The Act sets a target for manufacturing to represent at least 20% of EU GDP by 2035, signaling renewed industrial ambition. FEVE emphasized, however, that urgent action is needed to safeguard competitiveness while enabling decarbonisation, amid rising energy and carbon costs and significant production and furnace closures across Europe.
“Europe’s glass packaging industry is fully committed to decarbonisation and is investing to make it happen,” said Carlo Pirrone, Secretary General of FEVE. “While this proposal is a step forward, bolder measures are needed to reduce energy prices, accelerate grid development, and simplify regulations to maintain our competitive edge.”
The European container glass sector plays a key role in the EU economy and supply chains, supporting exports of high-value products — from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics — totaling over €140 billion annually. With appropriate policy frameworks, the industry can continue to provide fully circular, non-toxic packaging solutions while advancing decarbonised manufacturing, preserving jobs, industrial capacity, and strategic autonomy in Europe.
