In a significant stride toward decarbonizing America’s industrial sector, the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC) proudly announces its selection by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a $3 million funding initiative. The grant is specifically earmarked for groundbreaking research in advanced electric melting within the glass manufacturing domain, with the overarching goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the nation toward a net-zero economy.

Out of a pool of 49 selected projects, collectively securing $171 million in federal funding, GMIC’s initiative stands out as a pivotal step in acknowledging the glass industry’s critical role in industrial decarbonization. Marie Kistler, GMIC President and Market Manager in Air Products’ Americas Strategic Marketing and Development organization, expressed optimism, stating, “The submission and selection of the GMIC-led application for DOE funding is a great step forward for the industry.”

Collaborating on this transformative project are esteemed partners, including the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) in Richland, Washington; RoMan Manufacturing in Wyoming, Michigan; Toledo Engineering Company (TECO), and CelSian, both located in Toledo, Ohio. The collaboration extends GMIC’s reach and expertise, ensuring a holistic approach to the challenges faced in the glass manufacturing sector.

Reflecting the historical significance of glass production in Northwest Ohio, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) celebrated the federal award’s return to the Glass City. She remarked, “This partnership between the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council and its partners and the Department of Energy is a major step forward for glass production that moves us toward further decarbonization and a sustainable future.”

The project team, bringing together proficiency in glass manufacturing, electric melting, lab-scale experimentation, computer modeling, and engineering solutions, aims to address challenges hindering the widespread adoption of electric melting in high-volume applications. Scott Cooper, Technical Director USA of CelSian and principal investigator on the project, emphasized, “Our project aims to address these challenges, advance electric melting technology for sustainable glass production, and provide viable options for the glass industry’s journey toward a lower-carbon future.”

Anticipated to span three years, the project’s results will be disseminated through publications, community outreach efforts, and presentation at the annual Glass Problems Conference, organized by GMIC.

For more details about the project partners, please visit their respective websites.

Source: gmic.org with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable aluminium production, Hydro is spearheading the testing of emission-free plasma technology at its Sunndal casthouse. This initiative aligns with Hydro’s commitment to achieving zero CO2 emissions in aluminium production and has received soft funding from the Norwegian Government, highlighting its potential impact on hard-to-abate industries worldwide.

The process of re-melting aluminium into new products traditionally relies on energy-intensive, high-temperature procedures, often powered by fossil fuels like natural gas. Hydro’s adoption of new plasma technology aims to electrify this process, utilizing renewable energy sources already employed in its primary smelters. Eivind Kallevik, Executive Vice President for Hydro Aluminium Metal, emphasizes the transformative potential of plasma technology, stating, “If we succeed with the pilot project at Sunndal, it will not only affect the aluminium industry but also other hard-to-abate industries worldwide.”

Hydro aims to achieve a milestone by melting the first aluminium with near-zero emissions from the Sunndal casthouse in the fourth quarter of 2025. The pilot project is projected to reduce carbon emissions by over 500 tonnes annually, with a global potential impact of approximately 11 million tonnes of CO2 reduction in aluminium casthouses and recyclers. Enova, a Norwegian Government-backed enterprise facilitating the transition to a low-emission society, has provided crucial support by granting NOK 39.6 million for the project.

As part of Hydro’s broader commitment, the company targets zero emissions throughout the entire aluminium value chain by 2050. Hydro Sunndal, recognized as Europe’s largest and most modern aluminium plant, serves as a testing ground for carbon emission capture from existing electrolysis. Additionally, Hydro has invested in a test facility in Porsgrunn to develop HalZero, a pioneering technology for primary aluminium production designed to eliminate carbon emissions from both electrolysis and anode baking.

Eivind Kallevik underscores Hydro’s collaboration with demanding customers to support their climate ambitions, offering low-carbon and recycled aluminium. He states, “We are proud to offer aluminium based on renewable energy with a 75 percent lower carbon footprint than the global average.”

Source: GlassBalkan

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In a bold move towards environmental sustainability, SGD Pharma is aligning its efforts to combat global warming on multiple fronts. The company’s decarbonization strategy, with a clear goal of reducing CO2 scope 1 and 2 emissions by 35% in 2030 and an impressive 65% by 2040, compared to 2020 levels, is currently under validation by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

One noteworthy initiative that underscores SGD Pharma’s commitment to biodiversity and climate action is its partnership with the Zhanjiang Mangrove Wetland Conservation Federation. SGD Pharma has been invited to join the board of directors for this association, which focuses on promoting the scientific protection, management, and sustainable use of mangrove wetlands. This recognition highlights SGD Pharma’s dedication to preserving the mangrove ecosystem in Zhanjiang, with a commitment to planting 10,000 trees by the end of 2024.

