In the light of the propsed ban on the use of PET for packaging medicines, the All India Glass Manufacturers' Federation (AIGMF) has approached the Union health ministry to reiterate the glass industry's capabilities for unhindered supplies of glass bottles to pharmaceutical companies. In a written submission, AIGMF informed the Health Ministry that "we would like to assure you that our members will ensure the availability of glass bottles to the liquid filling pharmaceutical units on priority basis throughout the year." The industry has invested heavily in the last few years to create extra capacities. According to an AIGMF official, in light of the proposed ban on the use of PET for packaging medicines, an ill-informed campaign began on the characteristics of glass bottles on its suitability for primary packaging of pharma products. This campaign began after the government issued a pre-notification last September seeking suggestions for prohibition of usage of PET for pharmaceutical packaging.
