On June 25, 2025, the glass industry entered a bold new era as Glass Futures officially fired up its state-of-the-art 30-tonne-a-day furnace at the £54 million Global Centre of Excellence in St Helens, UK. This one-of-a-kind facility is the first in the world to conduct international trials using sustainable fuels to produce both flat and container glass, setting a new global benchmark for decarbonised manufacturing.
Innovation in Action
In a symbolic moment, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, lit the furnace, marking the start of trials that will shape the future of low-carbon glass production. Capable of reaching 1600°C, the furnace uses a range of eco-friendly energy sources including hydrogen, biofuels, and renewable electricity. It can produce over two miles of flat glass daily, a transformative scale for testing next-gen materials.
A Global Impact
Justin Kelly, CEO of Glass Futures, highlighted the facility’s unmatched capabilities. Positioned at the heart of the UK’s industrial innovation strategy, Glass Futures is collaborating with partners across Europe and beyond to redefine global production standards, not only for glass, but also for heavy industries seeking a more sustainable future.
Source: Glass Futures with additional information added by Glass Balkan
