Trouble ahead for glass packaging industries

The glass packaging industry is cracking under the pressure of the burgeoning plastics industry, according to a new report published by Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

Titled Glass Packaging " Global Strategic Business Report, the article shows the global glass packaging market growing at a very slow rate, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to be the best performer in coming years.

The plastic packaging industry is expected to far outpace not only glass but other packaging materials in the near future. The high growth is expected mainly on account of the technological advancements in the industry, above-average performance in the past and the performance benefits of the material.

The usage of plastic is most popular in the packaging of food and beverages, which is damaging to the glass packaging industry since these areas still remain the primary end-use markets for glass packaging.

Glass-packaged consumer beverages account for an amazing 75% of the total world consumption, with glass still remaining the primary choice for drinks like champagne, beer and fizzy drinks.

Food represents the second largest end-use market for glass packaging, with consumption of US$6.7 billion in 2006.

For more details about the report, visit www.strategyr.com/MCP-2762.asp.