Saint-Gobain Makes First Zero Carbon Flat Glass

SAINT-GOBAIN is claiming a world first of manufacturing flat glass with zero carbon emissions created by the process. 

This technological feat was achieved last week by using 100% recycled glass (cullet) and 100% green energy, produced from biogas and decarbonized electricity. It was implemented for one week in Saint-Gobain’s flat glass manufacturing plant in Aniche, northern France. 

Saint-Gobain utilised its network of partners to source raw materials from the circular economy, with the use of 100% cullet from end-of-life glass from renovation or demolition sites and from production offcuts.

The Group’s industrial and research teams succeeded in adjusting all of the furnace’s technical parameters to this dual challenge of operating with 100% recycled material and 100% biogas, while ensuring the right optical quality of the glass.

The company says the pilot production demonstrates Saint-Gobain’s capacity for innovation to achieve sustainability through its supply chain.

Zero Carbon Target

This milestone is a step forward for Saint-Gobain towards its target to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. It complements the Group’s investment announced last year to build the world’s first carbon neutral plasterboard plant in Norway. It also further strengthens the Group’s position as a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction and in helping to build a carbon-neutral economy.

Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. It had €44.2 billion in sales in 2021 and employs 166,000 people in 75 countries.

Saint-Gobain owns the UK Celotex brand of PIR insulation.

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