Progress in Decarbonizing the Glass Industry
In 2024, O-I made significant strides in our mission to decarbonize glass production. Through innovative furnace technology, investments in renewable energy, and an increased use of cullet—the industry term for recycled glass—we continue to drive emissions reduction at scale. These achievements reflect the unwavering commitment and ingenuity of our global teams in executing our strategy.
Every step forward in decarbonization also benefits our customers, who rely on us to innovate and maximize glass's potential as the premier packaging material for a circular economy.
Achieving a 20% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
One of our most remarkable milestones has been a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2017, with an additional 2% reduction over the previous year. This progress highlights our dedication to minimizing our environmental impact.
A cornerstone of this achievement is our investment in advanced gas-oxygen combustion and heat recovery (GOAT) furnaces. Following the successful deployment of a GOAT furnace at our Vayres, France facility in 2023, we announced a second at our Gironcourt, France plant, set to begin production in early 2025. Producing 1.9 billion bottles annually, primarily for the beer market, this furnace enhances energy efficiency and reduces emissions by leveraging waste heat to preheat raw materials.
In the UK, our Alloa plant is undergoing a significant transformation, including the rebuild of an existing furnace and the addition of a new one. Both will feature cutting-edge technology designed to improve sustainability.
Advancing Renewable Electricity and Electrification
The Alloa transformation also incorporates increased electrification in the melting process, a critical element of our sustainability goals. Across our operations, 35% of the electricity we use now comes from renewable sources, putting us on track to meet our 40% target by 2030.
This transition reduces reliance on fossil fuels and aligns with global efforts to shift toward cleaner energy. For instance, at our Veauche, France plant, one of the two furnaces will undergo a full renovation to include hybrid-flex technology, allowing it to utilize up to 70% electricity in the melting process. This initiative marks another significant step toward enhancing the sustainability of our production processes.
Maximizing Cullet Usage
Cullet usage remains a priority, as higher recycled content reduces energy consumption and emissions. In 2024, we increased the global average of cullet use to 40%. In regions with robust glass recycling systems, such as France, plants like Béziers, Labégude, and Wingles are leading the way with cullet usage rates exceeding 75%.
In areas with limited recycling infrastructure, we are actively building systems to support glass recycling. For example, in Colorado, where the recycling rate is just 16%, we partnered with local municipalities, waste haulers, and customers to expand access to recycling programs. By late 2024, nine Colorado communities gained access to glass recycling through these initiatives.
Our Glass4Good program, which collaborates with nonprofits and municipalities to promote recycling, also achieved a 25% increase in glass collection compared to 2023. Active programs are making a difference in communities near our plants, including Jefferson County, Pennsylvania; James City County, Virginia; Greeley, Colorado; Danville, Virginia; and Bowling Green, Kentucky.
A Commitment to Sustainable Glass Production
O-I Glass’s progress in reducing GHG emissions, boosting renewable electricity use, and maximizing cullet demonstrates our commitment to sustainable innovation. These efforts solidify glass as the ideal material for a circular economy and reflect our dedication to building a sustainable future for our communities, customers, and the planet.
In 2024, O-I made significant strides in our mission to decarbonize glass production. Through innovative furnace technology, investments in renewable energy, and an increased use of cullet—the industry term for recycled glass—we continue to drive emissions reduction at scale. These achievements reflect the unwavering commitment and ingenuity of our global teams in executing our strategy.
Every step forward in decarbonization also benefits our customers, who rely on us to innovate and maximize glass's potential as the premier packaging material for a circular economy.
Achieving a 20% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
One of our most remarkable milestones has been a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2017, with an additional 2% reduction over the previous year. This progress highlights our dedication to minimizing our environmental impact.
A cornerstone of this achievement is our investment in advanced gas-oxygen combustion and heat recovery (GOAT) furnaces. Following the successful deployment of a GOAT furnace at our Vayres, France facility in 2023, we announced a second at our Gironcourt, France plant, set to begin production in early 2025. Producing 1.9 billion bottles annually, primarily for the beer market, this furnace enhances energy efficiency and reduces emissions by leveraging waste heat to preheat raw materials.
In the UK, our Alloa plant is undergoing a significant transformation, including the rebuild of an existing furnace and the addition of a new one. Both will feature cutting-edge technology designed to improve sustainability.
Advancing Renewable Electricity and Electrification
The Alloa transformation also incorporates increased electrification in the melting process, a critical element of our sustainability goals. Across our operations, 35% of the electricity we use now comes from renewable sources, putting us on track to meet our 40% target by 2030.
This transition reduces reliance on fossil fuels and aligns with global efforts to shift toward cleaner energy. For instance, at our Veauche, France plant, one of the two furnaces will undergo a full renovation to include hybrid-flex technology, allowing it to utilize up to 70% electricity in the melting process. This initiative marks another significant step toward enhancing the sustainability of our production processes.
Maximizing Cullet Usage
Cullet usage remains a priority, as higher recycled content reduces energy consumption and emissions. In 2024, we increased the global average of cullet use to 40%. In regions with robust glass recycling systems, such as France, plants like Béziers, Labégude, and Wingles are leading the way with cullet usage rates exceeding 75%.
In areas with limited recycling infrastructure, we are actively building systems to support glass recycling. For example, in Colorado, where the recycling rate is just 16%, we partnered with local municipalities, waste haulers, and customers to expand access to recycling programs. By late 2024, nine Colorado communities gained access to glass recycling through these initiatives.
Our Glass4Good program, which collaborates with nonprofits and municipalities to promote recycling, also achieved a 25% increase in glass collection compared to 2023. Active programs are making a difference in communities near our plants, including Jefferson County, Pennsylvania; James City County, Virginia; Greeley, Colorado; Danville, Virginia; and Bowling Green, Kentucky.
A Commitment to Sustainable Glass Production
O-I Glass’s progress in reducing GHG emissions, boosting renewable electricity use, and maximizing cullet demonstrates our commitment to sustainable innovation. These efforts solidify glass as the ideal material for a circular economy and reflect our dedication to building a sustainable future for our communities, customers, and the planet.