In 2020, the specialty glass manufacturer SCHOTT announced its intention to become climate neutral in its production by 2030 (Scope 1 & 2 GHG Protocol). Technological change plays an important role in a four-part action plan. The company has now received funding of around €14.8 million for the construction of its first large-scale industrial pilot plant. In this pioneering project, pharmaceutical glass is to be manufactured largely without causing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Group is now demonstrating the technical feasibility of low-CO2 manufacturing of specialty glass for the pharmaceutical industry by setting up a pilot plant on an industrial scale. Over the past two years, the experts at SCHOTT have been doing basic work in various research projects. Now, the company is taking the next step: The research results will be tested on an industrial scale in an innovative melting tank concept.

Around €40 million is being invested in the “PROSPECT Pilot” project for the construction and use of the new glass melting tank. It will be built in Mitterteich, Bavaria. The project period is the next three years. The pilot plant will be powered primarily by green electricity. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by about 80% compared to current technology.

The promotion of the climate-friendly process takes place as part of the “Decarbonization in Industry” programme of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK). It is managed by the Competence Center for Energy Intensive Industry in Germany (KEI).

www.schott.com