European food industry Glassware is making significant progress towards innovation and decarbonisation. According to a statement issued by AssovetroEvery year more is invested. 600 million euros In these areas, with the aim of improving energy efficiency and modernizing production plants. However, to achieve the ambitious goal of Net zero By 2050, it is estimated that more will be needed. 20 billion euros At the expense of Investment.
The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become completely climate neutral. Carbon emissions It is considered a breakthrough in the reach of the industry. However, according to Assovetro, the industry cannot face this challenge alone. There Energy transfer Significant support is needed, particularly towards low-carbon energy sources Access to low cost energy.
Emphasizes the need for intervention by AssovetroThe European UnionTo strengthen existing financial instruments and introduce new support mechanisms, to facilitate access to finance for businesses. In fact, it is only with the support of European institutions that the glass container industry will be able to complete its journey. Durability without compromising our economic competitiveness.
According to Assovetro, the role of European institutions is therefore crucial to speed up the sector’s transition, as access to adequate financing and technological modernization are essential to achieve the climate and decarbonisation objectives set for 2050. Support is essential.
Decarbonisation of the European glass industry, an important step towards reaching net zero
gave European Federation of Glass Containers (Feve) recently published a report titled “One destination, multiple routes: how the European container glass industry is decarbonizing glassmaking“, which provides a clear picture of how the container glass industry is striving to develop not only circular but also climate-neutral packaging. This document presents a multi-pronged approach to reducing the sector’s environmental impact. highlights the importance of adopting innovative strategies and technologies.
According to the report, to ensure that the industry achieves its objective Net zero By 2050, it is important to make significant progress in the coming years. In fact, the time window for intervention is limited. Glass furnaces, central components in container production, have a lifespan of 10-15 years and have an annual turnover rate of between 7% and 10%. Therefore, it is important to gradually replace old kilns with more modern systems, which are able to operate thanks to low carbon technologies.
Another key aspect highlighted in the report is Direct carbon emissions. Currently, about 80% of the industry’s emissions come from the combustion of natural gas during the glass manufacturing process. To rapidly reduce the environmental impact, it is therefore a priority to switch to low-carbon energy sources, such as green gas or renewable energy, solutions that can revolutionize the entire sector.
Furthermore, the report sheds light on how the 90% of glass containers are produced in the EU. are created by companies that have joined the initiative. Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)a program designed to help businesses on their journey. decarbonisation And in getting Net zero emissions. This membership is a clear sign of the industry’s commitment to meeting climate goals, contributing to global collective action to combat climate change.
The Italian glass industry and the road to decarbonisation
The Italian glass industry has embarked on a significant energy transition through the continuous innovation of its plants. As indicated by the President. Assovetro, Marco RavasiApprox 7 out of 10 companies They have already given a formal shape rThe Decarbonisation Map, commits to reducing its CO2 emissions and rapidly adopting sustainable solutions.
However, as highlighted in the FIVE report, achieving the ambitious goal of net zero by 2050 requires collective cooperation from all stakeholders involved. Not only companies, but also government bodies, energy producers and distributors, as well as bottlers and end-users, play a key role in this sector.
In particular, end users can choose to contribute. Deep containerswhich appears according to the report. More durable Compared to the obvious ones in terms of CO2 emissions. This awareness represents an important step towards building an increasingly sustainable glass supply chain capable of responding to future environmental challenges.
Glass, champion of recycling, ally of sustainability
Glass is one of the few materials that stands out for its ability to be endlessly recycled without loss of quality. This feature makes it a highly durable option, capable of contributing significantly. Circular economy. In 2022, the rate of glass accumulation in Europe has reached a staggering level. 80.2%With some countries, such as Italy, achieving an even higher percentage, par 90.8%. These figures show the growing commitment of citizens and industries to recover glass cullet, with the aim of being reused in a production cycle that reduces the consumption of natural resources and the environmental impact.
Most collected glass is recycled in a circular process, where the material is melted down and recycled to make new containers and packaging. This cycle reduces the need to extract new raw materials, helping to reduce carbon emissions and more efficient use of available resources.
In addition to its ability to be recycled, glass is also a particularly safe packaging material. It does not release harmful chemicals into food or drink products, no matter how many times it is recycled. This feature makes it ideal for maintaining the quality and safety of sensitive products, such as foodstuffs, without compromising consumer health.
In an era where sustainability has become a global priority, glass is recognized as a key material for a bright future. greenWhere waste reduction, recycling and Environmental health They go hand in hand.
A strategic sector for the European glass industry, economy and sustainability
European food industry Glassware It is an important sector for the continent’s economy. 162 manufacturing plants Scattered across Europe. This department provides 125,000 jobsContributing significantly both directly and indirectly. Economic development and creating employment opportunities. Glass, in fact, is not just a material used to package consumer goods, but represents a fundamental element for many industrial sectors.
Specifically, beyond that 140 billion euros Of EU exports They are packaged in glass, highlighting the sector’s importance to international trade. Another important fact is related to the fact that approx 45,000 manufacturing companies Across the EU, of which 98% are SMEs.they depend. Glass packaging to sell their products. It highlights how glass is not just a packaging material, but also a fundamental element in guaranteeing the quality and safety of goods manufactured from it. Beverages To Food itemsright down to the product Pharmaceuticalsi perfume And to do Cosmetics.
Glass, in fact, plays an important role in various fields, where it is particularly appreciated for its ability to preserve the properties of products. Safety. In the pharmaceutical sector, for example, glass is used to contain sensitive drugs, while in the beverage, food and cosmetics sectors, it provides superior protection against contamination and deterioration.