Glassmakers Urged to Act Now to Prepare for the Furnace of the Future

Manufacturers from across the flat and container glass sectors came together at Glass Futures’ Global Centre of Excellence this week, for a practical event focused on one question: what steps can glassmakers take today to improve furnace performance and prepare for the future?

Hosted by Air Products, a global leader in industrial gases and the world’s largest hydrogen supplier, and Glass Futures, the event explored how manufacturers can maximise efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen resilience, while beginning to plan for longer-term technologies and regulatory change. Through demonstrations, discussions and hands-on sessions, attendees were able to see technologies in action, challenge ideas and share experiences with industry peers – and most importantly, consider what new technologies and fuels would work for their specific furnace needs.

The key message of the event was that manufacturers should act now and not wait for a single future solution. While technologies that work with alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, are expected to play an important role in the years ahead, there are opportunities available today to improve furnace efficiency, optimise performance and better prepare operations for the future.

Combining Air Products' expertise in industrial gases and combustion technologies and decarbonisation solutions with Glass Futures' unique capability to test and scale innovative solutions in a real-world environment, the event was designed to help manufacturers understand which actions can deliver value now, and which technologies may shape the next generation of glassmaking.

Petr Tlamicha, Combustion Segment Manager Europe and Africa at Air Products said: “Manufacturers want to cut carbon emissions and make their operations more efficient, but they also need confidence that changes will work in practice without compromising furnace performance, product quality or value for money. Every operation is different, which is why access to the right expertise and practical experience is so important. Events like this help manufacturers better understand their options, identify where the greatest opportunities lie and move forward.”

Aston Fuller, General Manager at Glass Futures reiterated: “Innovation only matters if it works in practice. That’s why Glass Futures exists to de-risk and support the adoption of new technologies, providing manufacturers with the opportunity to test ideas, see solutions in action and learn alongside industry experts. Together, they can make better-informed decisions, and we can support organisations to move forward with greater confidence in their furnace optimisation plans.”