American glass manufacturer O-I Glass has completed a biofuel trial for sustainable glassmaking processes at its plant in Harlow, UK.
The trial involved the use of biofuel in combination with advanced technologies such as cullet preheating to replace natural gas in the furnace.
In a news release, O-I Glass said the trial demonstrated a “significant reduction” in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
This achievement is part of a broader initiative driven by Glass Futures, a UK-based research and development organisation.
It also aligns with the UK government’s ‘Net Zero Innovation Portfolio’ programme, which explores sustainable fuel alternatives for the industry.
O-I Glass confirmed that large-scale usage of biofuel is technically viable at the Harlow facility, though full-scale implementation will depend on the availability and cost-effectiveness of biofuels in the future.
O-I chief administrative and sustainability officer Randy Burns said: “Our participation in this programme is a testament to our unwavering dedication to driving positive change in the industry.
“The successful completion of the trial in Harlow has proven the feasibility of alternative fuels and has the potential to open up exciting new opportunities for the industry.
“Glass is already recognised as the ideal sustainable packaging material, and our job is to integrate innovative approaches with efficient processes to further decarbonise glassmaking. By doing so, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and economically viable future for the entire industry.”
In another development, O-I Glass unveiled plans to install Linde’s proprietary OPTIMELT thermochemical regenerator (TCR) technology at its glass container plant in Holzminden, Germany.
This collaboration is expected to reduce fuel consumption and scope 1 carbon emissions significantly.
The OPTIMELT TCR technology, which recovers waste heat from glass furnace flue gases to preheat and reform natural gas, is set to increase energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption by approximately 30% compared to conventional furnaces.