The association’s Chairman, Mr. Liao, joined SGD Pharma at the CCI France Chine event, where discussions on the partnership took place alongside the Director for China at Climate Fresk. This collaborative effort is a testament to SGD Pharma’s proactive approach to environmental conservation.

For those eager to delve deeper into SGD Pharma’s sustainability efforts, the company’s comprehensive sustainability report provides detailed insights into its involvement in mangrove preservation in Zhanjiang.

Source: SGD Pharma with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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In a decisive move toward a greener future, the UK government has introduced the British Industry Supercharger, a groundbreaking initiative tailored to fortify energy-intensive sectors, including glass manufacturing. This comprehensive program is meticulously crafted to enhance the competitiveness of British industries by addressing crucial aspects of the energy system, aligning them with global standards and reducing electricity costs. For the UK glass industry, this signifies a pivotal stride toward decarbonization and sustainable progress.

Driving Sustainability: Key Components of the Supercharger

Under the umbrella of the British Industry Supercharger, three strategic measures have been introduced, each strategically designed to foster competitiveness and sustainability within the industrial sector:

1. Enhanced Energy-Intensive Industries Renewable Levy Exemption Scheme:

• The government elevates the subsidy under the existing EII Renewable Levy Exemption scheme from 85% to an impactful 100% aid intensity. This incentivizes and supports the industry’s transition towards renewable energy sources.

2. Full Indirect Exemption from Capacity Market Costs:

• Introducing a comprehensive indirect exemption from the expenses associated with the Capacity Market. This proactive step significantly eases financial burdens, allowing industries to focus on innovation and growth.

3. Energy-Intensive Industries Network Charging Compensation Scheme:

• Proposing a compensation mechanism to mitigate charges incurred by Energy-Intensive Industries when utilizing the GB electricity grid through the EII Network Charging Compensation Scheme. This ensures a fair and balanced energy landscape for industries, promoting sustained development.

Industry Voices: A Visionary Approach

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass, commends these strategic measures, recognizing their pivotal role in bolstering the glass industry. He states, “The British Industry Supercharger signifies the government’s unwavering support for British industries, including glass manufacturing. These measures are instrumental in driving electrification and reducing carbon emissions in energy-intensive sectors. This initiative propels the glass industry toward a sustainable future, aligning seamlessly with our net-zero ambitions.”

For detailed insights into the transformative British Industry Supercharger, follow this link to stay abreast of the latest developments shaping the future of British industries.

Source: www.britglass.org.uk with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Vidrala, a renowned leader in glass container manufacturing, takes another monumental step towards sustainability with the commencement of its Castellar Vidrio photovoltaic plant. Located in Castellar del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain, this ambitious project signals Vidrala’s unwavering commitment to a greener future.

Energizing Progress

• A Vision in Motion: Vidrala has officially kick-started the commissioning process of its state-of-the-art photovoltaic plant, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. The construction of this remarkable facility began in March, and its inauguration heralds a new era of responsible energy usage.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

• Limitless Potential: The Castellar Vidrio photovoltaic plant boasts an impressive capacity, poised to generate around 8,000 MWh of energy annually. What’s even more remarkable is the profound environmental impact—this equates to a reduction of over 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere each year. The facility comprises more than 1,900 photovoltaic modules with a total power output of up to 6 MWp.

Leading the Charge Towards Decarbonization

• A Visionary Decarbonization Strategy: Vidrala’s commitment extends beyond profit; it’s deeply rooted in their dedication to decarbonization and energy efficiency. This innovative project aligns perfectly with the Vidrala Group’s ambitious decarbonization and energy efficiency plan. The core objectives include reducing reliance on fossil fuels, advocating self-consumption, and enhancing energy efficiency worldwide through the exploration and installation of renewable energy alternatives.

Sustainability at the Heart of Business

• The “4 Ps” Principle: Vidrala’s sustainability strategy, known as “Glass Made Good,” embodies a holistic approach focusing on “4 Ps”: People, Planet, Populations, and Prosperity. This underscores Vidrala’s unwavering commitment to society, its local communities, and the broader global environment. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an integral part of Vidrala’s business DNA.

A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Tomorrow

• Partnering with Norvento Enerxía: Vidrala’s pursuit of self-consumption aligns seamlessly with its partnership with Norvento Enerxía. This endeavor builds upon the success of Vidrala’s 2022 project at the Crisnova plant in Caudete, Albacete, Spain. The 12 MW installation implemented there has already led to a remarkable annual reduction of approximately 12,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions—a testament to Vidrala’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

As Vidrala pioneers sustainable practices, it not only transforms its own operations but also sets a powerful example for industries worldwide. This photovoltaic endeavor reinforces Vidrala’s vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.

