Returnable Glass Bottle Market Size Anticipated to Attain USD 9.35 Billion by 2032

Returnable Glass Bottles Market Size and Global Share (2023 - 2032)

The global returnable glass bottle market size is estimated to grow from USD 5.24 billion in 2022 to reach an estimated USD 9.35 billion by 2032, growing at a 6% CAGR between 2023 and 2032.

Unlock Infinite Advantages: Subscribe to Annual Membership

Report Highlights: Important Revelations

• Global returnable glass bottle sector is poised for growth, starting at a value of USD 5.24 billion in 2022.
• The market is expected to grow, reaching an estimated value of USD 9.35 billion by 2032.
• This expansion is at a consistent CAGR of 6% over the period from 2023 to 2032.
• Increasing attraction of returnable glass bottles in the Asia Pacific region.
• Emergence of returnable glass bottles in North America's sustainability drive.
• Revolutionizing returnable glass bottle manufacturing with innovative approaches.
• Growing popularity of returnable glass bottles in alcohol packaging trends.
• Pioneering the beverage returnable glass bottle market movement.

The program of reusable glass packaging reinforces the basic idea that recycling enhances the value in glass containers by proposing a returnable system, in which, 'new' beverages can be produced from returned bottles by avoiding the making of new, virgin ones. This tactic is intended to enlarge the refill and sustain target proposition, which cuts down on carbon footprint and increases the chance of circular economy.

Glass has a very good versatility, easily moved from single-use to multi-use products and returnable glass bottles that can perform more than 40 cycles of use. The debate ongoing about the environmental consequences of packaging is pushing the packagers for such glass bottles towards the growth which is beyond the imagination. Now, a large proportion of the worldwide bottle beer is distributed via returnable bottles, which no other FMCG product can boast of. Nevertheless, the degree of market involvement in returnable beer bottles varies distinctly from a market to market even within the same region.

For Instance,

• In September 2023, Coca-Cola HBC invested €12 million in order to open a high-speed line for returnable glass bottles at Edelstal plant. The initiative aims to assist the company’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040. The company has also claimed that the new line is set to produce 400 ml returnable bottles for  at-home consumption and on-the-go market.

The customary bottle washing employs glass etching therefore, its components can suffer abrasion damage in the form of scuff rings caused by glass-to-glass friction during filling and transportation. Improvements in protective clean tech, combined with cosmetic cleaning of scuff spots on the bottles, plays a crucial role of preventing such damages and enabling the reuse of these bottles for multiple times. As a corollary, this ensures the highest possible return from the bottles and therefore bottle fleets will be an increasingly attractive proposition for brewers or soft drink companies which may not have previously considered it.

considering returnable bottles, bottling and soft drink companies will be very suitable placed to make a substantial investment, which is expected to bring in great financial profits and a good brand image for the wastewater management, by increasing the usage of their own bottle fleets.

The carbon footprint of glass bottles is really high, only 1.2 ton of CO2 average being consumed for every 1 ton of new glass bottles. Having trucks that can be returned allows diminishing of the impact and enhance sustainability of the product. The Heineken company has been ahead on this issue by introducing FOBO – the "forwardable" bottle that has around a 70% lower carbon footprint than a one-way bottle. which is achieved by refilling the glass bottles that can be utilized again.

Returnable Glass Bottle Market Trends

• Sustainability is a key factor in returnable glass bottle market now, which tries to maintain circular economy model and environmental impact reduction.
• Reusable returnable refillable systems for glass bottles are gaining momentum as an environmental-friendly solution to single-use packaging.
• Consumers are getting more and more inclined towards glass packaging for the high-end look and feel, product protection, and recyclability.
• Glass bottles which can be returned provide beverage brands a chance to stand out from the competition and build their brand reputation by designing customized labels.

Growing Appeal of Returnable Glass Bottles in Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region have been the primary producers of glass bottles and has a dominant share in the global container glass industry with the usage of lightweight glass bottles has taken over the scene during the last two decades. The growing concern about lightweight glass bottles as an attractive packaging solution has been particularly pronounced after several glass makers in the region started manufacturing such products recently.

From these producers, Asian glass manufacturers have the seen the quick use of lightweight container glass production techniques. Alcoholic drinks ranked ahead in the Asia Pacific region, where regional glass volume dedicated to this beverage made up the largest share than the other beverages. These driving forces are attributed to the pressures of high production demand and the overall increasing of the feedstock prices. In this context, collecting and reusing returnable glass bottles positions itself as a key competitive advantage compared to other options, especially in the area of cost-efficiency.

