Download Sample, Shifting Consumer Preferences Towards Safety and Sustainability Becomes a Major Driving Factor
Glass packaging emerges as a safer alternative to plastic packaging. Consumer demand for safe and healthy packaging for food and beverages drives the growth of the glass packaging market in this segment. Developing countries in regions such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa are seeing a rise in glass packaging compared to the developed countries. For instance, Middle-class growth in South Asian cities like Jakarta and Manila creates an untapped opportunity due to the preference of consumers for glass packaging as a healthy, premium, and environmentally friendly alternative.
In addition to this, consumer behaviour analysis, particularly for the cosmetic-personal care and alcoholic beverages, is of utmost importance not just in the premium segment but the plain segment. For instance, in the Middle East region, particularly in the Gulf countries luxury appeal of glass with regard to cosmetics and perfumes is widely embraced. Brand perception due to a premium and aesthetic look, and to showcase the colour of the product, is the factor that drives the growth of the market.
Along with this, the pharmaceutical, personal care, and beauty products segment requires a considerable volume of glass packaging. Concerning the pharmaceutical market, governments of countries around the world are keen on developing their healthcare infrastructure and access to medicines, which is also a significant market driver for glass packaging. Moreover, glass, due to its reusable, natural, and sustainable nature, gains significance among environmentally conscious consumers, leading to the growth of the market in different segments. Additionally, due to the use of plastic packaging for different products in several manufacturing industries causes a harmful environmental impact. It leads to the strict regulations by the government on unsustainable packaging, which forces businesses to explore different options and shift towards sustainable packaging. It leads to a considerable drive for the glass packaging market.
In addition to this, consumer behaviour analysis, particularly for the cosmetic-personal care and alcoholic beverages, is of utmost importance not just in the premium segment but the plain segment. For instance, in the Middle East region, particularly in the Gulf countries luxury appeal of glass with regard to cosmetics and perfumes is widely embraced. Brand perception due to a premium and aesthetic look, and to showcase the colour of the product, is the factor that drives the growth of the market.
Along with this, the pharmaceutical, personal care, and beauty products segment requires a considerable volume of glass packaging. Concerning the pharmaceutical market, governments of countries around the world are keen on developing their healthcare infrastructure and access to medicines, which is also a significant market driver for glass packaging. Moreover, glass, due to its reusable, natural, and sustainable nature, gains significance among environmentally conscious consumers, leading to the growth of the market in different segments. Additionally, due to the use of plastic packaging for different products in several manufacturing industries causes a harmful environmental impact. It leads to the strict regulations by the government on unsustainable packaging, which forces businesses to explore different options and shift towards sustainable packaging. It leads to a considerable drive for the glass packaging market.
Lucrative Opportunity in the Pharmaceuticals Segment
Concerning pharmaceutical glass packaging, India, China, the US, and Europe are major pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs. India has over a 49% share in the pharmaceutical manufacturing, while China has over 13%, the US has 10%, and Europe has 22%. It creates a market opportunity for the glass packaging manufacturers in the pharmaceutical segment in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. In addition to this, in countries like Japan, Germany, Monaco and Italy, to cater for the pharmaceutical needs of their ageing population, the pharmaceutical segment of the glass packaging market has a wider scope. In India, as per a report presented by AIGMF(All India Glass Manufacturers Federation), the glass packaging market of India is currently just over 8% as compared to plastic packaging. flexible packaging, printed cartons and metal packaging, which creates a huge potential for the glass packaging market.
The food and beverages market across the world is rising, more specifically, in healthy food and beverages. Combined demand for healthy food content and healthy glass packaging creates an opportunity in the food and beverage industry. Alcoholic beverages are a crucial segment with significant growth, in which the premium segment presents an opportunity for aesthetic and creative packaging solutions. Development of the differentiated designs for alcoholic beverages, personal care and cosmetic products, including perfumes, has endless scope. Customised glass packaging solutions have ample scope in order to enhance the uniqueness of the brands.