Source:  Vidrala with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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The journey towards a sustainable and greener future continues, and the flat glass industry is actively embracing innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint. In a highly informative video, we delve into the challenges faced by the industry and explore groundbreaking initiatives that are reshaping its landscape.

Increased Glass Recycling: The Closed-Loop Model (flat2flat)

One of the key pillars of sustainable glass production is increased recycling through a closed-loop model, known as flat2flat. This model aims to create a circular economy where glass waste is efficiently collected, processed, and transformed into new glass products. By implementing this approach, the industry minimizes waste and conserves valuable resources.

Utilizing Renewable Electricity: Powering the Glass Production

Transitioning to renewable electricity is a fundamental step in reducing the environmental impact of glass manufacturing. By sourcing energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, glass producers can significantly lower their carbon emissions. This shift not only contributes to a cleaner energy mix but also sets the stage for a more sustainable future.

Integration of Hydrogen: A Clean Energy Source for Glass Furnaces

The integration of hydrogen as a clean energy source marks a significant milestone in decarbonizing the flat glass industry. Saint-Gobain, in collaboration with Air Products, embarked on a pioneering large-scale hydrogen test at their production plant in Herzogenrath, Germany. The trial aimed to assess the viability of using hydrogen as a fuel for glass furnaces instead of traditional natural gas.

During the trial, thirty percent of the furnace’s total energy consumption was successfully replaced by pure hydrogen/air combustion. This achievement highlights the potential of hydrogen as a clean and efficient alternative, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with glass production.

Air Products: Enabling a Sustainable Transition

As a leading provider of industrial gases, Air Products played a crucial role in supporting the hydrogen trial at Saint-Gobain’s facility. They supplied the necessary hydrogen and ensured a seamless gas supply from the trailer to the plant, facilitating the successful integration of hydrogen as a fuel source.

Join the Movement Towards a Greener Glass Industry

The video showcases the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices and the ongoing efforts to drive meaningful change. By embracing glass recycling, renewable electricity, and the integration of hydrogen, the flat glass industry is making remarkable strides towards decarbonization and a more sustainable future.

Watch the video to gain valuable insights into the transformative journey of the glass industry and how it is reshaping its operations to build a greener world. Together, let’s support this important endeavor and pave the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Source: Saint-Gobain/Air Products with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Saint-Gobain has joined forces with Legno Legno – Consorzio Nazionale Serramentisti for the Sustainable Window+ project. This collaboration aims to support window manufacturers in their environmental labeling journey and raise awareness about sustainability in the glass industry.

Driving Sustainability in the Glass Industry

Glass Futures, a disruptive research technology organization, secures £18 million funding from the UK government’s Department for Energy, Security, and Net Zero. This investment will enable Glass Futures and its members to lead the decarbonization efforts in energy-intensive industries.

Advancing Carbon Reduction Strategies

Glass Futures will embark on three groundbreaking projects to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the glass and ceramic sectors. These initiatives will explore 100% hydrogen, low-cost biofuels, and electrical boosting to facilitate a smooth transition away from fossil fuels.

Rapid and Dynamic Electric Boosting of Glass Furnaces (R&D-Electric)

By developing super boosted electric furnaces, Glass Futures aims to optimize electric melting processes and enhance the capabilities of conventional glass furnaces. This advancement paves the way for a seamless transition to super-boost hybrid furnaces by 2040, contributing to a more sustainable glass industry.

Demonstrating the Viability of Low-Cost Biofuels for Glass and Ceramics

Collaborating with leading glass manufacturers like O-I, Ardagh, Encirc, and Pilkington UK, Glass Futures will explore economically attractive biofuels for glass and ceramic furnace sites. This project aims to provide cost-effective and renewable alternatives to natural gas, promoting decarbonization in the industry.

Demonstrating Hydrogen in the Ceramics Sector

Working with the British Ceramics Consortium, Glass Futures will showcase 100% hydrogen-firing technologies across various ceramics manufacturing sites. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, hydrogen has the potential to significantly decrease CO2 emissions and drive sustainability in the ceramics industry.

The Future of Sustainable Glass Production

Richard Katz, CEO of Glass Futures, expressed excitement about the progress made and the opening of the Global Centre of Excellence. The funding from the UK government will enable the organization to accelerate groundbreaking research and test innovative technologies at an industrial scale. These advancements align with Glass Futures’ mission to bring together industry leaders, academia, and foundations to drive decarbonization efforts and shape a sustainable future for the glass industry.

