It is large, it is hot and runs mainly on carbon-free energy (rather than gas). The oven at the Verallia factory, located in Châteaubernard (Charente), is now electric. Inaugurated on September 10 (after being put into service in March), the tool is a world first for the food packaging glass industry of which Verallia is the third largest producer in the world.
Bottles of cognac to produce
“This is the first electric oven with such a capacity”indicates Romain Barral, the operations director who reports 180 tonnes per day (approximately 300,000 bottles). Above all, this investment of 57 million euros – including 13 million in state aid via the France 2030 system – will contribute to the CO2 reduction effort undertaken by the group. The latter aims for a 46% reduction in its emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 2030 compared to 2019.
This first oven, which will mainly be used to produce white glass bottles for cognac players, will emit 60% less CO2. It should be supplemented by a second one, of identical capacity, once Verallia has gained technical perspective. The manufacturer plans to convert its 64 ovens around the world by 2040. In addition to electricity, the group is banking on hybrid technologies for dark glass and does not rule out using the latest generation fuels such as biofuel, biogas or syngas.
Source: www.usinenouvelle.com