In 2023, global trade of glass bottles reached US$15.5 billion, and it shows a rise of 3.96% from 2022, when trade totalled US$14.9 billion. Over the past five years, trade in this segment has grown at 8.06% annually. Among over 1,200 products traded in 2023, glass bottles ranked 262 in global trade value, accounting for 0.07% of world trade. Supportive policies by the governments and market openness create a favourable environment for the glass packaging manufacturers.
Moreover, African countries are setting policies that include tax relief and infrastructure support for companies that will set up sustainable glass manufacturing units. For instance, the Kenyan government is providing subsidies for the manufacturing of sustainable packaging, including glass. It is an opportunity for companies that have to set up their manufacturing units, and they can save on their cost of manufacturing and taxes. Moreover, glass manufacturers need to ensure a robust supply chain and safe packaging for their products. Poor infrastructure, particularly poor roads in underdeveloped and developing countries, specifically in Africa, creates a considerable challenge for ensuring the uninterrupted supply chain. It becomes challenging for the glass packaging manufacturers to reach the target industries in these countries.
The food and beverages market across the world is rising, more specifically, in healthy food and beverages. Combined demand for healthy food content and healthy glass packaging creates an opportunity in the food and beverage industry. Alcoholic beverages are a crucial segment with significant growth, in which the premium segment presents an opportunity for aesthetic and creative packaging solutions. Development of the differentiated designs for alcoholic beverages, personal care and cosmetic products, including perfumes, has endless scope. Customised glass packaging solutions have ample scope in order to enhance the uniqueness of the brands.
In 2023, global trade of glass bottles reached US$15.5 billion, and it shows a rise of 3.96% from 2022, when trade totalled US$14.9 billion. Over the past five years, trade in this segment has grown at 8.06% annually. Among over 1,200 products traded in 2023, glass bottles ranked 262 in global trade value, accounting for 0.07% of world trade. Supportive policies by the governments and market openness create a favourable environment for the glass packaging manufacturers.
Moreover, African countries are setting policies that include tax relief and infrastructure support for companies that will set up sustainable glass manufacturing units. For instance, the Kenyan government is providing subsidies for the manufacturing of sustainable packaging, including glass. It is an opportunity for companies that have to set up their manufacturing units, and they can save on their cost of manufacturing and taxes. Moreover, glass manufacturers need to ensure a robust supply chain and safe packaging for their products. Poor infrastructure, particularly poor roads in underdeveloped and developing countries, specifically in Africa, creates a considerable challenge for ensuring the uninterrupted supply chain. It becomes challenging for the glass packaging manufacturers to reach the target industries in these countries.
Recent Trends in the Glass Packaging Market
- Lightweight glass packaging is emerging as a leading segment of the alcoholic beverages packaging market
- Aestheticism is becoming significant in the case of cosmetics, glass packaging, and enhancing the brand perception
- Consumer behaviour analysis with regard to the different segments became a crucial part of the market
- European glass industry focusing on net-zero emissions and building low-carbon energy infrastructures in alignment with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
- Asia-Pacific is leading in the pharmaceutical glass packaging market, with India and China at the forefront
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Sustainable Production is a Considerable Challenge
Production of glass alcohol bottles is contributing significantly to the industry's CO2 emissions, paving the way for the development of sustainable substitutes. For instance, Frugalpack, which is a sustainable packaging company, developed the paper bottle named ‘Frugal Bottle’ for fresh wine and spirits. According to the company, this bottle emits less carbon and is also 5 times lighter in weight than a normal glass bottle. But this kind of alternative has limitations in order to replace the glass packaging on the aspect of aesthetics. Aluminium cans are a major substitute for glass packaging in beverages.
Manufacturers need to comply with the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. They need to reduce their GHG(Greenhouse Gas) emissions, ensuring sustainable production processes. With regards to the supply chain, glass packaging poses a risk of breaking due to its fragility. The supply chain of the glass packaging market demands more transportation costs due to the increased weight and more insurance costs. Reducing transportation costs is a challenging task for manufacturers.
Manufacturers need to comply with the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. They need to reduce their GHG(Greenhouse Gas) emissions, ensuring sustainable production processes. With regards to the supply chain, glass packaging poses a risk of breaking due to its fragility. The supply chain of the glass packaging market demands more transportation costs due to the increased weight and more insurance costs. Reducing transportation costs is a challenging task for manufacturers.
