The market value of glass bottles and glass containers in 2019 was approximately US$60.91 billion, and it is projected to reach US$77.25 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.13% between 2020 and 2025. There are several factors driving the growth of the glass bottle market:
- Increase in beer consumption: Beer is one of the alcoholic beverages commonly packaged in glass bottles. Dark glass bottles are used to preserve the contents, as exposure to ultraviolet light can lead to deterioration. The rising beer consumption in most countries is contributing to the demand for glass bottles.
- Bans on PET bottles: There is an increasing trend of bans on the use of PET bottles and containers for pharmaceutical packaging and transportation by relevant regulatory agencies. This will drive the demand for glass bottles and glass containers as an alternative. For example, San Francisco Airport has banned the sale of single-use plastic bottled water, encouraging passengers to use refillable aluminum or glass bottles.
- Preference for glass in the alcoholic beverage industry: Glass bottles are a preferred packaging material for alcoholic beverages, such as spirits and wine. Glass bottles help maintain the aroma and flavor of the products. The growth in wine consumption, particularly colored glass bottles used to protect wine from sunlight, is driving the demand for glass bottle packaging. There is also a growing trend of vegetarian-friendly wines, which will further increase the need for glass bottles.
In terms of regional market trends:
- The Asia-Pacific region is expected to have a significant market share due to increased demand from the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Countries like China, India, Japan, and Australia are major contributors to the growth of the glass bottle packaging market in this region.
- In China, regulatory changes and difficulties faced by foreign pharmaceutical companies have created growth opportunities for domestic players, leading to increased demand for glass bottles and glass containers. Additionally, China’s alcoholic beverage consumption is expected to rise significantly.
- India has been promoting the reduction of single-use plastics, and initiatives have been taken to replace plastic bottled water with glass bottled water in hotels. This has resulted in a reduction in single-use plastics in many hotel chains.
- Japan has implemented new standards to promote materials made through the recycling of waste glass bottles, aiming to establish a sustainable resource recycling society. Major Japanese companies are actively participating in recycling initiatives for containers that do not contain plastic.
Overall, the growth of the glass bottle market is driven by factors such as increased beer consumption, bans on plastic bottles, and the preference for glass in the alcoholic beverage industry. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, India, and Japan, is expected to play a significant role in the market’s expansion.