Market Trends of Europe Glass Packaging Industry
Beverages Segment to Hold a Significant Market Share
- The European beverages market is poised for robust growth and is expected to secure a significant market share. As demand for sustainable and convenient beverage packaging increases, industry experts anticipate an expansion in the European beverages market. Continuous advancements in Europe's packaging production and manufacturing processes are enhancing the industry's environmental friendliness. Packaging companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices by producing products from recycled materials, which consume less energy and water while reducing carbon emissions.
- Creating innovative, lightweight products with appealing designs and appealing color schemes at lower production costs has continued to be a key growth facilitator. Prominent beverage companies are also raising the adoption of glass packaging, which adds to the beverage segment’s share in Europe. For instance, in September 2023, Coca-Cola HBC established a new, high-speed returnable glass bottling line (RGB) at the Edelstal plant in Austria. An investment of EUR 12 million (USD 12.99 million) from Coca-Cola HBC was supported by a grant of EUR 4 million (USD 4.33 million) from the Austrian government as part of its fund for beverage companies and retailers to enable an actual circular economy for packaging.
- The growth in the production of alcoholic beverages, such as wine, along with a rise in exports, is further boosting demand for glass packaging. For instance, according to the European Commission, wine production in the European Union reached 159 million hectoliters in 2023 from 152.9 million hectoliters in 2022. As per the UN Comtrade, France and Italy were the largest exporters of wine in Europe in 2023, with values of USD 12,789.4 million and USD 8,403.2 million, respectively.
- In response to the escalating plastic pollution, beverage manufacturers in the region are increasingly transitioning to refillable glass bottles due to the rapidly growing demand for beverage products. For instance, in August 2023, to fulfill its commitment to reducing plastic pollution, Coca-Cola launched a new system for delivering, collecting, and reusing glass bottles of Coke Zero directly with customers. The beverage is being distributed to homes in the United Kingdom in partnership with delivery service Milk & More. The trial began on June 5, 2023, and was to continue throughout the summer in south London and central southern England.
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Poland Expected to Witness Significant Market Growth
- Poland is anticipated to experience the most significant growth in packaging in Eastern Europe during the forecast period. The development of glass bottles is expected to be fueled by bottled water, juice, energy drinks, and premium beverages.
- The rising mergers and acquisitions in the Polish glass packaging market indicate a consolidation trend among companies to enhance competitiveness and market share. This consolidation is likely to lead to increased efficiency, innovation, and potential pricing dynamics, shaping the landscape of the Polish glass packaging market. For instance, in April 2024, CANPACK Group and BA Glass announced the finalization of the sale of CANPACK’s Glass operations in Poland to BA Glass. Consequently, the glass plant in Orzesze was transferred to BA Glass and became part of its operations in Poland.
- The Polish glass industry has diversified its manufacturing capabilities. In the Polish glass industry, significant amounts of glass sand are used to produce container glass. To initiate the country's transition to such a system, the Polish government began preparing the introduction of a mandatory deposit for glass and plastic bottles in 2022. The deposit system included reusable glass bottles of up to 1.5 liters. Poland is expected to remain a strong performer in the beverages industry, where glass bottles may be the primary packaging material, with a small share held by other packaging types.
- Companies operating in the industry are focused on innovating new solutions through expansions in the country. For instance, in January 2023, Ardagh Glass Packaging designed a sustainable glass furnace in Poland. The new furnace can gain and maintain lower emission levels while gas, electricity, and water usage will be minimized via multiple sustainable methods. According to the firm, gas, electricity, and water usage will be minimized via heat recovery, turbo compressors, water recovery, and a closed-loop cooling procedure. The glass manufacturer stated that reducing emissions and enhancing the effect on the environment is a crucial goal for the glass industry. Such technological innovations by major companies are expected to fuel market growth during the forecast period.
- Moreover, the country has witnessed significant growth in the export of beverages and other products that use glass packaging. For instance, according to UN Comtrade, in 2023, the value generated from the export of beverages, spirits, and vinegar in Poland remained nearly unchanged at around EUR 1.6 billion. This growth in exports is anticipated to further create demand for glass packaging products in Poland.
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