In March 2011, the European Commission presented its communication on a Roadmap for moving to a competitive low carbon economy in 2050. This Commission roadmap provides scenarios and targets on how sectors such as industry, power generation, transport, buildings, agriculture, etc. should undertake a transition towards a low carbon economy in the coming years to achieve defined goals by 2050. Much talk has surrounded this so-called low carbon roadmap. What is already clear is that it provides direction for Europe. It defines a horizon for Europe's industry, decision-makers and society at large to embrace. Achieving the objective of a competitive low carbon economy requires the mobilization of all stakeholders. Europe's flat glass industry hears that message and, as of now, sets itself on a path to maximize its contributions to the European 2050 ambitions. This is the purpose of this flat glass industry's contribution to a competitive low carbon economy. It presents not only our industry's vision for 2050 but it most importantly highlights how our industry will deliver Performance, Sustainability and the Production Capacities needed for Europe's low carbon future. The purpose of this contribution is neither to discuss the content of the Commission's communication nor to define detailed positions on pieces of EU legislation. Rather, it sets out an industry vision which can be achieved if supported by the right regulatory environment.