Private Equity Firms are Investing in the Glass Packaging Businesses
Concerning innovations, in January 2025, Gerresheimer, the German company that manufactures glass packaging for cosmetics, medication, and drug delivery systems, introduced advanced packaging solutions known as ‘Connected packaging’. It integrates the unique NFC tags that create individual digital identities for products. It will transform packaging into digital customer touchpoints. Using this innovative technology, beauty brands can work on enhancing customer experience. It will ensure more customer loyalty for the brand and will help to elevate the consumer-brand relationship. This will also give them valuable insights related to consumer behaviour for developing market strategies. Ajanta, a glass bottle manufacturing company based in India, has introduced airless pump bottles for the foundations and serums. As well as it also developed the clear glass tubes for the lip glosses and mascaras. It will enable the consumer to see the colour and enhance their experience.
In February 2024, O-I Glass, Inc., developed a lighter-weight glass bottle known as Estampe. It weighs only 390 g. It is less than a French wine bottle of 500g, and reduces carbon emissions into the environment by around 20% as compared to a French wine bottle. Also, Ardagh Group, a glass packaging company in Luxembourg, is focusing on more sustainable glass packaging material. It also considers the down-gauging and operational excellence.
Regarding innovations in operations about sustainability, in 2024, O-I Glass, Inc., has developed a smaller and more efficient furnace dubbed MAGMA (Modular Advanced Glass Manufacturing Asset) it aiming to reduce its carbon emission through the container manufacturing by 85%. In April 2025, Piramal Glass, an Indian company, is focusing on reducing its environmental impact. They launched a new furnace named 120 TPD(Tonnes Per Day).
Concerning developments related to mergers and acquisitions, Orora, an Australian glass packaging company, acquired a French company named Saverglass in 2025. It is a manufacturer of high-end glass bottles. The deal has been closed for US$1.4 billion. By this move, Orora has to increase its portfolio and aim to establish itself as a global player in premium glass markets. In 2024, mergers and acquisitions in this industry include the role of private equity. Around 38% of mergers and acquisitions are driven by private equity firms. It is helping the small firms to scale up their business.
In February 2024, O-I Glass, Inc., developed a lighter-weight glass bottle known as Estampe. It weighs only 390 g. It is less than a French wine bottle of 500g, and reduces carbon emissions into the environment by around 20% as compared to a French wine bottle. Also, Ardagh Group, a glass packaging company in Luxembourg, is focusing on more sustainable glass packaging material. It also considers the down-gauging and operational excellence.
Regarding innovations in operations about sustainability, in 2024, O-I Glass, Inc., has developed a smaller and more efficient furnace dubbed MAGMA (Modular Advanced Glass Manufacturing Asset) it aiming to reduce its carbon emission through the container manufacturing by 85%. In April 2025, Piramal Glass, an Indian company, is focusing on reducing its environmental impact. They launched a new furnace named 120 TPD(Tonnes Per Day).
Concerning developments related to mergers and acquisitions, Orora, an Australian glass packaging company, acquired a French company named Saverglass in 2025. It is a manufacturer of high-end glass bottles. The deal has been closed for US$1.4 billion. By this move, Orora has to increase its portfolio and aim to establish itself as a global player in premium glass markets. In 2024, mergers and acquisitions in this industry include the role of private equity. Around 38% of mergers and acquisitions are driven by private equity firms. It is helping the small firms to scale up their business.
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Europe Leading in Glass Bottle Segment while Asia Pacific leading in Pharmaceutical Segment
In the Asia-Pacific region, India, China, and South Korea are major manufacturers of pharmaceuticals. India and China export a significant volume of pharmaceuticals and also have domestic markets for their pharmaceuticals. Healthcare infrastructure in these countries sees notable development. The pharmaceutical market in Japan sees growth, which has occurred due to an increased need for pharmaceuticals by its ageing population. It creates a significant opportunity for the glass packaging industry in this region. In the North America region, the Pharmaceutical glass packaging market is growing due to demand for technical improvements. In this region, the US is the top importer of glass bottles with a trade value of over US$1.83 billion. Canada imports glass bottles of trade value worth over US$410 million. In Latin America, Brazil imports US$248 million worth of glass bottles.