Source: Glass Futures with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Facing the urgent need for industrial decarbonization, the glass industry is also taking steps to enhance efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. In line with this objective, energy company E.ON and glass producer AGC have intensified their collaboration. A joint project to harness waste heat and generate renewable energy has been initiated at AGC’s float glass plant in Seingbouse, France.

Development of Waste Heat Recovery

E.ON will oversee the development, implementation, financing, and operation of this groundbreaking project. Since the partnership’s inauguration in 2019, E.ON and AGC Glass Europe have jointly pursued energy efficiency initiatives across several European countries. Additionally, the construction of photovoltaic plants with capacities of up to 20 megawatts (MW) is being explored in Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Tapping into Residual Heat

Residual heat represents a significant untapped energy source on a global scale, with approximately half of the heat used in industries going to waste. In the glass industry, around 30% of the heat required for production is lost through combustion gases. E.ON and AGC Glass Europe have taken action to address this issue.

At AGC’s Seingbouse plant, the residual energy will be utilized to produce carbon-free electricity through a 1.3 MW organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power plant. Concurrently, E.ON will install a 2.7 MW photovoltaic plant covering a total area of 27,000 square meters on-site. This installation will generate renewable electricity.

Reducing Energy Dependence

By combining the energy generated by the ORC power plant and the photovoltaic plant, E.ON will provide AGC with approximately 10 GWh of decarbonized electricity each year, starting from 2023. This production will meet a significant portion of AGC’s energy needs, allowing for a reduced dependence on traditional energy markets. The project is expected to prevent the emission of approximately 595 tons of CO2 annually.

This initiative is structured around a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) where E.ON will produce and sell electricity to AGC at a fixed price. This mechanism provides AGC with protection against energy price volatility. Moreover, AGC will not need to invest in the project, as it is financed by E.ON and supported by the “France Relance” plan of ADEME.

Joint Commitment to Sustainability

Marc Bartheld, Plant Manager at AGC Seingbouse, states, “Our plant is one of AGC’s largest production lines for the building sector, with an annual production of 240,000 tons of float glass. Our goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and energy consumption by 20% by 2030. To achieve this, we continuously strive to improve the environmental performance of our production sites. The Seingbouse project here in France is a perfect example of how E.ON can help us not only achieve our sustainability objectives but also ensure the long-term competitiveness of the site.”

Guenther Schneider, President of E.ON France, adds, “In addition to decarbonization, supply security and independence from volatile raw material prices are becoming increasingly crucial for our industrial customers in the current market context. These objectives can be achieved by combining energy efficiency measures with the reuse of waste heat and local production of green energy. With its international presence, E.ON can effectively assist AGC in implementing this sustainable development strategy across all its European sites.”

Source: AGC Glass Europe with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Taking place on Tuesday, May 9, this one-day event promises to deliver invaluable insights and expert opinions on regional-focused topics. Registration is now open, and you won’t want to miss out on the informative sessions that are exclusively available to those affiliated with the FGIA Western Region.

What’s on Offer?

Mark Mikkelson (Andersen), FGIA Western Region President, says, “In just one day, you’ll get the latest information and insight about topics of the most interest to those who engage with the Western Region. Conveniently connect with expert speakers addressing timely industry topics through our FGIA Western Region Virtual Summit.”

The event features an impressive lineup of speakers and regional-focused sessions, including:

• ENERGY STAR 7.0 Update with Mark Mikkelson, Director, Corporate Regulatory Affairs (Andersen), Western Region President and Kathy Krafka Harkema, U.S. Technical Operations Director (FGIA)
• “California Energy Code | Decarbonization of Buildings” with Christopher Olvera, supervisor, Outreach & Education Unit (Building Standards Office, California Energy Commission)
• A Western Region code roundup with Krafka Harkema
• “PFAS Reductions in Consumer Products in Washington State” with Cheryl Niemi (Department of Ecology, State of Washington)
• “Industry Trends | Insulating Glass, Smart Glass Technology, Shading Devices,” with Robert Hart and Luis Fernandez (Windows & Envelope Materials Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

Registration Details

You can register for the FGIA Western Region Virtual Summit now, with unlimited company employees for $149 or individual registration for $99. And if you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities for this event, contact FGIA Meetings Manager, Florica Vlad.

Make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and codes affecting the Western Region. Register for the FGIA Western Region Virtual Summit today and get ready to learn from some of the best experts in the industry. For more information about FGIA and its events, visit FGIAonline.org/events.

Source: FGIAonline.org with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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