German Glass Packaging Market Declines in First Half of the Year

According to the German Federal Glass Industry Association, the market for glass packaging in Germany contracted by 7.8% in the first half of 2026, falling to approximately 1.82 million tonnes. A decline in sales volumes was observed in both domestic and foreign markets, continuing a trend seen during the same period last year.

The downturn was most pronounced in the beverage bottle segment, where sales volumes dropped by 8.7% compared to the first half of 2025. Negative trends were recorded across all subcategories within this segment: sales of packaging for beer and spirits fell by 6.4%, while the wine and sparkling wine segment saw the sharpest decline, at 11.4%. Volumes for non-alcoholic beverage packaging—including containers for water, milk, and juice—decreased by 8.2%.

In the segment covering glass packaging for food products, as well as for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, the association reported a 5.9% decline in sales volumes. Within this category, sales of glass packaging for food products (excluding preserved fruits, vegetables, and pickled or brined goods) fell by 3.7%. A more significant decline—8.9% year-on-year—was observed in the subsegment for glass packaging used for preserved fruits, vegetables, and pickled or brined products.

"Unfortunately, the figures for the first half of the year indicate that the anticipated recovery of the glass packaging market has not yet taken place." "Amid economic uncertainty and persistently high price levels, many consumers are keeping a very close eye on their spending. This is having an impact on many consumer goods markets—and, consequently, on the demand for products packaged in glass," noted Dorothée Richardt, Head of the Glass Packaging division at the German Federal Association of the Glass Industry.

She also emphasized the importance of ensuring that consumers throughout the value chain recognize the advantages of glass—such as product safety and its recyclability within a circular economy. Furthermore, she noted that the glass packaging industry requires a reliable regulatory framework in Germany, as well as a stable and affordable energy supply. Richardt added that additional financial burdens should be avoided—for instance, the planned increases in excise duties on sparkling wines and spirits.

Source: Unipack.Ru