Italian competition watchdog clears Verallia of collusion charges

ITALY – The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has officially closed its investigation into alleged price-fixing among leading glass packaging manufacturers, concluding that Verallia Italia and other industry players did not engage in collusive practices.

The decision ends a two-year probe that scrutinized sharp price increases in the glass wine bottle market beginning in 2022.

The inquiry examined whether the price hikes, reported across multiple segments, were the result of coordinated behaviour among manufacturers.

However, after gathering documentation, conducting inspections and analyzing market data, the AGCM confirmed that “no infringement was found.”

Instead, it attributed the changes to extraordinary external pressures, including unprecedented energy cost spikes, higher raw material prices, and sustained demand from the wine, spirits and food sectors.

Authorities noted that soaring gas and electricity prices, especially during the height of Europe’s energy crisis, heavily impacted the energy-intensive glass melting process.

Raw materials such as cullet and soda ash also experienced volatility. These combined factors, the AGCM stated, sufficiently explained the pricing trends without suggesting anti-competitive intent.

Complaints from industry stakeholders, including one via a whistleblowing channel, had triggered the probe in early 2023.

The investigation involved several major operators in Italy’s glass packaging supply chain, including Berlin Packaging Italy, O-I Italy, Vetropack Italia and Zignago Vetro.

In November 2023, as part of its evidence-gathering process, the authority conducted on-site inspections at company offices and at Assovetro, the national glass manufacturing association.

Following the AGCM decision, Verallia reaffirmed its stance on maintaining independent pricing policies driven by quality, secure supply and long-term value creation for customers.

The company also emphasised ongoing investment in efficiency, circularity and recycled glass (cullet) integration, which can reduce energy consumption and emissions.

The ruling arrives as the European glass packaging sector continues to balance strong demand with structural challenges.

In late 2025, several industry groups reported easing energy prices and stabilizing supply conditions, though lingering cost pressures remain.

Meanwhile, the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) has been advocating for increased cullet collection rates and infrastructure improvements to support decarbonization targets.

Verallia, which operates 35 plants across 12 countries, is among the companies investing heavily in closed-loop recycling and low-carbon furnace technologies.

In 2024, it produced more than 16 billion bottles and jars and generated €3.5 billion (US$4.07bn) in revenue, underscoring its position as one of the world’s largest glass packaging manufacturers.

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