Using biodiesel, Encirc created the most sustainable glass in the world

Photo: Argent Energy

Encirc, a leading glass manufacturer and pioneer of manufacturing technology, had a vision to reduce its CO2 emissions.

Located across three sites in England, Northern Ireland and Italy, Encirc produces more than 4 billion glass containers for leading global brands each year.

Back in February 2021, Encirc partnered with Argent Energy to help reduce its carbon footprint while in turn creating what would be the most sustainable glass in the world.

Coordination of this development—a first in the industry—was assisted by Glass Futures, a nonprofit research-technology organization acting as a global center of excellence for glass.

Photo: Argent Energy

Encirc used cullet, a form of recycled glass, combined with 1,000 tons of Argent’s waste-based FAME biodiesel to fuel and fire its furnaces, reaching temperatures of up to 1500 degrees Celsius to create the world’s most sustainable glass bottles.

By using Argent Energy’s high-quality biodiesel, Encirc prevented 1,747 tons of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of removing 882 cars off the road.

Encirc was able to achieve a more sustainable operation having gone from burning heavy fuel oil, gas oil and natural gas to a renewable fuel.

“This is a truly momentous occasion for glass,” said Adrian Curry, managing director at Encirc. “We have set the standard globally with this trial and now the glass industry needs to work towards realizing what we’ve proved is possible. We now know that glass can be the most sustainable of all packaging types and must all work together to ensure that happens.”

Following ground-breaking success, Encirc will continue working on a range of biogenic fuels and other GHG-saving activities in order to permanently reduce its CO2 emissions and, ultimately, achieve net zero.