WORLD FIRST: INAUGURATION OF ALL-ELECTRIC FURNACE FOR GLASS PACKAGING INDUSTRY

Verallia, the world’s third largest glass packaging producer, and Fives signed a strategic partnership in 2022 that enabled the glass manufacturer to reduce its carbon emissions towards greener glass manufacturing. The result is a new all-electric furnace that represents a breakthrough in the production of flint and extra-flint glass. The new furnace was officially inaugurated on September 10, 2024 in Cognac.

The new technology - Prium^® E-Melt, developed by Fives, is one of the most advanced technologies available to significantly reduce CO2 emissions at plant level. The furnace which produces 180 tonnes of glass per day, equivalent to 300,000 bottles, is used in particular for flagship Cognac brands. It makes it the largest electric furnace for the glass packaging industry in the world.

Carbon footprint
The new furnace reduces CO2 emissions by 60% at plant level, emitting between 12,000 and 14,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, compared to traditional gas furnaces, which emit 30,000 tonnes per year. It also improves energy efficiency: around 95% of the energy is used directly in glass production. The project was supported by ADEME, the French Agency for Ecological Transition, as part of the ‘France 2030’ investment plan.




The inauguration of the new electric furnace in Cognac reaffirms the decarbonisation strategy of both companies, which aim to operate sustainably and optimise manufacturing processes through constant innovation.