Green Energy: Verallia’s Commitment

A More Sustainable Future: Glass Produced with Renewable Electricity

Amid the World Economic Forum 2023, Europe unveiled its industrial green agenda to combat climate change. Simultaneously, in Brazil, CNI presented its vision for a cleaner industrial sector. In this favorable environment for change, Verallia, a giant in glass packaging, outlined ambitious sustainability goals.

Sustainable Electrification: From Plan to Action

Verallia is not just a voice in the crowd. A leader in the European scene and the third largest glass packaging producer in the world, the company is rapidly advancing on its sustainability journey. The vision? Achieve 60% clean energy in its global matrix by 2025 and an ambitious 90% by 2040.

Verallia’s commitment goes beyond words. In South America, the Rosario factory in Chile already operates on 100% renewable electricity. In Europe, contracts focused on wind energy ensure a greener future for its units. And when we look at Brazil, Portugal, and Spain, the outlook is even more promising with factories already operating on 100% clean electricity.

Energy Innovation: Hydrogen and Biofuels in Focus

But electricity is only part of the equation. Verallia has its sights set on the future of green hydrogen. Tests are already underway in Germany, with factories exploring fuels that can contain up to 50% hydrogen in their composition. And on the horizon, the transition from natural gas to biofuels seems closer than ever.

Romain Barral, head of Verallia Group’s operations, emphasizes the importance of this moment: “We focus our strategy on energy transition. We seek partnerships and innovations that lead us to a cleaner, more diversified, and efficient global electrical matrix”.

Glass Recycling: Verallia’s Sustainable Cycle

Preservation is not just about producing cleanly, but also ensuring that what is produced has the least possible impact. Verallia understands this, and therefore strongly promotes glass recycling, especially in Latin America.

The “Glass Becomes Glass” project is a testament to this commitment. Launched in Brazil, its goal is to install 1,500 collection containers by 2026, partnering with bars, restaurants, and the public sector, to ensure that glass returns to the production cycle and does not end up in landfills.

Quintin Testa, General Director of Verallia for Latin America, emphasizes: “We need to foster conscious consumption and demonstrate the importance of reintroducing glass into the production cycle. This not only eases landfills but also reduces costs and environmental impacts”.

Reuse is the key word. Using cullet in the manufacture of new packaging reduces the ecological footprint and ensures more efficient production. And, thanks to the “Glass Becomes Glass” program, the expectation is to collect tons of cullet annually, consolidating a cleaner future for all.