UK glass sector outlines strategic policy priorities at Westminster event

The UK Glass & Glazing Collective brought the future of UK-made glass into sharp focus at a special parliamentary event held at the House of Commons on Tuesday 28 October to spotlight the strategic importance of the glass sector in the UK’s industrial and net zero future.

Hosted on the Westminster Terrace, the event showcased the critical role of glass and brought together MPs, industry leaders, and policymakers, all united by a shared ambition to unlock the full potential of the UK glass and glazing sector.

The event served as a platform to present a united industry voice and outline key policy recommendations to support the sector’s growth and competitiveness within a global economy including decarbonisation, circular economy practices and recycling reforms including pEPR and DRS, low-carbon construction incentives and political stability.

Speakers included David Baines MP who sponsored the event, Minister for Industry Chris McDonald, Sarah Champion MP, Mike Butterick of the Flat Glass Manufacturers Association, British Glass president Dean Butler of Ardagh, Steven Heath of Knauf Insulation and Justin Kelly from Glass Futures.

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass, said:

“It was fantastic to see so many people on the Westminster Terrace today to support the UK glass sector in flying the flag for domestic manufacturing and the significant part we play in the UK economy.”

“As a sector we’re asking for a fairer and better considered policy environment through which we can stabilise recent declines and re-establish our role in bolstering revenues, maintaining UK manufacturing jobs and leading the technology agenda to make Britain Great again!”

Justin Kelly, CEO, Glass Futures, added:

“The Glass Collective parliamentary reception was a landmark moment for our industry – the first time we’ve come together, united across sectors and even among competitors, with a shared voice and clear policy asks. That unity reflects the kind of collaboration essential to delivering industrial decarbonisation at pace.”

“Glass is not just a material of the past – it’s a platform for the future. From solar and wind to defence, medicine, and quantum computing, glass underpins the high-growth, high-tech sectors that will shape the UK’s economic and scientific future.

But this is also a critical juncture. Without urgent action to level the playing field on energy costs and enable circularity through recycling, we risk losing momentum. With the right support, the UK can lead the world in sustainable materials innovation – delivering jobs, resilience, and global leadership in the technologies that will define tomorrow’s world.”

The event was organised by the UK Glass & Glazing Collective, a strategic alliance of British Glass, Glass Futures, the Glass & Glazing Federation, and the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers formed to elevate the sector’s voice in government and policy.

The UK Glass & Glazing Collective will continue to engage with government to ensure the sector’s priorities are reflected in future industrial and environmental policy.