Bucher Emhart Glass reported a 'very good' start to the year thanks to strong demand in all its regions.

In its latest financial note, the Swiss-based glass container technology supplier said the rapid upturn that had begun after the slump caused by the Covid-19 pandemic continued this year.

Sales had doubled compared to the previous year and order intake increased by half. Strong demand continued in all regions, even Asia where there had been a certain amount of reticence last year.

Bottlenecks in logistics continued to pose difficulties for the division while the lockdown in China meant activities there were halted between mid-March and early April.

In its financial figures for January to March it reported net sales of CHF 102 million compared to CHF 69 million in the same period of 2021, while order intake was CHF 151 million compared to CHF 101 million in the same period the year before.

It anticipates sales to rise considerably in 2022 but due to the change in the product mix and the general increase in the cost base, the operating profit margin is likely to be lower but still markedly above the long-term target of 10%