Research and Markets has announced the release of a global glass packaging market report with forecasts to 2019. Glass packaging has many advantages, including chemical stability, sterlity and re-usability/recyclability. Increasing consumption of beer on a global scale is one of the primary factors which is expected to drive demand for glass packaging over the next few years. In addition, growing consumer preference towards glass due to its sterility in healthcare is expected to be another factor contributing to the growth of the market. In addition, growing consumer preference towards glass in the packaging of food, pharmaceuticals and beverages is expected to open new opportunities over the next few years. Alcoholic beverages, including beer, are expected to maintain strong market position over the next five years. Consumption of alcoholic beverages, particularly wine, is increasing. Beer is expected to show the fastest growth in terms of glass bottle consumption with consumer preference towards glass and slow adoption of beer packaged in other materials. Glass bottles account for over 60% of the beer packaging market in 2011. Demand for glass packaging was highest in the Asia Pacific region, accounting for over 35% of the global demand in 2012. Europe was the second largest market for glass packaging in 2012. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth over the next few years on account of the rise in disposable income of consumers coupled with the influence of western values. China has been the fastest growing beer market followed by India and the trend is expected to continue into the forecast period on account of increased beer consumption by younger generations.
