Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, a part of the NSG Group, is embarking on a multi-million-pound investment initiative in its Merseyside facilities, supported by the government, aimed at slashing 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually while securing the future of rolled glass manufacturing in the UK.
As part of this project, Pilkington UK will transfer its manufacturing operations from Watson Street to its Greengate site in the town.
This relocation marks a significant investment in the Greengate glass furnace, the core component responsible for melting raw materials into glass during the manufacturing process.
The upgraded Greengate furnace will not only continue its production of flat glass but will also accommodate the increased output necessitated by the relocation of the Watson Street rolled glass manufacturing line.
The decision to initiate this project stemmed from the impending end-of-life status of the manufacturer’s furnace at Watson Street, a site that has been operational since 1826. As part of the project, the Watson Street site will be shuttered, and all jobs will transition to Greengate.
Consolidating all glass production into the upgraded furnace, as opposed to maintaining two furnaces, will result in carbon emissions savings equivalent to removing 8,800 cars from the road annually.
Scheduled to commence in August 2023, with operations anticipated to commence by August 2024, the project will have no impact on glass availability during the transition period, with Watson Street remaining operational until the relocation is complete.
Funded by a £3.7 million grant from the government’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IEFT), aimed at supporting industrial energy efficiency and decarbonization projects, this initiative underscores Pilkington UK’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
Neil Syder, managing director of Pilkington UK, expressed, “This project signifies one of the most significant investments we’ve made in our UK manufacturing facilities in decades, ensuring the future of rolled glass manufacturing in the UK.”
He added, “Transitioning to a single furnace operation will result in a substantial and enduring reduction in CO2 emissions. This strategic shift underscores our dedication to achieving net-zero emissions and fostering sustainable business practices.”
This initiative aligns with the NSG Group’s goal, certified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, with a long-term vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Furthermore, Pilkington UK has been actively exploring alternative fuel sources to reduce emissions, including low-carbon biofuel and zero-carbon hydrogen fuels, through collaborative trials with HyNet, a regional decarbonization project focused on promoting low-carbon and hydrogen energy utilization.