HRASTNIK1860 and FEVE highlight key shortcomings of new European packaging minimisation regulations
Hrastnik, 24 November 2025 – HRASTNIK1860, part of the Vaider Group and an important pillar of the European glass packaging industry, has joined the initiative of the Federation of European Manufacturers of Glass Containers (FEVE), supported by 23 CEOs of glass packaging manufacturers, drawing attention to the significant strategic and operational implications of the new packaging minimisation requirements set out in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Leading European glass packaging manufacturers have sent a joint position to European decision-makers, emphasising that an overly rigid approach to reducing the weight and volume of packaging could negatively impact the competitiveness of European companies in many industries, including the spirits, wine, cosmetics, perfume, and food industries, where glass plays a key role as a high-quality, safe, and sustainable material.
The letter was sent to:
- President Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission
- EVP Teresa Ribera, Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
- EVP Stéphane Séjourné, Prosperity and Industrial Strategy
- Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification
- Commissioner Jessika Roswall, Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular
Economy
The European glass packaging industry comprises 130 production plants in 21 EU countries and employs more than 125,000 people. The industry is synonymous with circularity, technological progress, and European quality. For many years, the industry has been investing heavily in decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and modern production technologies. Steklarna Hrastnik is among the leaders in this field, with key projects including the BEAR hybrid regenerative furnace and pilot production of glass using hydrogen, which represent ambitious steps towards complete decarbonisation.
Despite these important achievements, the new PPWR provisions, which require packaging to be reduced to the ‘minimum necessary’ weight and volume, do not take into account the need for brands to differentiate themselves, present their products, and provide a user experience. Such an approach may limit innovation, reduce design options, and increase the risk of production moving outside the EU.
‘Differentiation, innovation, and value creation are the cornerstones of the competitiveness of the European glass packaging industry. An overly rigid regulatory framework can significantly limit opportunities for developing top-of-the-line products and weaken the competitive position of European brands in the global market. At the same time, we are already facing high energy prices – and if regulation limits our ability to create added value, it would be another major blow to the industry.
All these measures, both in the field of energy and within the framework of the PPWR, have a direct impact on the competitiveness of European glassmakers compared with companies outside the EU. If we want to maintain a strong domestic industry and our competitive advantages, we must ensure a stable business environment and effective protection of European production,’ emphasises Christian Fröba, CEO of HRASTNIK1860 and the Vaider Group.
‘We believe that the ambitious goals of the circular economy can be reconciled with the real needs of industry – but only with proportionate and well-considered legislation.’
HRASTNIK1860, together with FEVE members, calls on the European Commission to ensure greater clarity, proportionality, and legal predictability when drafting the final regulation. The company remains committed to partnering with European institutions in the search for solutions that will both enable the achievement of ambitious sustainability goals and maintain the long-term competitiveness of the European glass packaging industry.
See: FEVE CEO letter – Call for simpler packaging minimisation rules
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About HRASTNIK1860
Steklarna Hrastnik, a member of the Vaider Group, has been a respected global partner in the development and production of high-quality special glass packaging for the most demanding beverage segments since 1860. The company manufactures technically demanding products from one of the purest types of glass in the world and offers a comprehensive range of services – from conceptual design, design, development, and production to graphic design, decoration, and logistical support. They focus on flexibility, responsiveness, and providing solutions of the highest quality.
About the Vaider Group
The Vaider Group, which brings together Steklarna Hrastnik and Vaider Srpsko Fabriko Stakla, enables brands to create superior user experiences in the field of glass packaging. They are recognised for their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. The Group operates in the fields of manufacturing, trade, and services and is a reliable partner in the global glass industry.