Gerresheimer is planning to build a glass melting furnace for white glass at its site in Lohr, which will be powered by hybrid technology - half with green electricity and half with natural gas.
The use of hybrid technology in 2022 is expected to significantly more CO2 can be saved than with conventional technology. For the project Gerresheimer submitted an application for funding to the Federal Ministry for the Environment.
„This technology project serves to strengthen Germany as a centre of industry and glass production. We will set new standards in terms of sustainability and avoiding emissions.“ Andreas Kohl, Global Senior Vice President Operations at the Gerresheimer Group
On Location Lohr Gerresheimer produces with two furnaces for clear and amber glass The company produces more than one billion glass containers for the pharmaceutical and food industries every year. „By using this sustainable furnace technology in conjunction with green energy for the glass melting process, we will significantly reduce CO2 emissions from production by around 25,000 tonnes per year,“ says Jörg Buchmayer, Head of Production and Technology, who is responsible for the project. „We rely on hybrid technology, which makes it possible to cover half of the melting energy required in the furnace with green electricity and the other half with natural gas.“
Hybrid technology reduces CO2 emissions
Glass can be recycled an infinite number of times. However, high temperatures are required for glass melting. This costs energy and generates corresponding CO2 emissions. The Gerresheimer Group has been working for over a decade to ensure that the sustainable production of its glass containers for the pharma, cosmetics and food industries does not consume more energy than is absolutely necessary.
The glass manufacturer also produces glass containers for numerous branded products in the world of pharma and cosmetics at its German sites in Essen and Tettau. As part of its global sustainability strategy, Gerresheimer has set itself the goal of, reduce its CO2 emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019. The resource-saving production of glass plays a decisive role here. The innovative technology planned for the plant in Lohr is pioneering in this respect.
Source: Gerresheimer
