The report said collaboration is essential for the container glass industry to deliver a packaging solution that is not only fully circular but also climate neutral.

A crucial step in reaching the industry’s net zero goal by 2050 is rapid access to affordable, low carbon energy.

Currently, 80% of the glass container industry’s direct carbon emissions result from the combustion of natural gas. Switching to low-carbon energy sources is therefore a top priority.

More than 90% of the glass containers produced in the EU are made by companies that have committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

It said the access to new financial instruments or the continuation of existing ones to support the industry efforts in the transition is also said to be essential.

As glass furnaces have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and an estimated annual replacement rate of 7% to 10%, FEVE said it is imperative that old furnaces are gradually replaced with ones that can operate using low-carbon technologies.

It said the window for action is now, to ensure the sector reaches its 2050 net zero target.

Currently, the glass container industry invests over €600m annually in innovation and decarbonisation, including efficiency and plant upgrades.

To fully achieve net zero, an estimated €20bn in additional capital expenditure will be required by 2050 to upgrade production technologies and decarbonise operations.

This is described as a conservative estimate that excludes increased operational costs tied to securing and using low carbon energy sources.

Glass container manufacturers remain resolutely committed to overcoming the decarbonisation challenge, meeting growing customer demand for low-carbon glass, and positioning glass as the sustainable packaging material of the future.

Glass has an impressive collection rate in Europe – 80.2% in 2022—with most of the material being recycled in the closed-loop.