European and US glass industries salute staff
The USA’s Glass Packaging Institute (GPI), the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) and the European Federation of Glass Recyclers (FERVER) have thanked employees for their determination and commitment to keep manufacturing glass, supplying essential industries during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The glass container industry, its staff and supply chain partners play essential roles on behalf of food, beverage and pharmaceutical companies” a joint statement explained.
“To guarantee the effective supply of for sale, in-store packaged food and beverages, the glass manufacturing industry must remain operational as ‘essential’ throughout the duration of the pandemic. A disruption to the food and beverage packaging industry would greatly impair the public’s ability to purchase food and beverages at their grocery store at a time when demand is up considerably and those outlets remain vital to food security around the globe.”
In addition to the various measures that have always been implemented by the members of GPI, FEVE and FERVER to protect their employees and guarantee their safety, additional actions are being taken to ensure their health and wellbeing as the situation evolves. “Glass manufacturers both in the United States and the European Union work diligently to protect the safety and health of their employees, while continuing to ensure the supply of new glass bottles and containers for the food, beverage and pharma sectors. GPI, FEVE and FERVER are closely following the guidelines and recommendations published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other relevant authorities and are monitoring the situation carefully. Employee safety is our first priority and paramount, especially during this uncertain time.”
In this context, the waste collectors and the recycling sector are also crucial to ensuring the continued supply of essential glass packaging for the food and beverage industries. Hence the importance of continuing to recycle glass packaging in the appropriate bins. The sourcing of local materials from recycling activities to produce new glass containers will continue to enable the industry to work locally and to maintain its production at a sustained level. www.gpi.org
