FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation , has unanimously elected Michel Giannuzzi, Chairman of Verallia, as its new President during its Annual General Meeting held in Brussels on 12 June. “I am truly honoured to have been elected President of FEVE. It is a privilege to represent an industry that plays such a vital role in building beautiful and healthy packaging that enhances our customers’ brand identities”, stated Michel Giannuzzi. “As we move forward, I am committed to reinforcing our collective efforts towards decarbonisation and innovation, ensuring that the glass packaging industry remains a competitive local manufacturer in Europe’s green transition.”
The European container glass industry, which supports 125,000 jobs, produces more than 20 million tonnes of endlessly recyclable glass each year across 23 countries. With glass packaged goods enabling over €140 billion in trade value, the sector is a vital pillar of Europe’s industrial powerhouse.
Glass is Europe’s circular material of choice
" I look forward to continuing the important mission of promoting the unique benefits of glass – a permanent material that is endlessly recyclable, safe, and essential to a circular economy." added Giannuzzi.
The glass container industry is stepping up to implement the new EU packaging rules, which will have significant impacts on the whole packaging value chain. Glass is both reusable and infinitely recyclable, making it a reference for consumers and a true ally of brands that need to achieve the objectives of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. In the coming months, FEVE will continue to advocate for a simple regulatory framework that supports innovation, competitiveness and the practical needs of the glass packaging value chain.
The transition to a low carbon economy
The election of the new President of FEVE comes at a critical time for the industry’s transformation. European glass packaging manufacturers have already invested in around 100 decarbonisation and innovation projects across Europe – from hybrid electric furnaces to eco-design - and to investments in collection and recycling.
Yet, huge bottlenecks remain, green energy prices remain high, and unstable energy infrastructures are not ready to support electrification and full industrial decarbonisation.
Outgoing President, Martin Petersson, CEO of Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe, said “As an industry, we are committed to investment in decarbonising the European glass packaging industry, but we need a policy framework that reflects industry realities and a transition pathway to decarbonisation that is aligned with our capital-intensive investment cycles. The Clean Industrial Deal is a step in the right direction and we are ready to play our role to ensure its successful implementation".