Production data 2010 published on 28 June from FEVE show a general recovery from the drop of the previous year. In 2010, the industry produced 20.7M/t of glass compared to 20.1/t in 2009, marking an increase of 3.5%. The biggest increase in production was recorded in Turkey (27%) & the UK (9.5%). In Italy (5.2%) & Poland (5.7%), the increase was more important than in Portugal (1.9%), Spain (2.7%) & North & Central countries (1.7%). In Germany the situation was stable (0.2%) as well as in France where a slight decrease was recorded (-0.1%). "The industry was able to react firmly to the impact of the previous year's financial crisis," says FEVE President Niall Wall, "And to maintain its place as a key player in the packaging market notwithstanding the harsh competition. This is important if we are to offer consumers choice because glass is their preferred packaging thanks to its environmental, health & taste preservation qualities. For some natural & healthy products like milk, yoghurts, baby food or mineral waters, consumer demand for glass packaging is not being met because of the lack of choice on supermarket shelves." The industry continues to make efforts to improve the efficiency of manufacturing process, to reduce environmental impacts and to reduce costs to ensure that brands are provided with a premium packaging solution at competitive prices when compared to other materials. With the EU's 160 manufacturing plants distributed all over Europe, the industry is an important contributor to Europe's real economy & provides direct employment to about 50,000 people, while creating a large number of job opportunities along the total supply chain.
