In this issue we look at the many positive steps the glass container industry has been taking towards a more environmentally sustainable future. Also, how glass production in Europe has continued to grow despite the economic crisis, the rising cost of raw materials, and a move by many into lighter weight alternatives such as plastics.
I don’t find this surprising, because glass has beauty and class, as well as ‘green’ appeal. Many luxury glass containers, as used by the fragrance houses and leading spirits brands, for example, are considered collectable pieces of art. Not only is glass aesthetically pleasing and a quality cue for brands, but research also shows that consumers like it for many other reasons too. They believe it to be ‘environmentally friendly’ as it’s easily recycled and, because its an inert material, the safest and best for preserving the taste of its contents.
But while chunky, heavy glass is acceptable for the relatively smaller production runs of luxury goods, where the container is an integral part of the product, the weight of the glass is certainly an issue when it comes to the carbon footprint of mass produced commodity goods.
The lightweighting of glass bottles has progressed significantly and has become the key focus of developments in the sector, particularly for beverages, wines and spirits – even Champagne. However, it’s important not to get obsessed with lightweighting, as it is premiumisation and individualisation that are apparently the driving forces behind the growing penetration of glass in certain market sectors.
And lightweighting is just one measure of sustainability. Life cycle assessment has shown that a single-use, recyclable glass bottle has no greater carbon footprint than PET packaging, taking into account the extraction and processing of raw materials. Sustainability is an important and growing consideration for most consumers now, and the glass industry needs to work hard to convince designers, brand owners and retailers that the modern glass container is among the leading categories of sustainable packaging.
Felicity Murray,
Editor
