Pioneering glass technology at Guardian Glass

Fives, an industrial engineering group, and Guardian Glass, one of the world’s largest float glass manufacturers, put an innovative, energy-efficient furnace into operation in Bascharage, Luxembourg.

The low-energy furnace - Prium^® Float-Melt – combined with L.E.M.^® technology is unique in the glass industry. It has a heat recovery system that enables the preheating of pure oxygen and natural gas. The furnace, which produces lower carbon glass, has been in operation since the end of 2023. 

Over time, the use of this new technology should reduce the furnace’s gas consumption by 25% and CO₂ emissions by 20% compared to a conventional air-fuel furnace, marking it one of the lowest energy consumption levels in the sector. 

“This new float system heralds an exciting era for the plant in Luxembourg, as it is Guardian Glass' most energy-efficient furnace. We trusted Fives to implement a new technology as they have extensive experience with electric and hybrid melting for various glass applications. In addition, the furnace also provides the Bascharage plant with additional capacity to produce both Guardian ExtraClear™ float glass and Guardian UltraClear™ low-iron float glass at maximum pull,” says Guus Boekhoudt, Guardian Glass Executive Vice President. 

Low Energy Melter 

The L.E.M.^®, Low Energy Melter technology from Fives, used in the furnace, drastically reduces heat losses and gas consumption without compromising on quality. Moreover, this technology achieves record low values of polluting emissions, such as NOx, CO2, SOx and dust.

"This is the first float furnace of its kind in technology and capacity for both Fives and Guardian Glass and represent a notable milestone in the carbon emission reduction strategy for the glass business worldwide. Our proven energy-efficient technology and tight collaboration with Guardian Glass during the project execution led to results that go beyond the industry standards,” explains Alexandre Brusset, Vice President of Glass at Fives. 

The new furnace is in line with the strategies of both companies, which aim to operate sustainably, use fewer resources, minimise waste and optimise manufacturing processes and production through constant innovation.