Glass packaging production in Europe grew by 2.9% in volume and by 2.1% in unit terms in 2016, according to data published September by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE). The growth was driven by exports as well as continued demand for glass packaging in food and beverage segments in Europe. A total of 20.9M/t or 75.9 billion units were produced in Europe for the EU and international food and beverage markets. Strong performance in 2016 confirms the steady trend of the last five years, claims FEVE. Since 2012, the industry has increased its production by 5.8% in volume and 6.1% in units. The federation said that glass is the reference point for beverages due to the positive image and ‘strong consumer trust’ in the material. Speaking of the figures, FEVE president Johan Gorter said: “The buoyant demand for glass is a strong signal of trust from customers in our industry and in glass packaging to help brands stand out on the shelves both in the European market and internationally. “It is encouraging that consumers trust glass because of its sustainability credentials and because it best preserves the quality of their preferred products. As an industry, we are committed to making the inherent properties of glass more visible to our customers and to the final consumer.”
