FEVE, the European container glass trade association, has called on EU co-legislators to finalise heat and fuel fallback benchmarks for 2026-2030 using the full flexibility available to limit cuts to free carbon allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System. The association backs the Council's proposal to add roughly 33 million allowances to the Commission's 88 million, drawn from unmet free-allocation conditionality, to offset reductions across both benchmarks.
Why this mattersFree-allocation cuts directly raise carbon costs for energy-intensive glass container makers, a core input cost for the wine, spirits, food and beverage packaging supply chain.
- FEVE calls for the final 2026-2030 heat and fuel fallback benchmark agreement to minimise reductions in free EU ETS allowances
- The Council's General Approach proposes adding about 33 million allowances to the Commission's 88 million to mitigate benchmark cuts
- FEVE urges co-legislators to finalise the agreement without further delay or dilution
- Statement published by FEVE on 28 October 2026
FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, joined a coalition of energy-intensive industries in a letter to EU Heads of State and Government ahead of the 15-16 October European Council, urging that the review of the EU Emissions Trading System be treated as a competitiveness priority. The letter warns the revision will shape Europe's industrial cost base, investment decisions and jobs, and calls for the reform to support rather than undermine the business case for decarbonisation investment in Europe.
Why this mattersThe ETS review will set carbon costs across container glass and other energy-intensive packaging materials, directly affecting production economics and investment in decarbonisation.
- Letter sent ahead of the European Council meeting on 15-16 October 2026
- Signatories include FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, and a coalition of energy-intensive industries
- The letter urges EU leaders to align the EU ETS review with the bloc's competitiveness commitments
- Signatories warn the ETS revision will shape Europe's industrial cost base, investment decisions and jobs for years
FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, launched Glass is Love on 21 September 2026, a pan-European brand and engagement platform aimed at strengthening consumer and brand preference for glass packaging. The platform spans 13 countries and succeeds the Friends of Glass initiative, shifting the industry's messaging from explaining glass's credentials to actively driving choice.
Why this mattersA coordinated European industry campaign to boost consumer preference for glass could support demand and pricing for glass packaging makers against plastic and metal alternatives.
- Glass is Love launched on 21 September 2026 across Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the UK
- Initiative was initiated by FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation
- Platform replaces and builds on the earlier Friends of Glass consumer campaign
- Targets food, beverage, perfumery and cosmetics brands and their packaging choices
- Carlo Pirrone, Secretary General of FEVE, invited customers, partners and the wider value chain to participate
Bulgarian glass value-chain stakeholders have launched Close the Glass Loop Bulgaria, a national platform coordinated by ECOBULPACK to improve glass collection and recycling. The initiative follows a Sofia workshop on 16 September 2026 and aims to build a national action plan, with Bulgaria becoming the 15th country in the European Close the Glass Loop network.
Why this mattersMore coordinated national collection schemes support the glass industry's push toward higher recycled content and lower reliance on virgin raw materials.
- Bulgaria collected 84% of glass packaging waste for recycling in 2024, per Close the Glass Loop data
- The platform is coordinated by ECOBULPACK Bulgaria, with BA Glass and FEVE among supporting partners
- It follows a workshop held in Sofia on 16 September 2026 with over 50 industry experts
- Bulgaria is the 15th national platform in the European Close the Glass Loop network
- FEVE's stated EU-wide ambition is a 90% glass packaging collection-for-recycling rate by 2030
- BA Glass operates two glass packaging production facilities in Bulgaria
