With the constant reports and forecasts that all expect flexible packaging to continue to grow and dominate, it's easy to see why the prospects for more traditional solutions like glass might look a little bleak. In fact, the flexible packaging market will grow by 4.9% by 2025, reaching a value of $311.38 billion. However, if you look behind these initial headlines, there are some accumulating trends that show that glass bottle-based packaging solutions still have a place in most national markets and will continue to play an important role in the way packaging is done in the future.

According to a recent report, glass bottles are still the solution of choice for alcohol packaging, especially beer, wine and spirits. In Australia, for example, of the 36 billion bottles sold, glass bottles accounted for the second largest market share at 15.9%. In this region, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks account for the majority of the glass bottle packaging market share. Feedback from the report identified sustainability as the driving force behind this figure.

The environmental impact of packaging has led consumers in the region to seek recyclable, reusable materials. According to the report, glass bottles for beer, wine and cider in the region will grow at a compound annual rate of 1.9% through 2023.

The report further states that happiness and sophistication are important drivers of confectionery demand. Baby food, spreads and sauces. Glass bottled water is also popular in Australia, with some manufacturers starting to use glass bottles to differentiate their products and convey a sense of excellence and well-being.