EU Container glass industry records highest ever growth in production

New 2021 industry data points to strong growth in container glass production in Europe and demonstrates that the sector continues its recovery from a 2020 decline. Industry production volume of glass packaging for the food and beverage sector increased strongly by 5.0% compared to 2020 figures, to reach its highest level ever recorded.

According to newly-available data released by FEVE – the European Container Glass Federation:

• More than 4 million tonnes, or 83.3 billion bottles and jars, were produced for the European and global markets in 2021.
• Since 2012, container glass production has grown by 18.6%, at an average growth rate of 1.7% per year.
• Likewise, production of glass flacons for the perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceutical segments delivered a strong growth of 2.2% to reach 13.6 billion units by the end of 2021.

Reflecting on the record growth in production, Vitaliano Torno, President of FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, comments: “These figures prove our industry is working at pace to meet unprecedented market demand, with our glassworks producing at full speed, and we continue to go the extra mile to best address customers’ needs. We are proud of how the container glass industry has risen to the challenges of the last two years – including uncertainties around supply of energy and raw materials, increasing production costs and market dynamics – to provide critical packaging that ensures continued supply of food and beverages to consumers, all while meeting health, well-being and sustainability trends. This record growth underscores that glass packaging remains the preferred choice for our customers to enhance their products, communicate quality and value, and provide products in a packaging that consumers trust.”