Glass has long been recognized as the most sustainable packaging material, and we are now taking bold steps to enhance its circularity and decarbonization by advancing our 2030 sustainability objectives.
"The year 2025 will be a landmark moment for O-I in sustainability," stated Randy Burns, Chief Administrative and Sustainability Officer, during O-I’s Investor Day on March 14, 2025. "We are on track to achieve many of our initial 2030 sustainability targets ahead of schedule. Today, we are unveiling an even more ambitious set of goals."
This achievement represents a major milestone for the company. While we remain focused on optimizing enterprise costs, we are simultaneously raising the bar with updated sustainability commitments for 2030, using 2019 as the reference year:
47% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% reliance on renewable electricity 60% utilization of cullet (recycled glass) on average "The year 2025 will be a landmark moment for O-I in sustainability," stated Randy Burns, Chief Administrative and Sustainability Officer, during O-I’s Investor Day on March 14, 2025. "We are on track to achieve many of our initial 2030 sustainability targets ahead of schedule. Today, we are unveiling an even more ambitious set of goals."
This achievement represents a major milestone for the company. While we remain focused on optimizing enterprise costs, we are simultaneously raising the bar with updated sustainability commitments for 2030, using 2019 as the reference year:
These enhanced targets not only keep O-I in step with industry competitors but also align with the global 1.5-degree climate pathway.
Advancing Our Sustainability Commitment
Our revised objectives significantly exceed previous goals. We are increasing our GHG emissions reduction target from 25% to 47%, our renewable electricity usage from 40% to 80%, and our average cullet utilization from 50% to 60%.
To achieve these ambitious milestones, we are implementing key strategies:
Renewable Electricity: A significant portion of our emissions reduction will stem from expanding our use of renewable electricity. We are primarily acquiring Renewable Electricity Certificates (RECs) to green our power supply while also exploring multiple solar energy projects. Recycled Content: Increasing cullet usage is integral to lowering emissions. We are strengthening recycling ecosystems, particularly in regions where infrastructure is lacking, such as certain parts of our American operations. Energy Efficiency: A specialized energy strike team is actively identifying and eliminating energy waste across our facilities. This cross-functional team is working closely with our sites to enhance energy efficiency and contribute to our emissions reduction goals. Technological Innovation: We are investing in advanced technologies, including GOAT furnaces, hybrid electric furnaces, and the Department of Energy (DOE) project in Ohio, USA. These advancements will play a crucial role in achieving our sustainability targets. Advancing Our Sustainability Commitment
Our revised objectives significantly exceed previous goals. We are increasing our GHG emissions reduction target from 25% to 47%, our renewable electricity usage from 40% to 80%, and our average cullet utilization from 50% to 60%.
To achieve these ambitious milestones, we are implementing key strategies:
Commitment to the Paris Agreement
By setting higher sustainability goals, O-I is reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable glass manufacturing.
"Our 47% reduction in GHG emissions aligns O-I with the 1.5-degree pathway," explains Sonya Pump, O-I’s Sustainability Director. "This supports the objective of the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, mitigating the most severe effects of climate change."
Increasing our cullet usage to 60% fosters a circular economy by maximizing material reuse. The benefits of incorporating more recycled glass include:
Energy Efficiency: Recycled glass melts at a lower temperature than raw materials, reducing energy consumption and associated emissions. Reduced Raw Material Demand: Utilizing more recycled glass decreases reliance on raw materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone, minimizing environmental impact. Lower Carbon Footprint: A higher percentage of recycled glass in production directly reduces carbon emissions. Waste Diversion: Integrating cullet into manufacturing processes helps reduce landfill waste and supports circular economic practices. Operational Improvements: Using more recycled glass enhances efficiency by decreasing wear on furnaces and equipment. By setting higher sustainability goals, O-I is reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable glass manufacturing.
"Our 47% reduction in GHG emissions aligns O-I with the 1.5-degree pathway," explains Sonya Pump, O-I’s Sustainability Director. "This supports the objective of the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, mitigating the most severe effects of climate change."
Increasing our cullet usage to 60% fosters a circular economy by maximizing material reuse. The benefits of incorporating more recycled glass include:
This strategic alignment ensures that O-I remains at the forefront of sustainability in the glass industry.
Benefiting Our Customers
Our enhanced sustainability goals will also deliver significant benefits to our customers. By aligning our objectives with theirs, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting their sustainability initiatives.
"O-I has been a leader in reducing GHG emissions within the glass industry," says Pump. "With these more aggressive targets for GHG reduction, cullet usage, and renewable electricity, we are making it clear that we are committed to continuous progress."
Glass remains the only packaging material that is both 100% and infinitely recyclable, eliminating end-of-life waste concerns. Its unique properties make it the ideal choice for advancing a circular economy while preserving the planet’s resources. As a long-standing leader in glass packaging, we recognize our responsibility to innovate and refine our manufacturing processes to enhance the sustainability of this material. Surpassing our previous goals and setting these new, ambitious targets reflect our unwavering dedication to sustainability and industry leadership.
Benefiting Our Customers
Our enhanced sustainability goals will also deliver significant benefits to our customers. By aligning our objectives with theirs, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting their sustainability initiatives.
"O-I has been a leader in reducing GHG emissions within the glass industry," says Pump. "With these more aggressive targets for GHG reduction, cullet usage, and renewable electricity, we are making it clear that we are committed to continuous progress."
Glass remains the only packaging material that is both 100% and infinitely recyclable, eliminating end-of-life waste concerns. Its unique properties make it the ideal choice for advancing a circular economy while preserving the planet’s resources. As a long-standing leader in glass packaging, we recognize our responsibility to innovate and refine our manufacturing processes to enhance the sustainability of this material. Surpassing our previous goals and setting these new, ambitious targets reflect our unwavering dedication to sustainability and industry leadership.