Op-ed by Glass for Europe Chairman: “Time for the flat glass industry’s decarbonization efforts to pay off”

The op-ed sheds light on the current reality facing the flat glass industry and the solutions which can be implemented to accelerate the decarbonisation and ensure competitiveness.

In its recently released report on the Future of European Competitiveness, Mario Draghi concludes that the EU can “pursue its decarbonisation path while preserving the competitive position of its industry”. However, this is only possible if the European Union is making fundamental choices. This is the message echoed in Davide Cappellino’s opinion piece. The reality of the flat glass industry is that “2023 saw our sector’s worst year on record, below that of even the COVID-19 pandemic or 2013 crisis”. If this situation has not undermined the industry’s commitment to contribute to the emission reduction objectives, it will only be possible with swift actions from policymakers.

At the moment, the flat glass industry in Europe faces higher energy prices than the rest of the world, very limited demand for lower carbon glass and increasing imports on key market segment such as automotive glass. The promises of the Green Deal are yet to materialise. Some of these preoccupations seem to be on the agenda of the next European Commission but it remains to be seen how they will be addressed.

Davide Cappellino recalls the priorities set in the Glass for Europe 2024-2029 Manifesto:

• Maintain and strengthen Europe’s industrial base
• Significantly boost window replacement
• Properly support energy and carbon efficiency of our industrial processes
• Strongly incentivise the recycling of old glazing.

The next couple of months should provide clarity on the Commission’s actions over the next few years, especially with the Clean Industrial Deal, expected in the first 100 days of the mandate. Glass for Europe is eager to start contributing to the debate.

Read the full op-ed here.