Ardagh Glass Packaging plans to close its plant in Germersheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, in the third quarter of 2026. The packaging manufacturer attributes the move to market conditions and is framing the closure as part of a broader realignment of its global glass packaging business.
Ardagh Group announced the planned closure of the Germersheim site in its second-quarter 2026 report. The company refers to this as an adjustment of its capacities to market demand.
In Germany, the Ardagh Group operates a total of eight glassworks under Ardagh Glass GmbH – one of which is in Germersheim. According to company figures, just under two million glass containers are produced there every day – primarily beverage bottles. Around 260 people are currently employed at the Germersheim plant, according to these figures.
Ardagh adjusts capacities in Germany
The background is currently weaker demand in parts of the European glass packaging market. Ardagh Glass Packaging reported sales growth of 3 percent for Europe in the second quarter. This was driven primarily by spirits and food. In contrast, volumes for wine and sparkling wine fell. It is precisely for this reason that Ardagh is already implementing measures to reduce production capacities in Germany.
This trend is also reflected in the results of the European and African glass business. Revenue for Ardagh Glass Packaging Europe & Africa rose from 638 million to 698 million US dollars in the second quarter of 2026. By contrast, adjusted EBITDA fell from 127 million to 114 million US dollars. The adjusted EBITDA margin therefore decreased from 19.9 to 16.3 per cent.
At group level, Ardagh also points to increased input and operating costs. In addition, there are short-term pressures from inventory adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA for the entire glass packaging business fell by 4 percent in the second quarter, or by 8 percent in currency-adjusted terms. At the same time, global shipments of glass packaging increased by 3 percent.
„Clearly Ardagh“ to realign glass business
The closure of the plant in Germersheim is part of a broader transformation by Ardagh Glass Packaging. Under the name „Clearly Ardagh“, the group aims to adapt its production capacities more closely to market demand and further develop its production network. According to the company, other key priorities include efficiency gains, improved operational performance, the further development of customer relationships and a more performance-oriented corporate culture.
Ardagh Glass Packaging operates 35 plants worldwide, including 19 in Europe, nine in the US and seven in Africa, and employs around 12,500 people. In the 2025 financial year, the division generated revenue of $4.1 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $675 million.
Source: Ardagh
