Ciner Glass has decided not to proceed with its planned glass bottling facility in South Wales, UK, after a review highlighted changes in UK market demand and rising production costs for container glass. Despite this, the company remains committed to investing in the region and is exploring alternative projects on the same site in Blaenau Gwent.
The decision follows a commercial viability assessment that impacted the original scheme. Ciner Glass has already invested nearly £20 million in the area through social enterprise programs, university research partnerships, and strategic industry collaborations. The company continues discussions with the Welsh Government about acquiring the Rassau industrial estate site.
Mrs Didem Ciner, Chair of Ciner Glass, expressed gratitude to the UK and Welsh Governments, Blaenau Gwent Council, and the local community for their support during the project’s development. She stated:
We remain committed to supporting local projects and are grateful for the warm welcome and collaboration from the local community, the UK and Welsh Governments, and Blaenau Gwent Council.
She also highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to local initiatives and community sponsorships, including continued backing of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club and the Welsh Rugby Union’s Fit, Fed, Fun campaign.
Meanwhile, Ciner Glass’s Lommel facility in Belgium is progressing on schedule. Installation of the first furnace, with a capacity of 650 tons per day feeding four production lines, is set to begin this autumn. Production is expected to start in the second quarter of 2026. A second furnace, doubling capacity to 1,300 tons daily, is planned for 2027.
This Lommel site is poised to become one of Europe’s most advanced and sustainable glass manufacturing plants, supported by major European machinery suppliers such as Bottero and Lahti Glass Technology.
Source: Ciner Glass with additional information added by Glass Balkan
