AGC increases capacity of low carbon glass

Six months ago at its site in Moustier, Belgium, AGC Glass Europe started production of low-carbon Planibel Clearlite, a float glass whose CO₂ footprint has been reduced by more than 40%.

According to AGC, the production of low-carbon Planibel Clearlite yields no more than 7kg of CO₂ per m² for glass that is 4mm thick.

Now, the AGC site in Seingbouse, France has also started producing the same sustainable glass product, marking the next step in the planned, long-term, Group-wide rollout.

With this additional production capacity now online, AGC has expanded its low-carbon glass range to include a low-carbon variant of Stratobel (safety glass), Stratophone (acoustic glass), iplus (thermal insulation glass), Stopray and Energy (solar control glass), as well as toughenable coatings (T-coatings). The entire range is now available in all thicknesses from 3mm to 10mm.

AGC’s approach takes the entire value chain into account: decarbonising production processes, reducing CO₂ emissions from the upstream supply chain and cutting other indirect emissions.

It is said to be leveraging more sustainable procurement of raw materials, using highly efficient melting furnaces that deploy innovative electroboosting technology, increasing recycling via pre-consumer cullet flows and optimising transport between AGC plants and customers.

The group also promotes the use of renewable energy by not only purchasing green energy but also generating its own green solar and wind power.

According to AGC, investors and building owners are increasingly demanding that sustainable materials be used in their projects to ensure a lower carbon footprint. ‘Greener’ buildings also deliver higher rents and sales prices, which in turn expands the potential for a long-term increase in the value of the investment.

One example of a project that will use low carbon glass is Nervesa 21, in Milan, Italy.

This 10,000m² Grade A building is aiming for the highest ESG credentials and circular economy practices in a sustainable refurbishment process that involves recycling more than 90% of the materials removed during the renovation process and sourcing local materials. Some 6,500m² of Low-Carbon Stratophone 66.2 and Low-Carbon Planibel Clearlite will be supplied.