EU legislation has had a huge influence on glass production. As in other sectors, this goes beyond trade agreements and currency values to affect areas such as carbon emissions, energy efficiency, recycling targets, registration and control of chemicals, and research funding. Ahead of the vote, British Glass asked members how being part of the EU affected their business and which outcome they favoured. The responses showed no clear consensus - reflecting the varied size and activities of members across the supply chain. Consequently, British Glass didn't campaign on behalf of members for either the remain or leave positions. Dave Dalton, CE of British Glass said: "We understand this outcome will not please all of our members. The UK is now embarking on an unfamiliar process and of course the detail of what must happen and how will only gradually become clear. British Glass will continue to monitor the ongoing exit negotiations, relaying the implications to our members and facilitating cross-industry collaboration where appropriate." The UK's glass manufacturing is a vital economic and technological asset, contributing almost £2BN to the UK economy each year and directly employing around 6000 people, with an estimated 150,000 more jobs contingent on these.
