Asia Pacific is largest consumer of glass packaging

Increasing consumption of alcoholic beverages, such as wine and beer, is one of the primary factors that will drive the demand for glass packaging in the next five years. Beer is expected to show the fastest growth in terms of glass bottle consumption. Glass bottles accounted for over 60 per cent of the beer packaging market in 2011, according to a report by Research and Markets. Increased preference for beer bottled in glass due to its sterility and improved shelf life are expected to contribute to the growth of the market.

Another key factor affecting the demand for glass bottles in beer has been consumer preference towards glass and slow adoption of beer packaged in other materials such as metal cans. This trend is expected to continue over the next few years.

Demand for glass packaging was highest in the Asia Pacific and accounted for over 35 per cent of the global demand in 2012. Europe was the second-largest market for glass packaging in 2012. The Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth over the next few years on account of the rise in disposable income of consumers coupled with the influence of western values, which has led to a growing consumption of beer. China has been the fastest growing beer market followed by India, and the trend is expected to continue into the forecast period on account of increased beer consumption by younger generations. (Photo © Bakelyt I RTF Stock Photo)

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