The challenge of decarbonisation represents the main objective of the Italian manufacturing industry glass. To achieve this goal, the sector is adopting a multidimensional and coordinated strategy along the entire value chain.
Five objectives for green glass
The decarbonisation program includes a series of initiatives, among which stand out:
- theelectrification of the systems;
- the increase in energy coming from renewables;
- the use of new fuels low carbon emissions;
- thelightening of packagingi to limit emissions associated with production and transport;
- the increase in the use of glass cullet in the production. In 2022 alone, over one million tonnes of direct emissions were saved thanks to this solution.
Incentives for organized decarbonisation
In the two-year period 2021/2022, investments for the reduction of consumption and emissions have marked a clear paradigm shift, which must now be supported by incentive systems to support companies, similarly to what happened in Germany and the United States, through theapproval of economic support plans.
The sustainability report drawn up by Assovetro, the Association of glass industrialists adhering to Confindustria, highlights the green commitment of companies in the sector: the 68% of the sample analyzed has in fact formalized a decarbonization roadmap by 2030 or 2050.
The results achieved
The Italian glass industry is of strategic importance on a continental scale, representing the 21,3% of European packaging production. A fact that can and must influence the allocation of support plans that support decarbonization projects.
In 2022, the percentage of renewable energy in total consumption marked +1% compared to the previous year, exceeding 11%.
And the industry, between 2016 and 2022, managed to obtain important results in limiting water consumption (39%) and in reducing emissions not only of CO2, but also of NOX (41%), SOX (49%) ) and dust (53%).
Furthermore, in the last decade, the average weight of wine bottles has decreased by 12%, while the use of glass cullet has reached 85/87% in the production of dark packaging.
The impacts of the crisis
Inflation and the geopolitical crisis have triggered a consumption crisis which has also had some repercussions on the food sector the packaging. In 2023, hollow glass production decreased by 5,3% for bottles and 0,9% for vases.
The export result for bottles and jars is also negative, respectively -18,3% and -30%. The situation, however, is less worrying for imports: -11,6% for bottles and +5,5% for jars.
But it is right to keep our attention high and request an incentive system that takes care of and promotes the value of a supply chain that is a symbol of the excellence of Made in Italy.
Sources: assovetro.it, quifinanza.it
