In the heart of St Helens, a town synonymous with glassmaking innovation, Glass Futures is leading a transformative global effort. This pioneering organization is not only revitalizing the region’s proud industrial legacy but is also at the forefront of making glass production cleaner and more sustainable for the world. Through creating skilled employment, fostering local business growth, and inspiring a new generation of innovators, Glass Futures is demonstrating how historical industrial centers can become crucibles for future-forward solutions.
The significance of Glass Futures’ work was recently underscored by a visit from Sir Keir Starmer to their 165,000 square foot transformational Research and Development centre. Addressing the dedicated workforce, Sir Keir articulated a profound appreciation for their ground-breaking efforts. “You can read a briefing in London, or you can come and see the workforce,” he remarked, emphasizing the invaluable insight gained from witnessing their expertise firsthand. “I’ve got a really good sense of what you’re doing here, how you’re doing it, the incredible way in which you are doing it and how each of you are contributing in your own way.” This sentiment highlights the deeply collaborative and impactful nature of the work being undertaken at Glass Futures.
At a national level, Glass Futures plays a pivotal role in advancing the UK’s green industrial strategy. Its efforts are instrumental in reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner manufacturing processes, directly contributing to the nation’s sustainability goals. Beyond national borders, Glass Futures stands as a unique global hub. Here, international partners converge to collaborate on and rigorously test low-carbon technologies. These innovations possess the potential to revolutionize not just the glass industry but also other heavy industries facing similar decarbonization challenges.
Justin Kelly, CEO of Glass Futures, emphasized the monumental importance of the Prime Minister’s visit. “The significance of the Prime Minister’s visit to Glass Futures’ Global Centre of Excellence in St Helens cannot be underestimated,” he stated. This high-profile political support, combined with the unwavering determination of the Glass Futures team, its members, and supporters, is paving the way for a critical milestone: the illumination of their transformational R&D furnace on June 25th. 
This momentous event, as Kelly explains, “really gets us driving towards delivering our innovation programmes focused on decarbonisation.” The Prime Minister’s visit, he noted, has effectively “put a spotlight on Glass Futures’ national asset, especially ahead of the imminent release of the Government’s industrial strategy.” Sir Keir’s keen interest in the unique solutions Glass Futures offers for decarbonizing the glass sector and other foundation industries, alongside job creation, signals a strong alignment with national strategic objectives. Kelly further acknowledged the indispensable support from various government departments and regional authorities, underscoring the collaborative ecosystem that has enabled Glass Futures’ success.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, celebrated Glass Futures as a “first-of-its-kind project that has brought together some of the brightest minds in science and industry to decarbonise heavy polluting industries.” He lauded its role in placing St Helens, with its nearly two centuries of industrial heritage, back at the forefront of global industry, creating high-quality, secure jobs, and accelerating the UK’s journey to net-zero. “Today we were able to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the Liverpool City Region’s innovation credentials to the Prime Minister, because this sort of innovation isn’t happening anywhere else,” Mayor Rotheram added, emphasizing the region’s pioneering spirit.
Justin Kelly also highlighted the profound local impact of Glass Futures, noting the significant presence of local residents within their workforce. “There are a lot of local people in our workforce, and that brings a lot of pride,” he shared. The organization’s commitment extends beyond recruitment; it focuses on developing its employees and fostering their career progression.
Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, echoed this sentiment, viewing Glass Futures as a “catalyst for what we want to achieve with our net zero ambitions, as well as improving the lives and aspirations of our residents.” He praised the Prime Minister’s genuine interest in not just the industry, but also in the apprentices and individuals he met, recognizing the transformative difference Glass Futures is poised to make.
Glass Futures is more than an organization; it is a blueprint for how place-based innovation can powerfully fuel the UK’s green economy. By anchoring high-skilled jobs and advanced manufacturing within St Helens, it ensures the region’s long-term prosperity and actively contributes to leveling up opportunities across the North. Its pioneering efforts are not merely about cleaning up an industry; they are about crafting a sustainable and prosperous future for communities and the world.
Source: Glass Futures with additional information added by GlasBalkan
