Sheffield, UK - British Glass, the representative body for the UK glass sector, has released a new policy position document for 2024, highlighting the vital contributions of the industry to the economy and job market, alongside current challenges and policy recommendations for the sector.
The document outlines the diverse range of glass products manufactured in the UK, including those contributing to the decarbonisation of other sectors, such as glass wool insulation and triple glazing. The UK glass sector contributes over £2 billion to the economy each year and provides more than 120,000 jobs across the supply chain.
However, the industry faces several challenges such as higher manufacturing costs, unfair trade practices, and a reactive and costly trade remedy system. The policy recommendations address these challenges and aim to create a supportive environment for UK manufacturing, including a long-term industrial strategy, proactive trade remedies, and incentives for energy efficiency renovations.
British Glass outline three “key strategic pillars” that summarise focus points for the UK glass industry in 2024 and beyond. The current industry position for each of the strategic pillars - “Power decarbonisation”, “Recycle it right”, and “Futureproof skills” – are followed by specific policy recommendations designed to help the glass industry on the way to decarbonisation in both the short and long-term.
The document also highlights the industry's commitment to transitioning to net zero and promoting sustainable practices, such as using recycled glass and collecting all glass packaging separately at the kerbside.
"We are pleased to share our latest policy position document, showcasing how the UK glass sector makes essential contributions to the economy and job market nation-wide." said Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass. “Our commitment to sustainability and innovation drives our efforts to address the challenges facing the industry and create a supportive environment for UK manufacturing. We believe that by working collaboratively with stakeholders, we can shape a strong and sustainable future for the UK glass industry."
It’s key that the glass sector continues to receive support from the government as we move towards a sustainable future. British Glass encourages continued engagement with political parties to provide guidance on shaping their policy positions, to help grow the UK manufacturing sector and the wider economy.
Read the full policy paper below. For more information, contact British Glass at info@britglass.co.uk
