In Germany, the container glass industry suffers from compulsory deposit & energy prices. There are 32 companies in the German container glass industry, producing 67.5 % glass for drink bottles, followed by glass for preserved food at 27.2%, & 5.3% comprises glass for the pharmaceutical & cosmetic industry. 30% of which were exported in 2004. Container glass production fell 2.5% to 4.1M/t in 2004 & sales revenue by 3.5% to 1.5BN EUR. Dramatically increased energy prices put the sector under pressure in 2005. "The energy-intensive container glass industry has had more than it can take," says Dr. Johann Overath, General Manager of the Bundesverband Glasindustrie, Düsseldorf. Production capacities were therefore distinctly cut back last year by shutting down four large glass melting furnaces.
