Ardagh Glass Packaging completes groundbreaking biofuel trial in the UK

UK – Ardagh Glass Packaging Europe (AGP-Europe) has successfully completed a landmark £6 million (US$7.98m) biofuel trial at its glass production facility in Knottingley, UK.

The project, supported by the UK government’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio and led by research body Glass Futures, marks a significant milestone in the decarbonization of the glass industry.

The aim of the trial was to test the viability of using liquid bio-derived fuels as a full substitute for natural gas in the glass melting process—a core area of carbon intensity in container glass manufacturing.

Over a continuous seven-day run, AGP-Europe replaced 100% of natural gas with the alternative fuel, demonstrating that glass packaging can be produced at commercial scale using lower-carbon energy sources without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

The trial produced 4.1 million glass containers and resulted in a CO₂ emissions reduction of 242 tonnes, validating the environmental potential of biofuel as a sustainable energy source for the industry.

According to AGP-Europe, the results confirm that liquid biofuels can deliver high thermal performance while significantly lowering carbon emissions.

“This trial validated and supported our existing knowledge and proved that liquid bio-derived fuels can effectively replace natural gas in glass packaging production over an extended period,” said Dean Butler, Business Development Director at Ardagh Group.

“It’s an exciting development for the glass industry as we continue to seek innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions.”

The trial is part of the UK’s broader strategy to support industrial innovation and accelerate the transition to net-zero.

It also showcases the collaborative power of Glass Futures, the UK-based Global Centre of Excellence for glass R&D and innovation.

The organization brings together leading names across the glass and ceramics sectors, including Encirc, O-I Glass, Pilkington UK, and DSF Refractories & Minerals, alongside AGP-Europe.

By demonstrating that sustainable fuel alternatives can be integrated into existing infrastructure, the project sets a precedent for the broader industry.

As regulatory and consumer pressure mounts for greener packaging, innovations like these will be critical in reshaping manufacturing practices across Europe and beyond.

With this success, Ardagh has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable glass production, laying the groundwork for future-scale adoption of biofuels in the global packaging sector.

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