While both plastic and cans have had a significant impact as packaging materials for soft drinks, glass packaging manufacturers argue that the volume packaged in glass is set to rise. Research has shown the popularity of glass with the consumer. Glass is now lighter and stronger and advanced technology has enabled bottles to be manufactured using less glass, resulting in reduced production costs and ease of handling. The premium sectors of energy drinks, adult juice and bottled water are predicted to be the largest growth sectors and these are the sectors where glass continues to play a major role. Brand owners recognise that glass can offer better brand definition than other packaging materials. Advances in pressure sensitive labelling techniques give glass packaged products the no label look, while shrink sleeves allow products to be branded from top to bottom.
