"September 2014 saw milk processor, Dairy Crest, announce that it will be phasing out its glass bottles over the next 2 years in favour of plastic ones, parking fears that the future of all glass containers might be in decline," said Fiacre O'Donnell of Encirc, adding: "However, while the glass milk bottle may become a thing of the past, this does not reflect the industry as a whole. Indeed, the UK glass market recorded increased production figures for 2.8% in the first 6m of 2014, and this growth looks set to continue as consumers become more aware of the health benefits that glass can offer. Recent research by FEVE suggest it is these health and safety concerns that are driving the resurgence of glass packaging among EU consumers, with 87% indicating that glass is their preferred packaging choice. Further support for the glass industry is being garnered by various international governments, including India, who is officially recognising the health benefits that the inertness of glass offers. When it comes to the environment, the on-going debate surrounding the circular economy connected to packaging demonstrates that, while it is still considered detrimental to many non-glass packaging businesses, it is something the glass industry has been doing very well. And while the weight of the final products and associated transportation costs may be cited as a reason to choose plastic, it is imperative that the industry considers the entire lifecycle of a container, and the environmental consequences of the manufacturing methods required to create it, rather than simply looking at one area of the process."
