Slovenian glass manufacturer Steklarna Hrastnik has launched what it calls “the world’s most sustainable glass bottle.” It uses hydrogen in the manufacturing process. Hydrogen can be produced in a variety of ways. One is the decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen by electric current, which is called electrolysis.
The electricity required for the process preferably comes from renewable energy sources, using solar cells to make the production and storage of renewable and green hydrogen possible.
The first mass production of molten glass without carbon bottles involves renewable energy sources, such as the use of solar cells, green hydrogen, and external cullet collected from waste recycled glass.
Oxygen and air are used as oxidants.
The only emission from the glass manufacturing process is water vapor rather than carbon dioxide.
The company intends to further invest in industrial-scale production for brands that are particularly committed to sustainable development and future decarbonization.
CEO Peter Cas said that producing products that have no significant impact on the quality of the glass detected makes our hard work worthwhile.
In the past few decades, the energy efficiency of glass melting has reached its theoretical limit, so there is a great need for this technological improvement.
For some time, we have always prioritized the reduction of our own carbon dioxide emissions during the production process, and now we are very proud to appreciate this special series of bottles.
Providing one of the most transparent glass remains at the forefront of our mission and is closely related to sustainable development. Technological innovation will be crucial to Hrastnik1860 in the coming years.
It plans to replace one-third of its fossil fuel consumption with green energy by 2025, increase energy efficiency by 10%, and reduce its carbon footprint by more than 25%.
By 2030, our carbon footprint will be reduced by more than 40%, and by 2050 it will remain neutral.
The climate law already legally requires all member states to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. We will do our part. For a better tomorrow and a brighter future for our children and grandchildren, Mr. Cas added.