Verallia Italia has officially inaugurated its new oxy-fuel furnace at the Pescia plant in Tuscany, marking one of the company’s most significant industrial investments in recent years. The project, valued at approximately EUR 110 million, represents a major step in the modernization of the site, which has been operating since 1976 and is now considered one of the most advanced facilities within the Verallia Group.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Verallia Group CEO Patrice Lucas, Verallia Italia CEO Marco Ravasi, Industrial Director Andrea Maffei, and Pescia plant Director Mattia Papini. Alongside technological upgrades, the investment has also created around 100 new jobs, contributing to local employment and social development. Women currently represent 20 percent of the plant workforce, reflecting Verallia Italia’s commitment to gender equality, certified under UNI/PdR 125:2022 since 2023.

At the center of the project is Air Liquide’s HEATOX™ technology, an advanced oxy-fuel combustion system that replaces air with oxygen during the glass melting process. The technology improves furnace efficiency, reduces pollutant emissions, and recovers residual heat to warm industrial spaces, eliminating the need for natural gas boilers. According to Verallia, the system will reduce fossil fuel consumption by 12 percent and cut CO2 emissions by approximately 7.8 kilotonnes annually.

The new furnace is dedicated to flint glass production for food and beverage packaging, strengthening Verallia Italia’s role as a strategic supplier for Made in Italy products exported worldwide.