Ardagh Glass Packaging – North America was awarded an Energy Star plant certification for its glassmaking facility in Madera, California, from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The facility demonstrates superior energy performance and performs within the top 25% of similar sites nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict performance levels set by the EPA. The Madera facility manufactures approximately one million glass containers per day for the local wine market.

The glass industry associations in the Nordic countries have many years of fruitful cooperation behind them. The collaboration is formalised through the Association of Glass Nordic (AGN). The association aims at becoming the voice of the glass and glazing sector in the Nordic region.

Stoelzle Masnieres Parfumerie (STM) has successfully completed a financial restructuring which was necessary after the effects of the Covid crisis and the explosion of energy and material costs. Fresh capital injection from the Austrian shareholder and in part from the French North Region, together with support from the State and the banks to accept a significant reduction of financial debt, assure the company begins 2023 with a stronger balance sheet and enhanced financial resources.

Glass Technology Services recognises how challenging it can be for those new to working with glass and need to get up to speed in their role. The GTS glass appreciation course combines both theory and practical sessions and even provides an opportunity to hand form something from molten glass.

Delegates will learn about the manufacturing process, properties of the material and its environmental impact. Product defects and failure are also covered in an accessible format, making this an ideal introduction for anyone dealing with glass products or issues.

Bookings are now open for the upcoming Glass Appreciation Course run by GTS on 8 March in Sheffield.

www.glass-ts.com

Ardagh Glass Packaging - Europe has designed its newest glass furnace in Poland with the latest available suite of sustainable technology for reducing emissions and improving energy and resource efficiency.

Reducing emissions and improving the impact on the environment is one of the key targets for the glass industry. Ceramic candle filter technology is the most effective method of controlling particulates and acid gases and is also highly efficient in reducing SOx during the glass manufacturing process. Installing a continuous emission monitoring system provides ongoing information and allows immediate corrective and preventive action to be taken if necessary.

“Sustainability is an important driver for innovation and growth at Gerresheimer. The A- recognition confirms that we prioritise thinking and acting sustainably as one of the main pillars of our global strategy,” said Dietmar Siemssen, CEO of Gerresheimer. “We are proud that the continued progress we have made has been independently validated and that CDP has recognised Gerresheimer as a global leader making a positive impact on climate change.”

In autumn 2022, Stoelzle participated in an innovation pitch, which was organised by the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. As an energy-intensive industrial company it is always seeking innovative ideas in which to help reduce consumption in all production processes, as well as increasing the use of green energy. As the glass manufacturer already gains green energy the next step was finding a way to store any excess.

Vidrala has released its 2022 CDP Score, with the non-profit organisation awarding Vidrala with a ‘B’ in Water Security and an ‘A-’ in Climate Change, an amazing result and the first time the company has been placed in the Leadership band by the Carbon Disclosure Project.

The Society of Glass Technology’s Furnace Solutions 2023 “Living in the Glass Age” will again explore the road to sustainability. The two-day conference will be held at the Totally Wicked Stadium, home of St Helens Rugby League Club, on 7–8 June.

The meeting will include: the views of glass producers as they transition towards Net-Zero; practical guidance on electric and hybrid melting; hydrogen; alternate raw materials; and sustainable refractory development. Further details will be added to the conference website when they become available.

As part of the conference there will be a tour of the new Glass Futures building to see the facilities as they take shape with the completion of building work.