European Domestic Glass Conference 2025

Abstract 1: A complete set of solutions to support the electrification of glassmaking furnaces

Reducing the carbon footprint of the inherently energy-intensive glass making process is a major challenge. It will require a progressive technology transition, starting from incremental improvements of existing technologies, and heading towards groundbreaking innovation in the long term.  

The increased use of electricity as energy source to melt and refine glass is one of the major trends in the glass industry for the upcoming years. This evolution is expected to bring several challenges in terms of optimal refractory selection, furnace design and operation.

In this presentation, SEFPRO will provide an overview of several new materials and services to help glassmakers in the adoption high boosting, hybrid or full electric furnaces. From support to project engineering, with the development of numerical simulation tools, until furnace demolition, with the valorisation of used refractories, SEFPRO is aiming to reinforce its leadership in the supply of complete sets of solutions to move towards a more sustainable glass production.  

Abstract 2: Decarbonization & Sustainability Pathway of the Glass Industry: Challenges, Opportunities Across Segments, and Possible Solutions

The European Union has established stringent targets for CO₂ emissions over the next 30 years. By 2030, emissions must be reduced by 55% compared to 1990 levels, with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. It is evident that these ambitious targets cannot be achieved using current furnace designs. Although these regulations apply to the EU, CO₂ reduction is becoming a priority in other regions worldwide, with the possible exception of the United States at present.

We are living in the Glass Age, where glass has become indispensable in our daily lives. From food packaging, drinking glasses, and pharmaceutical containers to window glass, automotive components, communication fibers, and more recently, data storage and photonic glass-based CPUs, glass is everywhere. Furthermore, glass plays a critical role in the generation of renewable energy, particularly in wind turbines and solar panels.

The International Commission on Glass (ICG) has a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across regions by organizing conferences focused on sustainability.

To achieve meaningful reductions in carbon emissions, innovative furnace designs and new technologies must be developed. Such advancements require the use of validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools like the GS Glass Furnace Model (GS GFM). No glass producer would risk building a new furnace concept capable of melting over 100 tons per day without rigorous analysis, calculations, and CFD modeling. Recent trends show increasing interest in reducing carbon emissions through greater reliance on electric melting or hydrogen, similar to the widespread adoption of CFD modeling during the rise of oxy-fuel technologies. Now, with the next generation of large hybrid furnaces (with over 50% electric boosting) or fully electric melters, the demand for CFD modeling is rising once again. 

These complex furnaces, with multiple heat inputs, also require advanced control systems, such as Model-Based Predictive Control, to optimize the balance between electricity and natural gas usage. This approach considers fluctuating costs and aims to maximize carbon reduction.