British Glass, the authoritative voice for the UK glass sector, presents its groundbreaking Policy Position Document for 2024
British Glass, the representative body championing the UK glass sector, has unveiled its 2024 Policy Position Document, shedding light on the industry’s indispensable role in the national economy and job market. The comprehensive document addresses the multifaceted landscape of the UK glass sector, spotlighting the production of a diverse range of glass products crucial to the decarbonization of various industries, including glass wool insulation and triple glazing.
The UK glass sector, a powerhouse contributing over £2 billion annually to the economy and fostering more than 120,000 jobs throughout the supply chain, is not without its challenges. The industry grapples with issues like elevated manufacturing costs, unfair trade practices, and a reactive trade remedy system. In response, the Policy Position Document proposes strategic recommendations to overcome these challenges and create an enabling environment for UK manufacturing. Recommendations include the formulation of a long-term industrial strategy, proactive trade remedies, and incentives for energy-efficient renovations.
Outlined in the document are three “key strategic pillars” that encapsulate the focus areas for the UK glass industry in 2024 and beyond: “Power decarbonization,” “Recycle it right,” and “Futureproof skills.” Each pillar’s current industry position is accompanied by specific policy recommendations designed to guide the glass industry towards both short-term and long-term decarbonization.
The document also underscores the industry’s dedication to achieving net-zero emissions and fostering sustainable practices. This commitment involves initiatives such as utilizing recycled glass and promoting the separate collection of all glass packaging at the kerbside.
Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass, expressed enthusiasm about the document’s release, stating, “We are pleased to share our latest policy position document, showcasing how the UK glass sector makes essential contributions to the economy and job market nationwide. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation drives our efforts to address the challenges facing the industry and create a supportive environment for UK manufacturing. We believe that by working collaboratively with stakeholders, we can shape a strong and sustainable future for the UK glass industry.”
Acknowledging the importance of government support in achieving a sustainable future, British Glass encourages ongoing engagement with political parties. The goal is to provide guidance in shaping policy positions, fostering the growth of the UK manufacturing sector, and contributing to the broader economy.
Source: British Glass with additional information added by GlassBalkan