According to data released by FEVE, Europe’s glass packaging production grew by 1% in volume and by 1% in unit terms in the first half of 2018. The improvement is in line with full year 2017 data, which showed a growth of 2% in weight terms and 2.4% in units and compares favourably with trend since 2012.

Between 2012 and 2017, production increased by almost 1.7 million tonnes (an 8.3% increase) or 6.4 billion units (an 8.9% increase). Generally, all food and beverage markets experienced demand growth for glass, while the outlook is also positive for the flaconnage sector for perfumery, cosmetics and pharmacy. “We are encouraged by this positive trend, which confirms our belief that brands and consumers are switching to glass for environmental reasons” commented Adeline Farrelly, FEVE Secretary General.

This positive market dynamic for glass reflects an increasing consumer engagement with environmental causes. Consumers – particularly millennials – are increasingly aware of the impact their daily lifestyle can have on the environment: ‘Plastics pollution’ was among last year’s most researched topics on Google in the UK.

FEVE maintains that sustainability is no longer a buzzword, suggesting that consumers now see a direct link between their purchasing behaviour and major environmental issues. Furthermore, they want to know more about the products they buy and the way brands behave.