Glass and glazing sectors unite to support UK Government’s reindustrialisation ambitions

At a Parliamentary Reception hosted by Lord Foster of Bath at the House of Lords this week, the UK Glass & Glazing Collective brought together industry leaders, parliamentarians and policymakers to explore the contribution the sectors can make to the UK’s future growth and industrial renewal.

Reflecting the importance of the glass and glazing sectors to the Government’s reindustrialisation agenda, Blair McDougall MP, Minister for Reindustrialisation, said in a statement:

“The UK has shaped the world’s glass industry for centuries, from generations of skilled workers to breakthroughs like Pilkington’s float glass process which changed how glass is made everywhere.

“I don’t underestimate the challenges that you face; the rising costs of doing business, new policy costs including extended producer responsibility and global uncertainty. My officials are working closely with you and with colleagues across government to understand these pressures and, more importantly, to consider what can be done.

“I want all our foundation industries to survive, so it will be my pleasure to work with you openly and collaboratively on the priorities that matter to you.”

The Minister also highlighted the Government's recent action on industrial energy costs. Eligible glass businesses already benefit from the British Industry Supercharger, with network charging compensation increasing from 60% to 90% from April, helping to reduce electricity bills for major glass producers and support their international competitiveness.

From next April, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is expected to cut electricity costs for eligible firms by around £35 to £45 per megawatt hour used, providing further support for the sector's growth and resilience.

Justin Kelly, CEO of Glass Futures, emphasised the importance of a shared approach to reindustrialisation:

“Reindustrialisation will not be delivered by Government alone, nor by industry acting alone. It will require a shared mission, sustained over many years.

“Our offer is to invest, innovate, decarbonise, train the next generation and strengthen British supply chains – helping ensure more of what Britain needs is invented, developed and made here.”

Chris Beedel, representing the Glass & Glazing Federation, focused on the role the sectors can play in improving the performance of Britain’s homes and buildings:

“The Glass & Glazing Federation and the UK Glass & Glazing Collective stand ready to work with Government, Parliament and partners across industry to turn that opportunity into reality.

“Together, we can help families live in warmer, safer and more affordable homes, build a truly circular economy and support British manufacturing.”

Dean Butler, President of British Glass, highlighted the economic contribution of UK glass manufacturing, which operates 19 sites, directly employs around 6,000 highly skilled people and generates approximately £2.3 billion in turnover and £750 million in GVA:

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to reindustrialisation and look forward to working with Government on this ambition. The UK must be the best place to invest in glass manufacturing.”

The UK Glass & Glazing Collective brings together the British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation, Glass & Glazing Federation, Glass Futures, Society of Glass Technology and Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London. The five member organisations jointly organised the Parliamentary Reception, representing the breadth of the UK’s glass and glazing sectors.

The Collective is seeking to work with Government on five practical priorities: enabling a competitive transition to net zero; levelling the playing field on energy and investment; reforming Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) to support glass packaging; driving demand for UK-manufactured glazing and insulation through high-efficiency buildings and retrofit; and reforming recycling legislation to maximise glass recovery and strengthen the circular economy.

The Collective will continue to engage with Government on these priorities as part of its commitment to supporting the UK’s wider reindustrialisation objectives.

Further information: https://www.britglass.org.uk/UK-Glass-Glazing-Collective

British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation: www.britglass.org.uk

Glass & Glazing Federation: www.ggf.org.uk

Glass Futures: www.glass-futures.org

Society of Glass Technology: https://sgt.org/

Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London: https://glass-sellers.co.uk/

Images: GaiaVisuals)