Glass for Europe Unveils Manifesto 2024-2029: Advocating Strong Support for Energy and Carbon Efficiency in Industrial Processes

by GlassBalkan
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Glass for Europe Takes a Stance on Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Unveils Ambitious Manifesto 2024-2029 Focused on Boosting Energy and Carbon Efficiency in Industrial Operations

n a pivotal move to confront the urgent need for sustainable practices within industrial processes, Glass for Europe reveals its Manifesto 2024-2029, aligning with the European Commission’s groundbreaking proposal for a formidable 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Beyond endorsing the imperative to cut CO2 emissions significantly, the manifesto places a distinct emphasis on safeguarding the global competitiveness of European industries. As the fourth installment of its comprehensive video series titled ‘A Mandate to Focus on Enabling Sustainable Transformation,’ Glass for Europe delves into the intricacies of supporting the energy and carbon efficiency of industrial processes.

The manifesto arrives at a crucial juncture when the European Commission has laid out a vision for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, setting the stage for discussions on measures that foster a conducive environment for such monumental emissions reductions. The manifesto underscores the dual challenge of achieving ambitious environmental goals while ensuring the competitiveness of European industries on a global scale.

The accompanying video features insights from industry luminaries, including Davide Cappellino from AGC Glass Europe, Joana Arreguy from Saint-Gobain, and Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe. Together, they shed light on the flat glass industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and the complexities associated with these endeavors. While investing in new technologies and scaling up recycling practices poses significant economic, technological, and industrial challenges, Glass for Europe advocates for a set of measures and EU policies to facilitate the industry’s transition.

Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, in the wake of economic and geopolitical challenges affecting European industry, emphasizes the need to avoid the “very real risk of deindustrialization and social tensions.” To counter these risks and guide the flat glass industry through its transformation, Glass for Europe recommends specific policies. These include massive investments in the production and infrastructure of low-carbon energy sources to ensure their long-term availability and affordability, ensuring the proper functioning of the carbon market post-2030, de-risking investments in innovative flat glass manufacturing technologies, and making EU-made low(er) carbon products more attractive while ensuring a level playing field for European products competing with imports.

The manifesto, part of a five-part series, outlines three key pillars – “Power Decarbonization,” “Recycle it Right,” and “Futureproof Skills.” These pillars are strategically designed to encapsulate the core focus areas for the UK glass industry in 2024 and beyond. Each pillar is followed by a comprehensive analysis of the current industry position and specific policy recommendations geared towards navigating the industry’s decarbonization journey in both the short and long term.

The document also emphasizes the industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero status and championing sustainable practices, such as the use of recycled glass and the separate collection of all glass packaging at the kerbside.

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass, expressed enthusiasm about the release, stating, “We are pleased to share our latest policy position document, showcasing how the UK glass sector makes essential contributions to the economy and job market nation-wide. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation drives our efforts to address the challenges facing the industry and create a supportive environment for UK manufacturing. We believe that by working collaboratively with stakeholders, we can shape a strong and sustainable future for the UK glass industry.”

Emphasizing the importance of continued governmental support, British Glass calls for ongoing engagement with political parties to provide guidance in shaping policy positions. This collaborative approach is deemed crucial to nurturing the growth of the UK manufacturing sector and, consequently, the broader economy.

Source: Glass for Europe with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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