In Europe, alcoholic beverages are a leading segment where growth is favourable for the glass packaging industry. France and Italy are the top importers of glass bottles, with a trade value of over US$2 billion and US$1.17 billion. Spain is also a significant importer of glass bottles worth over US$1 billion. Regarding the MEA region, African countries are providing a favourable environment for the manufacturing of sustainable glass packaging. It is also driven by the food and beverage as well as the pharmaceutical industry in these developing countries.
The report provides a detailed overview of the glass packaging market insights in regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. The country-specific assessment for the glass packaging market has been offered for all regional market shares, along with forecasts, market scope estimates, price point assessment, and impact analysis of prominent countries and regions. Throughout this market research report, Y-o-Y growth and CAGR estimates are also incorporated for every country and region to provide a detailed view of the glass packaging market. These YoY projections on regional and country-level markets brighten the political, economic and business environment outlook, which is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the growth of the glass packaging market. Some key countries and regions included in the glass packaging market report are as follows:
In Europe, alcoholic beverages are a leading segment where growth is favourable for the glass packaging industry. France and Italy are the top importers of glass bottles, with a trade value of over US$2 billion and US$1.17 billion. Spain is also a significant importer of glass bottles worth over US$1 billion. Regarding the MEA region, African countries are providing a favourable environment for the manufacturing of sustainable glass packaging. It is also driven by the food and beverage as well as the pharmaceutical industry in these developing countries.
The report provides a detailed overview of the glass packaging market insights in regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. The country-specific assessment for the glass packaging market has been offered for all regional market shares, along with forecasts, market scope estimates, price point assessment, and impact analysis of prominent countries and regions. Throughout this market research report, Y-o-Y growth and CAGR estimates are also incorporated for every country and region to provide a detailed view of the glass packaging market. These YoY projections on regional and country-level markets brighten the political, economic and business environment outlook, which is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the growth of the glass packaging market. Some key countries and regions included in the glass packaging market report are as follows:
| North America | United States, Canada |
| Latin America | Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Rest of Latin America |
| Europe | Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Czech Republic, Rest of Europe |
| Asia Pacific | China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Rest of Asia Pacific |
| MEA | GCC Countries, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rest of MEA |
Glass Packaging Market Research Report Covers In-depth Analysis on:
- Glass packaging market detailed segments and segment-wise market breakdown
- Glass packaging market dynamics (Recent industry trends, drivers, restraints, growth potential, opportunities in the glass packaging industry)
- Current, historical, and forthcoming 10-year market valuation in terms of glass packaging market size (US$ Mn), volume (Units), share (%), Y-o-Y growth rate, and CAGR (%) analysis
- Glass packaging market demand analysis
- Glass packaging market pricing analysis over the forecast period (by key segment and by region)
- Glass packaging market regional insights with region-wise market breakdown
- Competitive analysis – key companies profiling, including their market share, product offerings, and competitive strategies.
- Latest developments and innovations in the glass packaging market
- Regulatory landscape by key regions and key countries
- Supply chain and value chain analysis in the glass packaging market
- Glass packaging market sales and distribution strategies
- A comprehensive overview of the parent market
- A detailed viewpoint on the glass packaging market forecast by countries
- Mergers and acquisitions in the glass packaging market
- Essential information to enhance market position
- Robust research methodologies
- Frequently Asked Questions -
What are the key growth drivers in the glass packaging market?
The glass packaging market is primarily driven by increasing consumer preference for sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions, along with rising demand in beverages, pharmaceuticals, and food industries globally.
What challenges are manufacturers facing in the glass packaging market?
Manufacturers face challenges like high production costs, breakage during transportation, competition from alternative materials like plastics and metals, and fluctuating raw material prices, impacting profitability.
How does glass packaging impact environmental sustainability?
Glass packaging is fully recyclable, reusable, and chemically inert, which reduces plastic waste, lowers carbon footprint, and aligns with increasing regulatory and consumer demand for sustainable packaging options.
