Report

The Belgium Container Glass Market size in terms of shipment volume is expected to grow from 831.40 thousand tonnes in 2025 to 911.20 thousand tonnes by 2030, at a CAGR of 1.85% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

In Belgium, the demand for container glass is shaped by economic, social, and industry-specific trends. A growing consumer preference for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging has bolstered the demand for glass containers, outpacing that for plastics. Recognized for its recyclability, glass is also considered a premium choice for food and beverage packaging.

Key Highlights
- The progressive bans on single-use plastic drinking cups and packaging in Belgium will likely significantly boost the container glass market as businesses and consumers seek more sustainable packaging alternatives. With increasing restrictions on plastic packaging for beverages and food, both on-site and for takeaway consumption, industries will need to find environmentally friendly options.
- Being 100% recyclable, durable, and free from harmful chemicals, glass stands out as one of the best substitutes for single-use plastic. As businesses comply with the bans, they may turn to glass containers for drinks and food, creating new demand in the container glass market.
- Tourism typically drives higher consumption of products in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. As tourists visit restaurants, cafes, and bars, the demand for beverages (especially those packaged in glass, such as wines, beers, and soft drinks) increases. This boosts the need for glass containers to package and distribute these products, stimulating growth in the container glass market.
- According to the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the number of international tourist arrivals in Belgium increased significantly in 2023 compared to the previous year. Inbound tourism arrivals totalled 9.3 million in 2023, up from 8.22 million in 2022.
- Exports indicate a higher global demand for Belgian container glass products. This demand can stem from various industries, such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, which rely on glass packaging. As global markets increasingly favour sustainable packaging materials like glass, Belgium could capture more market share, boosting its production capacity and revenues. According to the International Trade Centre, Belgium's total export of container glass (HS Code-701090) in 2023 reached USD 316.80 million, compared to USD 282.88 million in 2022.
- However, the increased competition from alternative forms of packaging, such as aluminium cans and plastic containers, is one of the market's main challenges. Because they are lighter in weight than bulky glass, these items are gaining popularity among manufacturers and customers due to the lower cost of carriage and transportation. Further, the carbon footprint from glass manufacturing with more energy consumption will likely restrain the market's growth.


Belgium Container Glass Market Trends

Beverage Sector to Drive the Market Growth


- Belgium's food and beverage industry is renowned for its high-quality offerings. Even after Brexit, Belgian food and drinks have thrived in the United Kingdom and outpaced products from neighbouring nations. This success has positively impacted the Belgium Container Glass Market, as the demand for premium packaging solutions has surged to meet the growing export needs.
- The new restrictions on selling alcohol and tobacco products in Belgium, proposed by Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, may seem like they would negatively impact specific industries. From 2023 to 2025, legislation plays a pivotal role in strategies designed to eradicate harmful alcohol consumption.
- With alcohol restrictions, consumers may turn to non-alcoholic beverages, such as mocktails, juices, sparkling water, or other healthy drink alternatives. These products, particularly premium non-alcoholic drinks, are often packaged in glass for aesthetic and preservation purposes. As demand for non-alcoholic beverages rises, it could boost demand for glass containers.
- As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for low-alcohol, alcohol-free, and health-oriented beverages has surged. This trend encompasses functional drinks, juices, and beverages enriched with nutritional benefits. Also, beverages, especially spirits, wine, and vinegar, are commonly packaged in glass containers due to their durability, ability to preserve taste and quality, and premium appeal.
- The substantial rise in exports of these products will directly increase the demand for glass containers. As beverage producers scale up their exports to meet international demand, they will rely more on high-quality glass packaging to maintain the integrity of their products, driving growth in the container glass market. According to UN Comtrade, the value generated from the export of beverages, spirits, and vinegar in Belgium increased in 2023 and reached USD 5.32 billion, which was USD 3.79 billion in 2018.


Pharmaceutical Segment to Expand Significantly


- Belgium is among the critical parts of the pharmaceutical industry in the European Union, owing to the presence of many active pharmaceutical companies. Moreover, the local business environment has repositioned itself as a global hub for pharmaceutical exports through its top-notch infrastructure.
- According to the International Trade Administration, Belgium is the world's fourth-largest pharmaceutical exporter, following Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. The country serves as a significant pharmaceutical manufacturing and transportation hub. Additionally, Belgium offers innovative United States companies valuable opportunities in research and development (R&D), biotechnology, and clinical trials.
- The increasing importance of Belgium as a hub for biotechnology and clinical trials means that more advanced and sensitive drug formulations will need packaging solutions that protect from environmental factors like light, oxygen, and moisture.
- Glass, exceptionally high-quality borosilicate glass, is ideal for these requirements, which will increase demand for specialized glass packaging. The complexity and value of the drugs being developed and exported heighten the need for packaging that guarantees long-term stability, further supporting glass container demand. According to pharma.be, the federation of the Belgian biopharmaceutical industry, research and development (R&D) investments in the Belgian pharmaceutical industry were around EUR 5.7 billion (USD 6.17 billion) in 2023, an increase of over 59% compared to 2018.
- As R&D investments in the pharmaceutical sector rise, new drugs and medical treatments are developed. Most pharmaceuticals, especially injectable medicines, vaccines, and liquid formulations, require high-quality, safe, and inert packaging. Glass is the material of choice for many of these products due to its non-reactive nature, ability to preserve the stability of medicines and superior protection against contamination. As the pharmaceutical industry expands, the demand for glass containers will also rise.


Belgium Container Glass Industry Overview

The Belgium container glass market is consolidated, with several players dominating it. These key companies hold significant market share and influence market dynamics. To maintain its competitive edge, Belgian container glass market vendors are pursuing strategies such as expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and product innovations.

These activities aim to strengthen their positions within the Belgian market, address local demand, and adapt to regional regulations and sustainability requirements. Belgian container glass manufacturers are also enhancing their production capabilities and developing eco-friendly glass solutions to meet the country's growing environmental concerns.

Additional Benefits:

- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support