June 7, 2025 (press release) –
President Trump has long championed American industry, recognizing its vital role in job creation, economic growth, and national security. The U.S. glass container industry stands as a pillar of American manufacturing, providing essential packaging solutions across multiple sectors, including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. By bolstering domestic glass container production and improving upon recycling systems, the U.S. can enhance economic stability, secure supply chains, and reduce reliance on foreign materials.
Glass packaging offers a unique combination of durability, sustainability, and safety. To ensure its continued success, we must focus on strengthening manufacturing, investing in recycling infrastructure, and maintaining fair trade policies that protect American businesses.
Prioritizing the U.S. Glass Industry: Key Areas for Action
The demand for sustainable and safe packaging continues to grow. Glass, as a fully recyclable and non-toxic material, is well-positioned to meet this demand.
To support the industry’s growth and competitiveness, the U.S. must:
Protect Domestic Manufacturing: Implement targeted trade and tariff policies that prevent largely under regulated foreign competitors from undercutting U.S. glass producers, through unfair subsidies and market manipulation.
Enhance Recycling Systems: Invest nationwide in recycling programs that increase glass collection and processing capacity, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality recycled glass for manufacturers.
Encourage Innovation: Promote policies that incentivize research and development in glass technology, from lightweight designs to energy-efficient production methods.
Strengthen Infrastructure: Modernize processing facilities and logistics networks to improve the efficiency of recycling and distribution of glass materials.
Economic Contributions of the U.S. Glass Industry
JOBS SUPPORTED
Glass container manufacturing plants directly employee over 13,000 Americans in benefits-provided
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Contributing tens of billions of dollars annually to the economy through production, recycling, innovation and retail sales.
Leveling the Playing Field for American Glass Manufacturers
Unfair trade practices, particularly from state-subsidized foreign producers, pose a significant threat to U.S. glass manufacturers. To maintain a competitive edge, policymakers must take decisive action to protect domestic production.
U.S. glass manufacturers support:
Strong Trade Enforcement: Ensure that anti-dumping and countervailing duties remain robust against non-market economy competitors.
Sustainable Domestic Recycling: Develop policies that prioritize the retention of recycled glass in the U.S. supply chain rather than exporting valuable materials abroad.
Fair Market Access: Strengthen trade relationships with allied nations that uphold fair labor and environmental standards
Expanding Recycling Infrastructure to Meet Industry Needs
Glass is a permanent material that can be recycled endlessly. However, inefficient collection and high contamination levels limit its potential. Enhancing recycling programs will ensure manufacturers have access to high-quality recycled glass, strengthening supply chains, reducing costs and improving environmental outcomes.
Industry supported solutions:
Investment in Collection Systems: Expand and modernize curbside and deposit recycling programs to increase glass recovery rates.
Advanced Sorting Technologies: Deploy state-of-the-art processing methods to improve material purity and usability in new glass production.
Energy-Efficient Recycling: Encourage, but not require, adoption of lower-emission melting technologies that can reduce energy consumption and production costs.
Glass: A Key to a Sustainable, Competitive Economy
Glass packaging aligns with America’s sustainability goals by offering a safe, recyclable alternative to plastics and other materials. Strengthening the glass industry means creating high-quality jobs, reducing environmental impact, and maintaining the integrity of the U.S. supply chain.
To achieve these goals, policy makers should:
Recognize Glass as Essential: Support legislation that enhances domestic glass production and recycling capabilities.
Ensure Stable Supply Chains: Invest in infrastructure that secures a steady flow of raw and recycled materials for glass manufacturing.
Promote Long-Term Growth: Implement pro-business policies that foster expansion, innovation, and workforce development in the glass sector.
A thriving glass industry strengthens national security, boosts the economy, and supports sustainability. By acting now to protect and expand domestic glass manufacturing and recycling, the Trump Administration and Congress can secure long-term benefits for American businesses and consumers.
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