China and Japan in Asia are the top exporting countries of glass. Japan, which is known for the innovative technology, is neck to neck with China, which has a big manufacturing sector, in glass exports. Together, they bring about a significant rate of the region's development and prosperity of the industry. Japan, which is an important producing region of container glasses in Asian countries, is a spotlight in lightweight glass making across the Asian range.

For Instance, April 2024, Sapporo Brewery, the centrepiece of Japanese brewing industry, has been a frontrunner in the country's container glass cooperatives and the Japan Institute of Packing Innovation to aid in the production of light glass bottles. Over the years, by the effort’s persistence, Kirin Brewery has been able to decrease the reusable beer glass bottles' weight.

These bottles are not only lighter but also offer the user the functionality to operate more effectively. With eye-catching opening caps and nice-to-tight sealing features, these products can be counted as recognized evidence of the advancement of Japan's technology. These advancements may sound improbable but the fact is Japan has lighter returnable bottles which include all sizes of large, medium and small bottles for beer. Being driven by technology improvements and customer's environmental consciousness about packaging solutions, the Asia's container glass industry has a chance to experience constant growth and implementation of advanced technologies.

For Instance,

• In June 2023, PGP Glass Ceylon PLC, the only glass bottle manufacturer for Food and Beverage industry in Sri Lanka and the reveal of a signature label on 625ml reusable bottle by HEINEKEN Lanka is going to be an anniversary to remember.

Rise of Returnable Glass Bottles in North America's Sustainability Movement

North America is rapidly embracing the use of returnable glass bottles in line with the wider trend of sustainable packaging choices. The situation in the region is similar, and both consumers and businesses value environmental factors. Hence, the demand for refillable glass bottles is increasing annually. On the other hand, supply shortages and disruptions are facing the sector in a way that is partly influenced by the high demand and reallocation of raw materials to produce vaccine vials. It is true that there are difficulties in increasing the number of bottles that are recycled which is just 31% in the USA. Considering the fact that glass is completely recyclable, there exists an undeniable scope to advance and intensify recycling techniques, and thereby to reduce dependence on first-use materials by up to 95%.

The United States is one of the countries importing the largest quantities of glass, and the manufacture of various products including drinks, cosmetics, and medicines drives this demand. It connects with a huge variety of glass outfits, providing not only national but also international packaging products. Factors contributing to the growth of returnable glass bottles are many. As sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics become increasingly popular, returnable glass bottles become a choice, owing to recyclability and possibility of reuse. The credibility and aesthetic appeal of glass defined it as the most preferred packaging option for high-end consumers. In North America, the beverage market is getting more receptive to refillable and reusable packaging as consumers are made more responsible, which results in more companies paying attention to their sustainability. Firms promote the renewable glass bottles as an environmental-friendly package, while at the same time, through this proposition, corporations seek to establish an image of eco-friendly and brand loyalty among the customers.

Bottle washing and logistics innovations are also having an important effect to improve returnable glass bottle systems’ economical and environmentally friendly characteristics for consumers. This means that overloading the break-even point is necessary in order to cut the fixed costs of these innovations and encourage more companies to try returnable packaging methods. The market for the returnable glass bottles in the USA and Canada is close to the growing stage of the life cycle; which is mainly due to the existing environment and consumer focus, moreover it is an outcome of the technology intensification in the industry. Making these glass bottles of returnable process fuses sound environmental solution for beverages packaging region.

For Instance,

• In July 2023, The Coca-Cola Company made headlines in early 2022 with the announcement of a new goal supporting its World Without Waste global sustainable packaging strategy: To achieve this, Evangeli and company plan to reach up to 25% of its entire product volume to clients through innovative reusable packaging by 2030. Recyclable packaging includes one-way bottles, which can be collected and transported to bottle-processing facilities. The other option involves refillable bottles or cups for fountain dispensers.

Returnable Glass Bottle Market, DRO

Demand:

• Returnable glass bottles are superior to others, as they prolong the product freshness, colour, and quality during the multiple uses. Oxygen permeation and light exposure can be prevented with non-porous structure of glass. Therefore, beverages retained intact and consumers satisfied.

Restraint:

• Glass bottles have an innate vulnerability, and this makes them prone to braking when handling, transporting, and during the recycling processes. The risk of bottle breakage raises operational costs and exposes workers in bottling plants, distribution centres, and stores to potential safety hazards due to which certain precautions must be taken and measures undertaken to prevent losses.

Opportunity:

• It is possible to explore returnable glass bottle systems in new beverage categories and new locations. Markets that are on the verge of development such as ready-to-drink beverages, premium bottled water, and functional drinks can be a solution for producers if the reusable packaging is targeted.

