Dean Butler has been announced as the new president of the British Glass Federation, succeeding Thomas Riss following a member vote held in May. 

Butler will serve a two-year term with a focus on supporting the sector through ongoing industry challenges. He brings over 20 years of experience to the role, including his current position as UK business development director at sustainable packaging manufacturer Ardagh Group. 

Butler commented: “I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of president at the British Glass Federation. It’s an exciting time for the glass industry, and I’m looking forward to working with members across the sector to drive innovation, champion sustainability and highlight the vital role glass plays in the UK economy. Together, we have a real opportunity to shape a strong and sustainable future for glass.” 

The news of Butler’s role comes at the same time as the new EPR base fees were announced, ushering in a difficult era for glass manufacturers.  

The representative body released a statement the same day as the EPR fees (June 27) warning that the reductions in glass packaging fees do not go far enough to “ensure producers choose recyclable glass over less circular alternatives”.

Nick Kirk, British Glass director, said: “This small reduction in the glass fees is disapointing. To some degree, DEFRA has listened to our concerns, but brands and retailers will inevitably look to switch materials to reduce pEPR costs. 

“The sector has already provided DEFRA with evidence of this. Measures like future recyclability-based fee modulation and Packaging Recovery Note reforms will come too late or do too little to fix the high pEPR fees on glass.”