In a significant advancement for the glass manufacturing industry, Fives has successfully commissioned an energy-efficient furnace at Guardian Glass’ state-of-the-art facility in Bascharage, Luxembourg.
This innovative solution, branded as the Prium Float-Melt furnace, incorporates Fives’ pioneering Lower Energy Melter (L.E.M.) technology, marking a crucial milestone in the quest for sustainable industrial practices.
The Prium Float-Melt furnace is equipped with a sophisticated heat recovery system designed to optimize energy use. This system preheats pure oxygen and natural gas, significantly enhancing the furnace’s efficiency. Notably, the facility has been operational since the end of 2023, producing lower carbon glass while setting an industry benchmark for energy consumption.
One of the most compelling benefits of this new furnace is its projected reductions in operational costs and environmental impact. Fives anticipates that, over time, the technology will reduce gas consumption by 25% and CO2 emissions by 20% compared to traditional air-fuel furnaces. Such substantial reductions position this furnace as one of the most energy-efficient options available in the glass manufacturing sector today. 
Guus Boekhoudt, Executive Vice President of Guardian Glass, expressed his enthusiasm for this development, noting, “This new float system heralds an exciting era for the plant in Luxembourg, as it is Guardian Glass’ most energy-efficient furnace. We trusted Fives to implement a new technology, as they have extensive experience with electric and hybrid melting for various glass applications.”
Furthermore, the introduction of the Prium Float-Melt furnace enhances the operational capacity of the Bascharage facility, allowing for increased production of both Guardian ExtraClear float glass and Guardian UltraClear low-iron float glass. This dual capability ensures that Guardian Glass can meet expanding market demands while also upholding its commitment to sustainability.
Fives’ L.E.M. technology is specifically designed to minimize heat loss and gas usage without compromising glass quality. As a result, the new system achieves record low emissions, including damaging pollutants such as NOx, CO2, SOx, and particulate matter. Alexandre Brusset, Vice President of Glass at Fives, highlighted the significance of this project, stating, “This is the first float furnace of its kind in technology and capacity for both Fives and Guardian Glass, and represents a notable milestone in the carbon emission reduction strategy for the glass business worldwide.”
The successful implementation of the Prium Float-Melt furnace aligns seamlessly with the sustainability strategies of both Fives and Guardian Glass. Each organization is committed to optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and improving manufacturing processes—a shared vision that emphasizes environmental responsibility in industrial operations.
As the global community increasingly prioritizes sustainable practices, initiatives like the one undertaken by Fives and Guardian Glass exemplify the potential for innovation to drive significant change in high-impact industries. The progress made at the Bascharage plant stands as a testament to what is achievable when companies come together with a common goal: to foster a greener, more sustainable future for all.
Source: Jess Mills with additional information added by GlassBalkan
