Glass packaging production volumes in Europe grew by 4.2% in 2011 according to data published by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE). The growth confirms the increase recorded in the first half of 2011 (4.7%), and builds on a positive trend after the 2009 financial crisis. Production figures are back to 2006 levels. The total production volume in Europe was 21.7 million tonnes as against 20.8 million tonnes in 2010. Considering market diversification, as well as major progress made in light-weighting, it is conservatively estimated that more than 50 billion units were produced by about 160 plants in Europe for domestic and international markets. "The year 2011 marked a strong recovery of the industry production volumes to satisfy an increasing local demand, but also a rise of exports outside of Europe. This clearly confirms that the industry is a very stable economic reality in Europe, notwithstanding increasing competition from other materials and an unclear economic framework,"says FEVE President Stefan Jaenecke. "It is quite reassuring in a situation of current macroeconomic uncertainty." Strong growth was recorded in some leading markets, such as in Germany (7.3%), France (5.0%), Spain (4.4%), as well as in Portugal (3%) and in Italy (1.8%). The situation was stable in the UK (-0.3%) and Poland (0.5%), while Turkey confirmed the exponential growth trend of the previous years, although at a slower pace (5.5%). To read more, please visit: www.feve.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=11
