GERMANY – The construction of Ardagh Glass Packaging’s (AGP) NextGen furnace in its facility in Obernkirchen, Germany has entered the final stages.
The firm revealed that the furnace build, including all refractory brickwork, is complete, and the installation of electrical and other ancillary services is now in the final stages.
The hybrid NextGen furnace technology is designed to use 80% renewable electricity and 20% gas, leading to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions – by as much as 60% in the furnace – dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of glass packaging.
Jens Schaefer, Operations Director, Ardagh Glass Packaging-Germany said: “We are delighted to see this ground-breaking furnace nearing completion.
“We are firmly on track to deliver commercial bottles produced in the NextGen furnace this year; the next step will be the furnace heat-up, followed by full glass production in Q4.
“I would like to thank all the AGP team, our suppliers and sub-contractors who have worked with such dedication and focus to deliver this exciting project.”
This pioneering, large-scale hybrid electric furnace will use high levels of recycled glass cullet to produce up to 350 tonnes of glass bottles per day, initially in amber glass, with the capability of making other colours.
Earlier this month, Ardagh Glass Packaging launched its new generation Consol Solar Jar in the African market.
The glass and metal product maker has designed the generation 6 Consol Solar Jar by combining the Consol classic preserve jar with advanced solar technology. The design generates light in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
According to Ardagh, it is the most affordable and widely available consumer solar light on the African market because it can convert every hour of sunlight into a sustainable hour of light.
The jar is said to be handmade in South Africa as per Fair Trade principles, giving formerly jobless people jobs and training opportunities.
Additionally, it has been designed sustainably with a focus on reducing CO2 emissions and the responsible sourcing of raw materials.
Meanwhile, in May, Ardagh Glass Packaging (AGP) – North America signed a supply agreement with US-based brewery Sprecher Brewing.
As per the terms of this agreement, AGP will continue to manufacture glass bottles for Sprecher Brewing’s entire range of beer and beverage products.
It also includes the brewery’s custom 16oz glass bottle, which was recently redesigned using AGP’s Vision4GlassSM approach.
For the implementation of this approach, Sprecher Brewing’s team worked in close coordination with AGP’s product design team to bring out a new upgraded custom glass bottle.
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