The world’s first lower-carbon glass manufactured in the UK

Low-carbon glass now manufactured in the UK

Saint-Gobain Glass has announced that the world’s first lower-carbon glass, ORAÉ^®, is now being manufactured in the UK at its site in Eggborough, Yorkshire. Previously produced at other company sites in Europe, this development marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to drive down the carbon footprint of UK glass manufacturing while maintaining product quality, aesthetics and performance.

ORAÉ is manufactured using a minimum of 64% recycled glass content (cullet) and offers a 42% lower carbon footprint than the company’s standard clear float glass.

A key enabler of ORAÉ®’s sustainability credentials is Saint-Gobain’s ‘Glass Forever’ programme. This initiative facilitates the collection and recycling of large quantities of pre-consumer and post-consumer glass, transforming old glazing into high-quality new products. By embracing circular economy principles, Saint-Gobain ensures that glass remains infinitely recyclable, reducing waste and resource consumption.

The use of renewable electricity in production further minimises its environmental impact. Also, Saint-Gobain’s investment in a new state-of-the-art furnace in 2021 enhances efficiency and sustainability in glass manufacturing.

Mike Butterick, Marketing Director at Saint-Gobain Glass said: “Bringing ORAÉ® production to the UK is a significant step forward in our sustainability journey. This milestone underscores our commitment to reducing carbon emissions while delivering high-performance glazing solutions that meet the demands of the construction industry. We are proud to offer a product that aligns with our vision for a greener future. We are also grateful to our customers and partners who are helping us to recycle enough glass to produce ORAÉ®, and have embraced the circular economy that Glass Forever has inspired.”