In the food and drinks industry glass is an important packaging material. Photo: GADV

Industry with Perspective

Solid Prospects for Container Glass

2016 is a good year for the glass industry, as reported by sectoral associations in the third quarter of the year. Compared to the first half of last year the German glass sector was able to increase its turnover from January to July 2016 by 3.7% to Euro 4.38 b.

The glass container sector is enjoying stable figures and a positive outlook. Photo: C.Tillmann/Messe Düsseldorf

Worldwide experts expect further growth in the glass packaging segment, primarily due to the rising consumption of alcohol and beer-based drinks. The material that is glass is often used in the pharmaceutical industry also due to its germ-free properties which is a further boost to turnover.

Worldwide the consumption of alcohol and beer-based beverages is on the rise. Higher production figures for glass packaging go hand in hand with this. Photo: glasstec14_MT6054 / Messe Düsseldorf

Versatile Use

As a packaging material glass looks back on a thousand year history and is considered by many as an indispensable material for the packaging of foodstuffs, drinks, cosmetic items or pharmaceuticals. Thanks to its adaptability with varied shapes and colourful decorative designs the raw material holds impressive innovative power for many branches of industry.

Glass is versatile: the material is suited for packaging of foodstuffs, beverages, cosmetic items or pharmaceuticals. Photo: glasstec14_MK1853 / Messe Düsseldorf

Its spectrum of applications in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors ranges from ampoules and small bottles to capsules and pre-fillable syringe systems. In the sensitive medical sector using the highest quality glass it must also be possible to ensure a germ-free environment and sufficient controls of the entire production process. With innovative manufacturing technologies it is possible to create extremely filigree shapes with an individual look.

Germ-free packaging with glass in the pharmaceutical sector. Photo: Merck KGaA

100% Recyclability

Furthermore, glass stands out with its full material recyclability. Glass packaging can be used to make ever new packaging in a closed glass recycling loop – which means significant raw material savings.

Glasstec (Sept. 20 - 23, 2016) will demonstrate the fact that glass is not just flat but that it also has almost limitless dimensions. The world's leading trade fair for the glass industry, mechanical engineering and glass craftsmanship will be presenting the latest developments from the entire world of glass.