Get ready for a glass shortage: The unexpected effects of the energy crisis

Innovation being explored

Plastic champagne bottles, plastic jam jars and long waiting lists for luxury glass items may all become part of daily life as a result of the energy crisis.

Glass manufacturers are heavy energy users, so have been hard pressed by the rapidly escalating costs of oil and gas. They are currently having to put up the prices of their products by around 35%, although this may have to rise further. The concern is that passing this cost on to the consumer means prices will have to rise in a way that makes glass packaging, especially for food and drink, too expensive and consumers will demand cheaper alternative packaging, such as wine boxes, plastic bottles and plastic food containers.  Despite this, glass is completely recyclable, so remains one of...