World first for Encirc in Derrylin
Glass manufacturer Encirc has achieved a world first by producing the world's most sustainable glass bottles, using only the power of biofuel and 100% recycled glass.
The product has been described as a "game-changer" for the industry, following initial results from a trial at its Derrylin plant, funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
The ground-breaking results, it's hoped, could pave the way forward for an industry-wide reduction in carbon emissions, as the glass sector moves away from fossil fuels and towards low-carbon alternatives.
Encirc, part of the Vidrala group, is a market leader in glass container design, manufacturing, bottling and logistics solutions for the UK, Irish and European food and beverages industries.
Made out of waste organic materials, biofuels are a renewable and much more sustainable fuel source than those traditionally used by the glass sector, and can reduce the carbon footprint of each bottle by up to 90%. By using up to 100% recycled glass to create the new bottles, the trial has been able to even further minimise the lifetime impact of these products.
More in-depth results from the Derrylin trial are expected over the next few weeks and will feed into UK Government policy around decarbonisation.
Fiacre O’Donnell, director of sustainability, Vidrala (Encirc’s parent company) said: “The results we’re seeing from this biofuel trial are truly remarkable and paint a very bright and sustainable future for our industry. We’re also looking into the development of hydrogen, and advancements in electric melting to truly discover the future of glass production. These ultra-low-CO2 containers we’re making are being produced for some of the biggest names in the drinks industry, showing how united we all are in our quest for total sustainability."
He proudly added: "We have helped pioneer the development of a glass bottle which is net-zero-ready, meaning it will truly have no negative impact on the environment throughout its entire lifecycle.”
Adrian Curry, managing director at Encirc, added: “This is a truly momentous occasion for glass. We have set the standard globally with this trial and now the glass industry needs to work towards realising what we’ve proved is possible. We now know that glass can be the most sustainable of all packaging types and we must all work together to ensure that happens.”
Encirc also has plants in Cheshire and Italy and employs over 1,500 people. The company produces more than three billion glass bottles and other containers annually.
For more information, visit www.encirc360.com or follow Encirc on social media channels.