The race to produce glass with as little impact on the planet as possible continues to heat up, with the announcement that Saint-Gobain has become the first in the world to achieve zero-carbon production of flat glass. This follows in the wake of the news from Pilkington that they were the first to burn their furnace on 100% biofuel.
Here is the statement from Saint-Gobain:
Saint-Gobain has become the first player in the world to achieve zero-carbon production of flat glass.
This technological feat was achieved last week by using 100% recycled glass (cullet) and 100% green energy, produced from biogas and decarbonized electricity. It was implemented for one week in Saint-Gobain’s flat glass manufacturing plant in Aniche, northern France.
By mobilizing the network of partners developed by Saint-Gobain, the focus was placed on circularity, with the use of 100% cullet from end-of-life glass from renovation or demolition sites and from production offcuts. The Group’s industrial and research teams succeeded in adjusting all of the furnace’s technical parameters to this dual challenge of operating with 100% recycled material and 100% biogas while ensuring the right optical quality of the glass. This pilot production demonstrates Saint-Gobain’s capacity for innovation throughout the value chain.
This achievement is a clear demonstration of Saint-Gobain’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. It complements the Group’s investment announced last year to build the world’s first carbon-neutral plasterboard plant in Norway. It further strengthens the Group’s position as the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction and its leading role in helping to build a carbon-neutral economy.
There is incredible innovation happening right now in the glass space within fenestration, and it is making huge strides in developing glass production methods that are kinder to the planet. It is perhaps possible that within a few years we will see all major glass production here in the UK and Europe that achieves zero-carbon status.
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