On 20th March 2024, Glass for Europe convened its annual General Assembly in Brussels, a pivotal event gathering senior executives and committee chairs from EU-based float manufacturers.
This year’s assembly witnessed a significant milestone with the inclusion of Şişecam as a new member. Şişecam’s extensive presence in flat glass production, with four production lines across Italy and Bulgaria, bolsters Glass for Europe’s representation to encompass approximately 90% of EU flat glass production, solidifying its position as the authoritative voice of the sector in Europe.
The election of a new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson marked a transition in leadership within Glass for Europe. Davide Cappellino, Chairman of the Board and President of Architectural Glass at AGC Glass Europe, assumed the role of Chair, succeeding Joana Arreguy from Saint-Gobain. Dr. Christian Quenett from the NSG Group was elected Vice Chair, emphasizing a commitment to steering the industry through evolving challenges and regulatory landscapes within the EU.
A significant segment of the General Assembly was dedicated to addressing the pressing technological and economic hurdles linked to reducing CO2 emissions in flat glass production. The dialogue underscored Glass for Europe’s vision, ‘2050 I Flat Glass in a Climate Neutral Europe’, aligning with the EU’s trajectory towards climate neutrality. Mr. Cappellino emphasized the imperative of creating a conducive industrial environment to achieve climate neutrality targets, emphasizing the need for sustainable and affordable flat glass production within Europe.
In response to these challenges, Glass for Europe unveiled a policy manifesto for 2024-2029, outlining actionable policy proposals for EU policymakers. The advocacy for these policies will be a central focus for Glass for Europe in the forthcoming months, highlighting the industry’s commitment to sustainable transformation and its pivotal role in advancing the EU’s climate objectives.
The General Assembly of Glass for Europe in 2024 stands as a testament to the industry’s collective resolve to navigate complexities, foster innovation, and drive sustainable practices in flat glass production. As the sector continues to evolve, the commitment to shaping a climate-neutral future remains at the forefront of Glass for Europe’s agenda, paving the way for a resilient and environmentally conscious flat glass industry in Europe.
Check out Glass for Europe’s policy manifesto
Source:Glass For Europe with additional information added by GlassBalkan
