Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe (AGP-Europe), a division of Ardagh Group, announced today that its glass bottles produced from the innovative NextGen Furnace have achieved a consistent 64% reduction in CO2 emissions, saving approximately 18,000 tonnes of CO2 since the beginning of 2024.
Since commencing commercial production in October 2023, the NextGen Furnace at AGP-Obernkirchen in Germany has been gradually increasing its direct electrical heating through electrodes, aiming for an 80% electrical heating and 20% gas mix. In 2024, AGP-Europe has achieved an average of 60% electrical heating in the NextGen Furnace, with support from furnace supplier SORG.
The NextGen Furnace is funded by the BMWK ‘Decarbonisation of Industry’ program and the ‘NextGeneration EU’ European Innovation Fund.
This cutting-edge technology allows for the production of up to 350 tonnes of amber glass, utilizing up to 70% recycled glass cullet.
Joris Goossens, R&D Project Manager at AGP-Europe, stated: “Ramping up the electrical heating in the NextGen Furnace has presented challenges. The furnace operates differently from conventional furnaces, with the glass getting hotter than the combustion space. We have been exploring new territory.”
Sven-Roger Kahl, Manager of Furnace Operations at AGP-Europe, added: “The unique design of the NextGen Furnace has challenged traditional operating norms. It has been a learning curve, but worthwhile in achieving our goal of low-carbon glass packaging.”
Key customers, industry peers, and government officials have visited the furnace to witness its operation. Discussions have taken place regarding the need for electrical grid connectivity to expand this technology to other AGP facilities.
AGP-Europe plans to integrate hybrid and sustainable melting technologies for furnace rebuilds starting in 2027, contingent on access to suitable electrical infrastructure in respective markets.
*CO2 reduction based on modeling.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and KEI (Competence Centre on Climate Change Mitigation in Energy-Intensive Industries) have provided grants to qualifying energy-intensive industries in Germany.