Blowing Away Tradition with Innovations in Returnable Glass Bottle Manufacturing

Modern returnable glass bottle production involves the use of the automated glass-making machine, which has a built-in function of pressing to shape the mouth of the bottle and blowing moulding to form the hollow part of the container. It employs a raw material rich in quartz sand, soda ash, and limestone, thereby making it a glass container that can be recycled and reused an infinite number of times. They will be recycled on average 30 times, thus achieving a high level of sustainability.

The blowing process under pressure is mainly used in bottle making, especially, for production of wide-mouthed jars. This technique takes into account a specialized (Individual Section) IS machine, which breaks an entire production process into different sections as well as produces glass bottles of same size in batches. In the Blow-and-Blow technique, bottles with varying neck thicknesses are produced. Here, the molten glass drop is descended into the moll, and then it is shaped into neck and chest region using compressed air. Then, the container is flipped, heated again, and forced back into shape with the remaining burst of compressed air.

Traditionally, beer bottles were originally made from thick, dark glass with similar long necks as wine bottles. With the development of brewing skills, the size and shape of beer bottles changed too to illustrate changing tastes and the innovation in the market.

These manufacturing methods showcase the fact that glass bottle production is capable of tackling diverse market needs and hurdles. Both wide-mouth jars for food preserving and sleek beer bottles for the packaging of the beverage are the blown manufacturing process which remains a critical part in the development of the dynamic returnable glass bottle market.

For Instance,

• Global primary SGD pharma glass packaging producer announces a cosmetics and beauty assortment extension with the launch of NOVA – a lightweight bottle for makeup and perfume. This new primary packaging solution associates glass’ remarkable functional and aesthetic performance with a reduction in its carbon footprint linked to weight minimization and wexpert from Blow (NNPB) used by pharmaceutical bottles forming technology.

Growing Trend of Returnable Glass Bottles in Alcohol Packaging

The returnable glass bottles in the alcoholic beverages industry have a straightforward strategy. Consumers buy an alcoholic beverage in a returnable glass bottle at retailers, their product of choice. After emptying the contents, they return the empty bottle either to the retailer or the designated collection point. Once collected, the bottles are washed and disinfected to ensure up to the hygiene standards for reuse. These containers are filled with either the same or another alcoholic beverage, after which they are ready for redistribution to retailers to be resold.

Such system has multiple advantages. On the one hand, it largely eliminates waste through the promotion of reuse of packaging instead of one-time use. On the other hand, returnable glass bottles are environmentally friendly because glass can be reused or recycled indefinitely, thus reducing the demand for fresh raw materials. Similarly, it saves carbon emissions which result from the production and transportation of new bottles. From a business point of view, the use of returnable glass bottles as the packaging material can be quite cost-effective in the long run. The expenses on bottle collection and cleaning infrastructure would be more in the beginning compared to reducing packaging costs and increasing brand loyalty over time. Hence, the latter is always higher than the former.

Returnable glass bottles present an environmentally friendly and economically beneficial packaging solution for the alcoholic beverage market, offering advantages to both nature and business. While in breweries 26% of the packaging space is returned bottles, which makes it one of the significant packaging strategies. That demonstrates the industry's seriousness when it comes to sustainability by reusing glass containers is minimizing environmental impact and the establishment of a circular economy. Globally, more than 45% of beer is consumed in returnable glass bottles. In 2022, the company invested in a water reclamation facility and in a 6.5 MW solar power plant, with more than 14 000 panels, at its Sedibeng brewery. This has led to a reduction of about 30% of carbon emissions from the brewery. Heineken has joined many global sustainability and net-zero initiatives such as The Climate Group’s RE100 program, the We Mean Business Coalition, the Race to Zero movement, the Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the Climate Pledge.

For Instance,

• In February 2024, the beer giant Heineken has contributed R2.3 billion to the returnable bottle initiative in South Africa, a move that has increased its returnable glass beer bottles share by more than 65%.

Leading the Charge in Beverage Returnable Glass Bottle Market

The beverage packaging market is characterized by this annual growth, with trade across the world introducing new international products to consumers' home and their shifting in lifestyle fashion like veganism, dairy-free and low alcohol drinks. Along with, several brands' sustainability plans such as reuse programs become essential part of their businesses. While EU regulation recently took a critical step forward, it introduced the reuse targets. It is the most used kind of glass reusable bottles in new manufacturing nations. Some of countries are using them for more than 80% of their beverage’s consumption.

