The Italian glass industry, a European leader with a €9.6 billion turnover in 2022 and employing nearly 29,000 skilled workers, faces a monumental challenge: achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
This ambitious goal, aligned with the EU’s decarbonization strategy, requires a significant investment estimated at €15 billion, according to a recent study. Without substantial and targeted interventions, the industry risks falling short of its environmental targets and facing potential relocation to countries with less stringent regulations.
This critical need for change was underscored at the “Ecological Transition of Glass” conference, where Assovetro, the Italian glass manufacturers’ association, presented seven key proposals for a successful decarbonization pathway. Their research, conducted in collaboration with KPMG, reveals that CO2 emissions from the Italian glass sector reached 3,739,539 tons in 2022. While the industry is already a leader in energy efficiency and recycling, projections show only marginal emission reductions by 2050 without decisive action.
The study identifies six crucial decarbonization levers: improved energy efficiency, the adoption of green fuels, implementation of CO2 capture technologies, and other crucial steps. To facilitate this transition, Assovetro’s proposals focus on securing necessary governmental support, including:
Financial incentives: Economic support for process modifications and incentives for purchasing zero-emission energy sources.
Regulatory streamlining: Bureaucratic simplification and priority access to energy resources.
EU ETS reform: Addressing potential permit shortages within the EU Emissions Trading System.
Trade protection: Safeguarding against unfair competition from countries with less stringent environmental regulations.
Infrastructure development: Investment in the necessary network infrastructure to support the transition.
Green energy production: A dedicated plan for the production of green energy and decarbonized energy carriers.
Assovetro President Marco Ravasi emphasizes the importance of legislative support, stating that “without a clear roadmap, the glass industry risks being relocated to countries with lower environmental standards.” This sentiment is echoed by Adeline Farrelly, Secretary General of FEVE (the European container glass federation), who highlights the crucial need for collaborative efforts across the European glass industry to maintain its vital role in the circular economy.
The €15 billion investment represents a significant undertaking, but it’s a necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Italian and European glass industries. The proposals presented by Assovetro offer a concrete roadmap, but their success hinges on the commitment and support from policymakers to facilitate this crucial transition.
Source:assovetro.it with additional information added by GlassBalkan
