The EU Commission recognises glass as a strategic sector and is planning measures for decarbonisation. The glass packaging industry sees this as an important step, but is calling for further measures.
The European Commission's recognition of the glass packaging industry as a strategic sector marks an important milestone for the industry. With the publication of the proposal for an „Industrial Accelerator Act“ (IAA), the EU aims to increase the share of industrial manufacturing to at least 20 per cent of EU GDP by 2035. This target sends a strong signal of renewed industrial ambition, but requires urgent action in several areas to ensure the competitiveness of industry and enable decarbonisation on a large scale.
The challenges of decarbonisation
The glass packaging industry is facing the challenge of rising energy and carbon costs as well as intense competition, which has led to an unprecedented decline in production and the closure of furnaces across Europe. „The European glass packaging industry is fully committed to decarbonisation and is investing to make this a reality,“ said FEVE Secretary General Carlo Pirrone. Nevertheless, the industry is calling for bolder measures to reduce energy prices, promote grid expansion and simplify regulations in order to maintain its competitiveness.
Significance for the EU economy
As a resilient and strategically important sector, the European container glass industry contributes significantly to the EU economy and local supply chains. Glass packaging also reinforces Europe's global trading strength by supporting the export of high-value goods such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics worth over €140 billion, representing 6.1 per cent of total EU exports. With the right framework conditions, the sector can deliver fully circular, non-toxic packaging solutions while working towards decarbonised manufacturing - preserving industrial capacity, jobs and strategic autonomy in Europe.
Industry demands
Although the EU Commission's proposal is seen as a step in the right direction, the glass packaging industry emphasises the need for further measures. In particular, the reduction of energy prices and the simplification of approval procedures for projects to decarbonise energy-intensive industries are crucial to ensure competitiveness. The industry sees itself in a key position to contribute to achieving the EU targets and calls for policies that support investment in sustainable technologies and infrastructure development.
Overall, the EU's recognition of the glass packaging industry as a strategic sector demonstrates the industry's potential to make a significant contribution to Europe's sustainable economic development. The coming years will be decisive in creating the necessary framework conditions that will enable the industry to consolidate its role as a pioneer in decarbonisation and as an important economic factor.
Source: FEVE
