A recent report from Glass for Europe, Europe’s manufacturers of building, automotive and transport glass association, presented the potential for the flat glass industry to deliver sustainable growth and green jobs.
Glass for Europe, the association of Europe’s manufacturers of building, automotive and transport glass, unveiled its industry pathway towards a competitive low carbon economy during a recent dinner debate with EU officials.
“The flat glass industry, through its products with applications in the building, automotive and renewable sectors, its research and its state-of-the-art manufacturing activities, has an important role in shaping Europe’s future of a competitive low-carbon economy,” said Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe. “Our industry intends to deliver Performance, Sustainability and Production capacities. This translates in very concrete contributions, which must all be realized to maximize the environmental, social and economic benefits for Europe,” he added.
The potential for the flat glass industry to deliver sustainable growth and green jobs is there but it needs support to be realized. Houchan Shoeibi, CEO of Saint-Gobain Glass and Chairman of Glass for Europe explained: “In light of today’s very difficult economic climate, urgent actions are needed to safeguard the competitiveness of Europe’s flat glass industry. Our industry can deliver and support Europe’s policy goals but it needs to remain competitive and European authorities are instrumental in securing a level playing field with third country competitors and creating business confidence.”
Glass for Europe is the trade association for Europe’s manufacturers of flat glass. Flat glass is the material that goes into a variety of end-products and primarily in windows and façades for buildings, windscreens and windows for automotive and transport as well as glass covers, connectors and mirrors for solar-energy equipment. Flat glass is also used for many other applications such as furniture, electronics, appliances, etc.
Glass for Europe has four members: AGC Glass Europe, NSG-Group, Saint-Gobain Glass and Sisecam-Trakya Cam and works in association with Guardian. Altogether, these five companies represent 90% of Europe’s flat glass production.