Absolut Vodka, Ardagh Group take initiative to reduce emissions; Absolut Vodka expected to reduce 20% carbon footprint this way.
Here’s an article posted in Hydrogen Central that talks about the investment of Absolut Vodka and Ardagh Group in Hydrogen-fired glass furnaces for eco-friendly bottle production.
According to the article,
- Ardagh Group and Absolut Vodka have partnered to invest in a hydrogen-fired glass furnace for large-scale production.
- The initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions from making Absolut Vodka bottles by 20%.
- The hydrogen initiative is a significant step towards Absolut Vodka becoming completely CO2 neutral by 2030.
- The partnership will accelerate the transformation of the global glassmaking process for a more sustainable future.
The hydrogen-fired furnace technology works by replacing a portion of the natural gas used in the glass manufacturing process with green hydrogen. This is achieved by producing hydrogen onsite using renewable electricity and then using it as a fuel source in the furnace. Here are the key steps involved:
- Hydrogen Production: Renewable electricity is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. This process produces green hydrogen, which is a clean and sustainable energy source.
- Hydrogen Storage and Handling: The produced hydrogen is stored and handled safely to ensure efficient use in the furnace.
- Furnace Conversion: The existing furnace is modified to accommodate the use of hydrogen as a fuel source. This involves installing specialized burners and ensuring that the furnace is designed to handle the unique properties of hydrogen combustion.
- Hydrogen Combustion: The hydrogen is combusted in the furnace, producing a cleaner and more efficient heat source compared to traditional natural gas combustion. The hydrogen combustion process reduces the carbon footprint of the glass manufacturing process.
- Glass Production: The furnace uses the hydrogen combustion heat to melt and form the glass. This process is similar to traditional glass manufacturing, but with the added benefit of reduced carbon emissions.
The use of hydrogen-fired furnaces in glass manufacturing offers several advantages, including:
Our specialty focus areas include 
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Hydrogen combustion produces only water vapor and heat as byproducts, significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with traditional glass manufacturing processes.
- Increased Energy Efficiency: Hydrogen combustion can be more efficient than traditional natural gas combustion, resulting in cost savings and reduced energy consumption.
- Improved Sustainability: The use of green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources further enhances the sustainability of the glass manufacturing process.
Overall, the hydrogen-fired furnace technology is a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of glass manufacturing and supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
