The German container glass market saw a modest decline in the first half of 2025, with total sales volumes reaching approximately 1.92 million tonnes, a drop of 1.0% compared to the same period in 2024. Although not a drastic downturn, the data highlights ongoing structural shifts within the industry, influenced by consumption trends and market-specific developments.

According to figures released by the German Glass Industry Association (BV Glas), the beverage bottle segment continues to show a downward trajectory. While the overall decline in this category was a restrained 0.8%, a deeper look reveals divergence across sub-categories.

Segment Performance: Winners and Losers

• Beer and Spirits: Sales dropped significantly by 6.3%, extending the decline observed in 2024. This suggests reduced consumption or shifts in packaging preferences in alcoholic beverages.
• Wine and Sparkling Wine: This sub-segment bucked the trend with a 5.0% increase in sales, indicating growing demand or a shift back toward premium glass-packaged beverages.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Sales grew by 2.4%, a positive sign for glass usage in water, milk, and juice packaging.

Christiane Nelles, Managing Director of BV Glas, noted, “The results for the first half of 2025 do not yet show the noticeable recovery of the container glass market that we would have liked. Nevertheless, there are positive signs of sales growth in some segments.”

Food and Pharma Packaging: Mixed Signals

The food and pharmaceutical/cosmetic packaging glass segment also closed the half-year period with a 1.2% decline in sales. However, sub-segment performance varied considerably:

• Food Packaging without OGS (fruit, vegetables, canned food): Sales increased by 6.7%, a bright spot in an otherwise sluggish category.
• Packaging with OGS: This sub-segment declined sharply by 10.9%, reflecting either reduced demand or packaging substitution.

While overall domestic sales dipped, international markets appeared more resilient. Although specific export figures were not disclosed, the German container glass industry continues to find stability through foreign demand.

Outlook and Industry Sentiment

The first half of 2025 shows a container glass industry that is still under pressure but not without hope. The sustained downturn in key segments like beer and spirits is being partially offset by the resilience in wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and certain food applications.

“We hope that these trends will also be reflected in the overall market in the near future,” said Nelles, suggesting cautious optimism for the remainder of the year.

As the sector navigates market volatility, changing consumer preferences, and sustainability challenges, flexibility and innovation will be key. With recyclable glass continuing to play a vital role in premium and sustainable packaging strategies, the German market remains a critical player in Europe’s broader packaging ecosystem.