Glass production requires high temperatures, which are achieved through the use of fossil fuels. This accounts for about 80% of the sector’s emissions. The second source of greenhouse gases in glass production is raw materials. Recycling could help to reduce both sources. Recycling glass has several major benefits: saving raw materials and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the energy required. The French glass industry currently recycles around 2,200 kt of glass, mainly packaging. Our goal, as part of our decarbonisation roadmap, is to collect and recycle at least 600 kt more by 2030.
After a brief presentation of the French glass industry, an overview of initiatives to increase the tonnage collected and recycled in France will be discussed. Finally, the decarbonisation options for the French glass industry will be briefly discussed.