to data published by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE).
FEVE, the association of European manufacturers of glass containers, says the growth of 2.9 per cent in volume (tonnes) and 2.1 per cent in unit terms, was driven by exports, as well as continued demand for glass packaging in the food and beverage sectors in Europe. A total volume of 20.9 million tonnes or 75.9 billion units of glass were produced in Europe for the EU and international markets.
The strong performance in 2016 continues a steady trend seen over the last 5 years. Since 2012, the industry has increased its production by 5.8 per cent in volume and 6.1 per cent in units.
FEVE President Johan Gorter, says this growth is a sign of consumer trust in the material: “The buoyant demand for glass is a strong signal of trust from customers in our industry and in glass packaging to help brands stand out on the shelves both in the European market and internationally.”
Glass continues to be the reference packaging material for markets such as spirits, wines and beer, while it is increasingly gaining share in the food, water and dairy sectors. FEVE says that this is not only due to new consumption trends for local, organic and natural food, but also because of the positive image of glass packaging and the strong consumer trust in glass as their preferred packaging for environmental, health and taste preservation reasons.
According to a recent survey, glass is consumers’ favourite packaging, with 1 in 2 Europeans saying they use more glass than three years ago, and 75 per cent of Europeans stating that they view glass as the most environmentally friendly packaging.
Johan Gorter continued: “It is encouraging that consumers trust glass because of its sustainability credentials and because it best preserves the quality of their preferred products. As an industry, we are committed to making the inherent properties of glass more visible to our customers and to the final consumer.”
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