A brief overview of the French glass market is given. The sector's activity grew by 2% in 2006, thanks to flat glass that compensated for the stability of container glass production. Construction and new housing has progressed whereas car manufacturing stagnated. Flat glass production, essentially dependant on these two markets, rose by 5% in volume. Also, thanks to construction, glass fibre activity for insulation increased while reinforcement fibres stagnated following the closure of a furnace. Overall, fibre production in France has risen 11%. Hollow glassware has steadied. The bottle market has increased slightly thanks to alcohol and Champagne even though wine and beer are not well placed. Flasks progressed 1-2% while jars have undergone a drop, due to the fact that international packaging groups have decided to relocate outside France.
