Our World of Sustainability – Zero Carbon Furnace

Decarbonising glass packaging will be a key part of the UK government’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050. We recognise that glass manufacturing is an energy intensive process but the future is looking clean – electricity, hydrogen and beyond.

Where existing furnaces traditionally use natural gas, we can already produce in furnaces utilising 100% electricity as the primary energy for melting, but we want to see this ability brought to the large scale production required by many of our customers. Plans are already developed and in-process to produce in furnaces powered by 100% renewable electricity, as well as furnaces utilising hydrogen. Having already trialled alternative fuels such as 100% biogas, we have delivered bottles with an estimated 99% reduction in carbon footprint, but with the same benchmarks for quality and performance.

As a fully recyclable product, with minimal impact to the environment once made, glass has a bright future. We are confident in the plans for and to help deliver ultra-low or no carbon solutions for our customers.