SORG and the environment


Environmeltal protection is one of the ways in which we contribute to the continued success of the glass industry as a whole. In addition to the fact that the glass bottle is an environmentally friendly packaging product there are two areas in which the glass industry has a direct impact on the environment.

Emissions - NOx

The first SORG furnace specifically designed for low NOx emissions – the first LoNOx® Melter – was installed in 1987. Since then we have been at the forefront of efforts to reduce NOx emissions.

We have also been able to develop our technology for conventional furnaces to match reductions in emission limits.

Emissions - CO2

In any furnace utilising either gas or oil as a primary fuel the CO2 emissions are directly related to the fossil fuel energy consumption. Our furnaces have always been known for their low specific energy consumption, and development continues to reduce the consumption figures even further.

The subject of the future of glass melting technology was discussed in a SORG article published in the magazine GLASS WORLDWIDE in September 2007. This article also covers the question of further emission reductions.

Recycling

Glass recycling schemes established and maintained by the glass industry have had a major environmental impact in many countries, and many SORG container glass furnaces are operated today at cullet levels of more than 70 %. Careful design, particularly of the furnace bottom, provides protection against increased attack by metals introduced into the furnace together with the cullet.

Emissions are the second area of impact. Modern filter technology limits the output of sulphur compounds and particulates, but NOx and CO2 remain a problem.