Bormioli Luigi, a leading name in the glass manufacturing industry, is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.
The company has announced the installation of a new hybrid furnace at its Abbiategrasso plant (near Milan), a key initiative under the EU-backed Vitrum project, part of the Innovation Fund. This ambitious project represents a substantial investment in cutting-edge technology and underscores Bormioli Luigi’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Scheduled for completion by January 2025, the innovative furnace will utilize a hybrid system powered by both methane and electricity. This design is not merely a technological advancement; it’s a strategic move towards significantly reducing the company’s carbon footprint. The hybrid approach, combined with the use of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) glass and an optimized piping system, delivers impressive results. Initial projections indicate an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions from the hybridization process alone, with further reductions attributable to the efficient use of recycled materials and optimized energy flow.
Quantifiably, this translates to a remarkable 30% decrease in gas consumption and a 14% reduction in overall CO2 emissions when compared to traditional gas furnaces. Over its first decade of operation, Bormioli Luigi anticipates the new furnace will reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to 25,500 tons – a considerable contribution to mitigating climate change.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the new furnace incorporates advanced digitalization and artificial intelligence for process optimization and control system management. This further enhances efficiency, ensuring not only reduced emissions but also improved overall production processes.
Bormioli Luigi’s investment in this state-of-the-art technology showcases a proactive approach to sustainable manufacturing within the glass industry. The Vitrum project, supported by the European Commission, demonstrates a wider commitment to fostering innovation and environmentally friendly practices. This initiative serves as a compelling example for other companies, highlighting the viability and significant impact of investing in sustainable technologies for a greener future. The success of this project will undoubtedly pave the way for similar advancements within the industry, driving positive change on a larger scale.
Source: Bormioli Luigi with additional information added by GlassBalkan
