The specific energy consumption of glass furnaces has decreased by 50% over the last 40 years, with an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions which are intrinsically linked to energy consumption. Furnace NOx emissions are now over 60% lower than they were 20 years ago. Despite theses successes, the pressure to progress even further is unrelenting. Although the cost of fuel continues to rise and place an economic burden on the glassmaker, it is likely that the question of environmental emissions will result in the greatest pressures for change in the glass industry in the immediate future, with emission levels of NOx and CO2 causing the biggest problems. In this article, the author outlines the technology available that can help reduced environmental emissions.
