Materials

European production of glass packaging grew at a rate of 4% in 2007, according to trade association Fédération Européenne du Verre D'Emballage (FEVE).

Glass production in Europe last year amounted to 22.4 million tons, which in terms of demand represented 36kg per capita, up from 35kg in 2006.

"This is a welcome sign and comes after a number of years of virtual stagnation," said FEVE president Dominique Tombeur.

"It sends an encouraging signal to the industry to keep investing in new furnaces and upgrades, new products and processes."

The leading European glass producers in 2007 were Portugal and Turkey, which reported year-on-year growth of 12% and 18% respectively. By comparison, UK growth was 4%.

Germany topped the volume chart by producing more than four million tonnes, or 20% of total EU production of bottles, jars and 'flaconnage' in 2007.

France and Italy followed close behind with production of 3.7 million tonnes and 3.6 million tonnes respectively, driven by buoyant demand from the luxury goods, food products and wines sectors. Chasing the leaders were the UK and Spain, with output of 2.2 million tonnes each.

In 2007, glass packaging production was widespread in the EU, with manufacturing spread across 140 plants in 20 countries.

FEVE is the association of European manufacturers of glass packaging containers. It has about 60 members employing 40,000 people and representing 60% of European glass production.