Glass packaging production in Europe grew by 1% in volume (tonnes) and by 1% in unit terms in the first half year 2018 compared to the previous half year according to data published today by the European Container Glass Federation, FEVE (Fig 1). The growth is in line with the Full Year 2017 data, which recorded a growth of 2% in weight terms and 2.4% in units and compares favourably with the historical trend since 2012. Between 2012-2017, production has increased by almost 1.7 million tonnes (8.3% increase) or 6.4 billion units (8.9% increase) (Fig 2). Generally, all food and beverage market segments experienced a demand growth for glass, and the outlook is very positive also for the flaconnage sector for perfumery, cosmetics and pharmacy. We are encouraged by this positive trend which confirms our belief that brands and consumers are switching to glass for environmental reasons", comments Adeline Farrelly, FEVE Secretary General. This positive market dynamic for glass reflects an increasing consumer engagement with environmental causes. Consumers, and particularly millennials, are increasingly aware of the impact their daily lifestyle can have on the environment: 'plastics pollution' has been amongst the most searched topics on Google in 2018 in UK. Sustainability is no longer a 'buzzword', now consumers see a direct link between their purchasing behaviour and major environmental issues, and they want to know more about the products they buy, and the way brands behave. According to a Unilever survey carried out in 2017, more than one in five (21%) of the people surveyed said they would actively choose brands if they made their sustainability credentials clearer on their packaging and in their marketing. A recent Europe-wide survey carried out with the Friends of Glass community states 78% of Europeans pay more attention on the environmental impact of their daily life and actions.
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