Retail Glass Packaging - Top Europe and the Middle East and Africa Industry Trends in 2026

The Europe and Middle East & Africa (EMEA) retail glass packaging market is entering a transformative decade driven by sustainability mandates, rising consumer preference for premium packaging, and accelerated innovations from both established players and emerging manufacturers. According to the latest FMI analysis, the industry is valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2%, reaching USD 3.83 billion by 2035.

Premiumization, Sustainability, and Urban Retail Expansion Fuel Growth

The year 2024 marked a turning point for the consumer glass packaging sector across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The market saw rising investments in premium food, beverage, and personal care packaging, alongside a noticeable consumer shift toward organic, luxury, and health-centric glass-packaged products.

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In Europe, despite ongoing SKU rationalization due to inflationary pressures, premium spirits, gourmet foods, and high-end personal care segments remained resilient. Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa saw a surge in the use of glass for beverages and skincare products—driven by rising health consciousness and expanding urban retail channels.

Policymakers across EU nations continue to strengthen restrictions on single-use plastics, encouraging manufacturers to adopt recyclable and low-carbon glass alternatives. This regulatory shift is pushing both large enterprises and emerging companies to redefine their sustainability roadmaps.

Market at a Glance

• Market Size (2025): USD 2.1 billion
• Market Forecast (2035): USD 3.83 billion
• CAGR (2025–2035): 6.2%

Strategic Imperatives for Stakeholders

Top 3 Growth Priorities

• Premium Sustainable Material Sourcing
• Companies must invest in long-term contracts for lightweight and recyclable glass to meet tightening sustainability benchmarks.
• Packaging Innovation Aligned with Premiumization
• Bespoke glass designs, UV-protective coatings, and minimalist branding are essential to appeal to modern consumers.
• Strengthen Distribution & Co-Manufacturing Partnerships
• Collaborations with regional co-packers and hyper-local distributors in GCC and African urban hubs will be crucial for scale.

Key Risks to Monitor

• Supply chain fluctuations for recycled inputs
• Shifting regulations favoring bioplastics
• Rising energy costs affecting furnace operations

Government Regulations Redefining the Market

Europe

EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and strict EPR mandates are accelerating the transition toward recyclable, low-emission glass.

Middle East

Saudi Vision 2030 and GCC environmental regulations are driving adoption of sustainable, SASO-certified packaging materials.

Africa

Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria are enforcing recycling mandates, pushing businesses toward circular packaging ecosystems.

Investment Hotspots across Packaging Formats

• Bottles remain the most profitable format and will grow at 6.2% CAGR, driven by alcoholic beverages, juices, and premium drinks.
• Type III glass leads the grade segment due to its affordability and versatility in mass-market applications.
• 51–250 ml capacity categories will witness strong adoption across condiments, beverages, and personal care segments.
• Pharmaceuticals will be the fastest-growing end-use segment with a 6.5% CAGR, due to glass’s inertness and regulatory acceptance.

Country Growth Highlights

• Germany: Strong sustainability legislation fuels demand for recycled-content glass.
• France: High adoption in wine, cosmetics, and gourmet foods.
• Italy: Significant growth in wine and olive oil packaging driven by EU waste directives.
• United Kingdom: EPR schemes push retailers toward circular packaging transitions.
• Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 facilitates rapid adoption of premium and recyclable glass packaging.
• UAE & Qatar: National sustainability programs boost deployments of recyclable and aesthetically appealing glass.
• South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya: Rising middle-class consumption and recycling regulations support steady market growth.

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Leading Players Expanding Technology & Manufacturing Footprint

Established leaders—including Ardagh Group, Verallia, Gerresheimer, and O-I Glass—are doubling down on:

• Lightweight glass production
• Closed-loop recycling
• Low-emission furnaces
• Pharmaceutical-grade precision manufacturing

Meanwhile, emerging manufacturers and regional suppliers such as Amposan S.A., Nampak Ltd., Tara Glass, Piramal Glass, Consol Glass, and Baosteel Group are strengthening their competitiveness through:

• Localized distribution networks
• Tailored branding solutions
• Adoption of energy-efficient furnaces
• Expansion into premium personal care and specialty food packaging

Market Share Snapshot (2025)

• Ardagh Group S.A.: 28%
• Verallia: 23%
• Gerresheimer AG: 18%
• Owens-Illinois (O-I Glass): 12%
• Vidrala SA: 7%

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Have a Look at Related Research Reports on the Packaging Domain:

Multiwall Bags Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/multiwall-bags-market

Pouch Equipment Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pouch-equipment-market

Polypropylene Packaging Films Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/polypropylene-packaging-films-market

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