In a significant initiative to cut the CO2 emissions from producing its distinctive bottles, Absolut Vodka will become the first global spirits firm to switch to a glass furnace powered in part by hydrogen energy.
To achieve total CO2 neutrality by 2030, Absolut Vodka must pass the hydrogen initiative. The reduction of the environmental impact of its glass packaging is a must for being able to achieve this goal. Absolute and Ardagh Glass Packaging in Limmared, a division of Ardagh Group, have a contract in place for the use of this partially hydrogen-fired furnace, which will start in the second half of 2023. The innovative partnership will hasten the worldwide glassmaking industry’s transformation toward a more sustainable future.
Since 40 years, Absolut has collaborated with the Swedish glassworks Ardagh’s Limmared, which today powers its furnaces with a mix of natural gas and electricity. In order to produce all of Absolut’s bottles across its portfolio, Ardagh will start a pilot in its Limmared facility in the second half of 2023, replacing 20% of its natural gas with green hydrogen. This entails a substantial modification in the production process of Absolut bottles for all international markets. At Ardagh, the electricity will be generated on-site using renewable energy sources.
There is a widespread effort in business to lessen its influence on the environment. New technologies like hydrogen furnaces will drastically lower carbon emissions from the manufacture of glass when combined with other breakthroughs and environmental measures.
By using hydrogen, Absolut Vodka could cut its carbon footprint from glass by 20%. It comes after other combined measures to cut carbon emissions, like making glass lighter, using more electricity in the present furnace, and using a lot more recycled flint glass, which is now at 53% with the goal of going even higher.
One of the most energy-efficient distilleries in the world is owned by Absolut. It generates 98% fewer emissions than the typical distillery, which has led to the accumulation of extra emission rights. The goal is to invest in green transformation using them. The parties will collaborate to use the greatest glass manufacturing technology of today and tomorrow in order to achieve Absolut’s goals of a CO2-neutral product by 2030. Absolut will assist Ardagh in this endeavour.
According to The Absolut Company’s Chief Executive, Stéphanie Durroux, given that they have been investing in their own production for decades, reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency, they are now in a position where they can also concentrate on the sections of their value chain that fall outside of their own scope. The world is eagerly awaiting the ideal solution as the glass production sector undergoes a transformation. The tremendous sustainability difficulties that all glass producers and consumers face must be addressed with an aggressive and creative strategy.
Bo Nilsson, the managing director, Ardagh Glass Limmared AB, added that their sector needs to change quickly to use more green energy and be less dependent on fossil fuels. They are starting a journey to lessen the carbon emissions of the glass packaging by engaging in this new technology. Although there are difficulties with such innovation, they are dedicated to taking the lead in securing the global glass production operations for the future.
