Earlier this week, a significant event unfolded as Glass Alliance Europe convened an insightful discussion focused on the critical role of the Clean Industrial Deal in supporting the decarbonisation and competitiveness of the glass industry. This gathering brought together key stakeholders to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by Europe’s ambitious climate goals.
Representing Glass for Europe, Chairman Mr. Davide Cappellino from AGC Glass Europe participated in a substantive discussion alongside Mr. Kurt Vandenberghe from DG CLIMA, Ms. Elena Donazzan from the European Parliament, and Mr. Giovanni Puri Purini. During this exchange, they highlighted a crucial point: the technology required for the full decarbonisation of flat glass production is not yet readily available at an industrial scale. This observation served as a catalyst for a comprehensive dialogue on the future trajectory of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), a cornerstone of European climate policy.
The event served as a platform to articulate several key policy proposals aimed at facilitating the industry’s transition. These proposals included the imperative of ensuring access to low-carbon energy sources, the necessary infrastructure to support this transition, and a reliable supply of recycled glass, a vital component in reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. Furthermore, attendees stressed the importance of supporting electrification efforts by making the glass sector eligible for indirect cost compensation under the EU ETS. They also advocated for measures to address existing investment gaps, recognizing that significant capital expenditure is required to implement decarbonisation technologies, particularly in areas where solutions are still under development.
A key focus of the discussions was the structure and functioning of the EU ETS. Proposals were put forth to reform the system to guarantee liquidity on the carbon market, ensuring efficient price discovery and predictable investment signals. Crucially, attendees emphasized the need for robust protection against carbon leakage, a phenomenon where production shifts to regions with less stringent climate policies, undermining the effectiveness of EU measures. The concept of creating lead markets for low-carbon European-made products was also discussed, aiming to stimulate demand and provide a competitive advantage for sustainably produced glass. Finally, the importance of timely trade defense measures was highlighted as a necessary safeguard against unfair competition from third countries that do not face comparable carbon costs. 
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe and acting Secretary General of Glass Alliance Europe, underscored the industry’s deep commitment to sustainable practices. However, he also emphasized that significant enabling conditions are still required from policymakers to accelerate the pace of transformation across the sector.
Looking ahead, industry representatives expressed their anticipation for continued dialogue on future relevant legislations. They reiterated the fundamental importance of flat glass products in advancing the EU’s sustainable and industrial objectives, highlighting their crucial role in construction, renewable energy technologies, and various other applications. The overarching message was a call for collaborative efforts to prevent Europe from losing its strategic glass manufacturing capabilities in the face of global competition and the imperative of decarbonisation.
The organizers extended their gratitude to the moderator, speakers, and all participants for their engaging contributions, as well as acknowledging the patronage of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union for supporting this important event. This gathering underscored the shared understanding that achieving a green and competitive glass industry requires concerted action from all stakeholders.
Source: Glass for Europe with additional information added by GlassBalkan
