Governments demand less carbon dioxide from industry but society is using more glass. What happens beyond the point where further specific investment in the manufacturing process yields insufficient carbon reduction? Failing plentiful non-fossil fuel supplies, how can carbon emissions be reduced or the cost of purchase/credits be passed on or offset? Increases in the price of carbon allowances may make some known & emerging technologies viable, such as carbon capture & the use of alternative fuels. While companies will manage risk through trading, new economic instruments & carbon offsetting may be the only practical answer. This, however, will mean changes in national infrastructure & convincing governments that glass products are essential, not luxury items: that the benefits they bring in one area can be used to discharge their carbon footprint in others.
