Production data 2010 published on 28 June from the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) show a general recovery from the drop of the previous year. In 2010, the European industry produced 20.7 m…
Production data 2010 published on 28 June from the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) show a general recovery from the drop of the previous year. In 2010, the European industry produced 20.7 million tonnes of glass compared to 20.1 million tonnes in 2009, marking an increase of 3.5%. The biggest increase in production was recorded in Turkey (27%) and the UK (9.5%). In Italy (5.2%) and Poland (5.7%), the increase was more important than in Portugal (1.9%), Spain (2.7%) and North & Central countries (1.7%). In Germany the situation was stable (0.2%) as well as in France where a slight decrease was recorded (-0.1%). The industry was able to react firmly to the impact of the previous year“s financial crisis, says FEVE President Niall Wall, and to maintain its place as a key player in the packaging market notwithstanding the harsh competition. This is important if we are to offer consumers choice because glass is their preferred packaging thanks to its environmental, health and taste preservation qualities. For some natural and healthy products like milk, yoghurts, baby food or mineral waters, consumer demand for glass packaging is not being met because of the lack of choice on supermarket shelves. The industry continues to make efforts to improve the efficiency of manufacturing process, to reduce environmental impacts and to reduce costs to ensure that brands are provided with a premium packaging solution at competitive prices when compared to other materials. The European container glass industry provides a wide range of glass packaging products for food and beverages as well flacons for perfumery, cosmetics and pharmacy to their European and world customers. With its 160 manufacturing plants distributed all over Europe, it is an important contributor to Europe“s real economy and provides direct employment to about 50,000 people, while creating a large number of job opportunities along the total supply chain. FEVE is the association of European manufacturers of glass containers and machine-made glass tableware. The members of FEVE produce over 20 million tonnes of glass per year. The association has 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. The Container Glass industry accounts for 60% of the total glass production in Europe and is spread throughout some 160 plants, including Switzerland and Turkey. The EU is the world“s largest producer of container glass. The glass container industry in Europe employs 46,000 people. As packaging, glass containers assure the preservation, safe delivery and attractive presentation of a vast array of consumer products, supplied to European and world markets. Whether used for drinks, food, cosmetics, perfumes or pharmaceuticals, glass plays a vital role in supporting European trade and commerce. Glass is 100% recyclable, virtually inert and preserves the original taste of the products it contains. Baby food products like milk need the protection of its container to preserve its purity and its vitamins. A container is not just a commodity. Because health is not only in the ingredients but also in the packaging that preserves these ingredients.