Back British-made Glass Charter launched to champion domestic glass manufacturing

British glassmakers have launched the Back British-made Glass Charter – a voluntary pledge that brings together parliamentarians, industry and key stakeholders to recognise and support the strategic importance of domestic glass manufacturing. 

• British glassmakers urge MPs to sign their Back British-made Glass Charter to protect sovereign capability across the country and drive re-industrialisation
• British glass production is at risk, with compounding government policies adding significant costs to the sector.
• Signatories pledge to recognise the importance of maintaining a thriving UK glass manufacturing sector and commit to supporting strategic procurement practices that maximise long-term economic, environmental and social value.

Glass is a foundation industry supporting construction, food and drink, pharmaceuticals, automotive, energy and critical infrastructure. However, the sector has faced difficulties in recent years, with compounding government policies adding significant cost to the sector and putting at risk the sovereign capability of glass production in the UK.

Signing the Charter is not a mandatory ‘Buy British’ policy but instead encourages organisations to recognise the value of domestic manufacturing when making procurement decisions. It is a statement of support for British manufacturing and sovereign capability, and the UK-wide re-industrialisation potential glassmaking holds. 

Officially launched at the Glass & Glazing Collective parliamentary reception on Wednesday,16^th September, signatories to the Charter commit to: 

1. Recognise the strategic importance of UK Glass Manufacturing 
2. Support our high-quality British glass manufacturers 
3. Champion a Competitive and Level Playing Field
4. Promote Sustainable Domestic Manufacturing
5. Encourage Investment and Collaboration 

MPs, Peers, policymakers, businesses, public bodies, manufacturers, customers and other organisations that support a strong British industrial base can sign and champion the Charter. 

Dr Nick Kirk, Executive Director of British Glass, said:

"The British glass sector is at a critical crossroads. A combination of government policies has steadily eroded the competitiveness of UK glass manufacturers, while the current packaging Extended Producer Responsibility fee structure is actively incentivising plastic over endlessly recyclable glass.

“Glass manufacturing contributes more than £2 billion to the UK economy every year and supports over 120,000 jobs across the supply chain. These are skilled, high-value manufacturing roles in communities that have powered Britain's industrial success for generations and which the Government rightly wants to see thrive.

“But the consequences of getting this wrong are already being felt. Last year, the closure of Electric Glass Fiber UK resulted in the loss of around 250 skilled jobs and brought an end to continuous filament glass fibre production in the UK. This was the country's only fibreglass manufacturing facility, producing a material that is essential for products such as wind turbine blades.

“Without urgent action, we risk seeing further investment, skills and production leave the UK. That's why we're calling on MPs, businesses and the wider public to sign the Charter and show their support for British glassmakers before more of this vital industry is lost."

Sign the pledge