According to a recent report, Bisphenol-A (BPA) safety fears could see the global glass food and beverage packaging segment challenge the ever-expanding plastic packaging industry. Recent concerns over health risks associated with the chemical and anti-BPA legislation in countries including France, have given the glass packaging segment an advantage over its plastic counterpart, said Visiongain's report: The Glass Packaging Market 2012-2022. The global glass packaging market is expected to hit US$34.8BN in 2012, of which food and beverage packaging accounts for the majority. The report added that demand for sustainable packaging and the purchasing power of emerging Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) and Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt and Turkey (CIVET) will contribute to glass' continued presence in the food packaging industry. "The emergence of microwavable containers has been contributing to the success of plastic packaging int he food packaging market. However, concerns over chemical migration and glass' premium image give glass packaging advantages," said Vision Analyst, Eric Lautier. "There are rising concerns over BPA migration in food and beverage packaging when the containers are heated. Studies have also showed that migration occurs when products stand on the shelf," he continued. "Glass packaging is oxygen and CO2 proof and does not change the taste or colour of the packaged product. Nothing goes through the glass or leaks from it, neither does it produce any chemical reactions."
