GEPVP is now GLASS FOR EUROPE

As of September 2007, the association for Europe's manufacturers of building, automotive and transport glass is called GLASS FOR EUROPE.

GLASS FOR EUROPE is the new name for the Groupement Européen des Producteurs de Verre Plat / European Association of Flat Glass Manufacturers. Because of the length of the full title, the association had been known by its French-language acronym "GEPVP". Apart from a relatively small number of people working closely with GEPVP and those working within it as Members, the anonymous-sounding acronym meant very little. It is no longer suitable for the work of the Association as the voice of the industry to the policy-makers and decision-takers in Brussels and elsewhere in the European Union. (Read our Mission Statement here.)

It is essential that a key European industry has a representative body in Brussels that can communicate effectively and simply to other stakeholders in the European industrial policy-making process. That, of course, starts with the name of the organisation, which must be clear and recognisable. But that is not all. In addition to a new name we have a new programme to communicate more effectively with those who influence our business environment, explaining what we have to offer and what policy-makers can do to ensure that this important industry achieves its full potential in Europe.

With this in mind, the Board of the Association took the decision in early 2007 that the GEPVP should have a new name that would communicate to the world what its member companies are all about - that is to say, glass for Europe. We are the principal companies producing glass in Europe for Europe. Our products aim to meet the aspirations of all Europeans for safety and security, comfort and practicality, and environmental sustainability.