The Global Shortage of Glass in 2021

As you may have heard in the news, the global glass market is currently in the midst of a glass shortage. 

In the UK, many suppliers are struggling to meet demand, because raw materials have been harder to access. 

This is a shortage on an unprecedented scale. It is a situation which has been steadily building for some time, and manufacturers across the world are attempting to navigate the current situation. 

To keep our customers informed about the current situation, and reassure you of the steps that we are taking to mitigate it, we’ve dedicated this blog post to the global shortage of glass in 2021. 

What is causing the shortage? 

The amount of glass that is made in the UK has steadily been declining over a number of years. As a result, the industry largely depends on imports from manufacturers in Europe. 

One major problem is the pressure of demand for UK-made glass. This is being intensified by a number of issues. Namely, wastage and inefficient processes. 

Clear Thinking Software recently reported that, every year glass manufacturers are losing around £86,400 in wastage. Even though there is a global glass shortage, these processes are responsible for a huge volume of wasted materials. 

In addition to this, a global problem with transport has meant that European imports are coming in less and less regularly. 

This is because there is a shortage of shipping containers across the world. Furthermore, there is a significant shortage of UK drivers (as highlighted by the recent fuel crisis). 

How long will the glass shortage last?

Experts predict that the global glass shortage will last for the rest of the year, and it is at the end of 2021 where the shortage will reach its highest point. 

However, it is important to note that the shortage does not mean that we will be completely without glass. Supplies will continue, albeit in a slower and more costly form. 

Predictions also suggest that the shortage will end in 2022. 

As with all of the shortages that we have faced during the pandemic, this situation will not last forever. 

As manufacturers and delivery companies work to meet demands, we can expect to see shortages and price rises this year. However, businesses across the supply chain are working hard to mitigate this situation, and ensure that customers’ incur the minimum possible amount of disruption. 

At Stevenage Glass, we are working immensely hard to manage this situation to the best of our ability. 

We are continuing to supply an extensive range of products and services, delivered to our usual level of reliability, and extremely high standard of quality. 

What’s more, we carefully manage waste across every step of our process. As a glazing company, we work to maintain eco-conscious processes, which produce as little waste as possible. As a result, you can be sure that we are utilising all of our materials with extreme care and precision. 

If you would like to find out more about the global glass shortage, or about the predicted impact of the current situation, don’t hesitate to get in touch.