EU Conteiner glass production growth shows industry resilience

Last year, a solid growth was recorded for the European container glass industry. In the EU28, production volume increased by 1.6% according to FEVE 2014 data published today (1).  

More than 22 million tons or some 50 billion glass containers were sold to customers inside and outside EU markets. All EU countries recorded positive growth although at different paces. Poland posted a 7.4% increase - the highest in the EU region. Growth in the South-East area (2.9%), North-Central area (2.1%) and France (2.2%) were also above the EU average. Outside the EU zone, Turkey recorded a striking 14.8% growth compared to the previous year. Data refer to container glass for food and drink as well as to flacons for perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. These data confirm a stable trend of the previous years.

“These figures are even more remarkable when we consider the EU consumption shrinking and deflation risk in most of EU countries” comments Vitaliano Torno – President of FEVE. “Glass packaging remains the preferred choice for customers who want to add value to their product, to communicate its quality and safety to consumers”.

Today’s released data underpin the conclusions of a recent Ernst & Young Study commissioned by FEVE (2) to assess the social, environmental and economic impact of the EU container glass industry. The study shows that the industry is a true example of a well-functioning circular economy based on the glass ‘bottle-to-bottle’ recycling model. On the one hand it means less waste, less use of virgin raw materials and energy, less environmental impact; on the other hand it provides long- term economic growth and jobs. The industry yearly invests up to €610 million – or 10% of yearly operational costs - to innovate and maintain a Europe-wide network of 162 EU plants and some 125,000 direct and indirect jobs. The industry has a positive impact on Europe’s trade balance of €21 billion for products primarily packed in glass.

“The industry is a resilient circular economy, able to adapt to changing market needs and stay competitive. We continue to invest to produce high quality and sustainably sound packaging solutions in Europe” – continues Vitaliano Torno.

ENDS

(1) You can find data below and download tables on the FEVE website – www.feve.org.

(2) You can download the Ernst and Young Study report: Environmental, social and economic contribution of the container glass sector in Europe on the FEVE website - tinyurl.com/obsmleu. 6 year production figures in tonnes and 2014 growth figures by country

6 year production figures in tonnes and 2014 growth figures by country

Note: Figures are total production for packed bottles and jars for food and drink and flacons in tonnes

Other North – Central: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland

Other South – East: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia;

About FEVE

FEVE is the European Federation of manufacturers of glass containers for food and beverages, perfumery, cosmetics and pharmacy as well as glass tableware for European and global customers. The federation counts some 60 corporate members belonging to approximately 20 independent corporate groups. Manufacturing plants are located across 23 European States and include global blue chip and major companies working for the world’s biggest consumer brands. You can find more on www.feve.org.

About Glass packaging

Glass packaging guarantees the long-time preservation of taste and flavour, safe delivery and attractive presentation of a vast array of consumer products, supplied to European and global markets. Whether used for drinks, food, cosmetics, perfumes or pharmaceuticals, glass packaging plays a vital role in supporting European trade and commerce. Glass is 100 percent and endlessly recyclable in a closed loop, it is inert and it preserves the nutritional qualities and original taste of the products it contains. Glass is the number one packaging preferred by consumers. Visit the Friends of Glass forum on www.friendsofglass.com and become a friend of glass.

For more information, contact: Michael Delle Selve--- E-MAIL m.delleselve@feve.org; GSM: +32 475 52 24 58; TEL: +32 2 536 00 82--- Michael Delle Selve--- Senior Communications Manager FEVE - the European Container Glass Federation www.feve.org Direct: +32 2 536 00 82 Mobile: +32 475 52 24 58