In seeking for sustainable packaging solutions, glass, which is a traditional package material, distinguishes itself by being able to be reused and recycled. The glass industry is an active player of the supply chains and it finds different solutions such as returnable ones to save materials. Notable industry players, for instance Coca-Cola HBC and PepsiCo, are setting new goals, which is a signal of the movement toward sustainability. Accordingly, the food and cosmetics markets are paving the way to reuse which is in line with this notion.

For many consumers, a glass bottles are regarded as symbol of high quality and classy beverages. Sometimes reusable glass bottles serve as a symbol of the fact where they also provide additional benefits of cost-effectiveness and environmental protection for both consumers and producers. Nevertheless, punctual cleaning and refilling reduces the integrity of the glass leading to ugly scratches on the bottles.

For Instance,

• In December 2022, the pepsi-cola beverage portfolio bottler of Malta - Pepsico partner and Simonds Farsons Cisk have launched a convenient glass bottle for refilling for the trademark brands of Pepsico.

Key Players and Competitive Dynamics in the Returnable Glass Bottle Market

The competitive landscape of the returnable glass bottle market is dominated by established industry giants such as Coca- Cola, Revino, Sidel, Vetropack, Markem-Image, Goya, Green Giant, Cento, Del Monte Foods Inc., Nature's Greatest Foods, Linx Printing Technologies, Whole Foods Market, Rosarita, Old El Paso, Reese, Farmer’s Market Foods, Domino Printing Sciences, Great Value, Native Forest, 365 by WFM, Rotel, Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG, Libby's, Good & Gather.  These giants compete with upstart direct-to-consumer firms that use digital platforms to gain market share. Key competitive characteristics include product innovation, sustainable practices, and the ability to respond to changing consumer tastes.

Coca-Cola probably applies a demand and supply driven approach in terms of reusable bottle market. This strategy may manifest itself through funding of sustainable packaging solutions like glass bottle returns, which are aligned with their environmental pledges. Furthermore, cooperation with suppliers and technology investments into the recycling facilities are some of the ways how Coca-Cola can implement reusing system of returnable glass bottles.

For Instance,

• In May 2022, French bottling group Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has taken a step forward into the realm of universal return of the glass bottles for its brands in hotels, restaurants and cafes by launching new 250ml glass bottles.

Revino simply make returnable glass bottles that meet the needs of the wine and liqueur manufacturers in terms of quality. They can give marketing for the introduction of innovative bottles, manufacturing technologies as well as customer service to be able to stay their competitiveness in the market.

For Instance,

• In August 2023, the innovative, green-conscious company Revino is excited to unveil the revolutionary full-cycle refillable glass bottle reuse system that they have created! Established for the wine industry, in collaboration with the wine industry, The ultimate breakthrough in how wineries and consumers connect with glass bottles is made and there comes a green future.

Sidel may prefer to develop packaging or equipment which can be reused repeatedly from glass bottles to reduce the carbon foot print. In the beverage industry, they can target the market where bottle making and processing technologies would be improved to increase efficiency and cut down the production costs of their customers in this area.

For Instance,

• In October 2023, Sidel has very recently introduced a PET bottle for carbonated beverages that is custom made to comply with the new regulation of circular packaging that will come from the European Union.

Vetropack is perhaps a glass package specialist, offering returnable bottles made from borosilicate and soda lime glass to various markets. The strategy may include offering many different types of bottles with diverse customization options that may enable them to portray the right brands and brand packaging of their clients. Furthermore, the company could promote its sustainability efforts by expanding the use of recycled glass in the manufacturing chain, taking advantage of environmental consumer knowledge.

For Instance,

• In February 2024, Vetropack glass manufacturer from Europe has recently launched a standard solution for the Austrian brewing industry which is a 0.33-litre bottle that can be returned.

Returnable Glass Bottle Market Player

Returnable glass bottle leading market players are Coca-Cola, Revino, Sidel, Vetropack, Markem-Image, Goya, Green Giant, Cento, Del Monte Foods Inc., Nature's Greatest Foods, Linx Printing Technologies, Whole Foods Market, Rosarita, Old El Paso, Reese, Farmer’s Market Foods, Domino Printing Sciences, Great Value, Native Forest, 365 by WFM, Rotel, Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG, Libby's, Good & Gather.

Market Segments

By Manufacturing Process

• Blown
• Tubing

By Application

• Alcoholic
• Non-Alcoholic

By End Use

• Beverage
• Food
• Pharmaceutical
• Cosmetics
• Personal Care
• Industrial
• Household
• Others

By Region

• Asia Pacific
• North America
• Europe
• LAMEA