O-I to invest $150million in Alloa plant sustainability

O-I Glass this month revealed it is planning a major transformation of the glassworks in Alloa to create a more technologically advanced facility, which is expected to lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

The US-based company is seeking to invest some $150m over the next two years in a series of upgrades.

This will include the rebuild of one of the existing furnaces to feature state-of-the-art technology which will improve sustainability.

Measures include what the company explained as gas-oxy combustion furnaces, increased use of renewable energy and more recycling of glass.

The plant has also begun to build a new furnace featuring the same oxy-fuel technology.

To fuel the gas-oxy furnaces, O-I will be partnering with the recently established air separation plant adjacent to the glassworks.

Indeed, when the Air Products plant was approved by Clackmannanshire Council in 2022, an engineering lead from the glassworks told the Planning Committee the air separation facility will be part of a CO2 reduction strategy by allowing the now announced modernisation of older furnaces.

As reported by the Advertiser then, the air separation plant said to be vital for one of Alloa’s largest employers was ultimately given the green light, despite concerns from nearby residents.

With the upgrades announced, O-I explained the measures will gradually and significantly reduce pollution and is another step towards a company-wide goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 25 per cent by 2030.

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Randy Burns, chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer at O-I Glass, said: “Our vision is to be the most innovative, sustainable and chosen supplier of brand-building packaging solutions.

“We create sustainable, innovative, brand-building glass packaging for brands around the world.

“The Alloa plant transformation marks the next step in delivering our overall sustainability strategy.”

It is expected that both gas-oxy fuel furnaces will come online in 2025.

O-I explained the investment will establish infrastructure that prepares a based for continued transformation of the site.

Jim Rankine, UK managing director for O-I, added: “With glass production starting in the year 1750, the Alloa plant has the longest heritage of all O-I sites.

“We are proud that Alloa is also a prime example of transforming heritage into a state-of-the-art facility in the 21st century and we are looking forward to continue serving our customers with sustainable glass.”