FEVE has published its latest decarbonisation update which confirms the industry’s energy transition is highly operational.
Europe’s container glass industry is working to accelerate its energy transition. Despite a challenging economic and geopolitical context, the commitment to decarbonisation and circularity remains unwavering.
Unveiling FEVE’s 2025 report: “Accelerating the European container glass industry’s energy transition”
The glass packaging industry’s transition is now in a highly operational phase, with over 150 decarbonisation and innovation projects now underway. Across Europe, manufacturers are investing over EUR 600 million annually in electrification, hybrid furnaces, hydrogen trials and circular logistics.
The report showcases tangible results:
- 150+ decarbonisation and innovation projects underway across Europe
- Hybrid furnaces delivering up to 64 percent CO2 reductions
- Full-electric furnaces operational in perfumery, pharma and premium segments
- Hydrogen, bio-methane and biofuel trials scaling at industrial level
- The industry-wide glass collection for recycling rate has reached 80.8 percent.
Industry innovation is crucial, but accelerating the progress requires a supportive ecosystem
Scaling these technologies requires a clear policy blueprint. To turn ambition into reality, the European container glass industry needs:
- Affordable clean energy: Access to abundant, low-carbon electricity and hydrogen with stable, predictable pricing.
- Modern infrastructure, built faster: Accelerated permitting for grid reinforcement and the development of hydrogen and CO₂ transport networks.
- A stable investment climate: A predictable carbon cost framework (ETS) and targeted innovation funding to help new technologies reach commercial scale.
- Smart, coherent regulation: Consistent circular economy rules that protect and enhance Europe’s high-performing glass collection and recycling systems.
Around EUR 20 billion in additional capital expenditure is needed by 2050. Matching industrial investment with enabling energy, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks will set the pace of Europe’s transition.
FEVE is convinced that with the right policy framework, glass packaging can remain fully circular and proudly made in Europe, while progressing towards climate neutrality.
The full report is available here.