Following the AGM of the CPIV on 22 June, the committee released its annual statement on the EU glass industry. The EU is the largest glass market, both in terms of production and consumption. The EU glass industry is highly concentrated and more than 80% glass is produced by more than 10 multinationals each having over 1000 employees. The rest are small or medium-sized specialist manufacturers. Total glass manufactured during 2003 reached 29.12M/tonnes, similar to 2002. Production value amounted to around EUR 32BN, with a world share of 29%. During the year companies have increased their strength and invested in central and Eastern Europe as well as outside the EU. With the economy forecast for revival, and thanks to rationalisation measures, the glass industry should grow in 2004.
