Verallia has launched its first 100% electric-powered glass furnace at its Cognac facility in France, marking a significant advancement in the company's decarbonisation efforts.

This step is expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 60% compared to traditional furnaces, aligning with the group's commitment to cleaner energy.

The inauguration of the electric furnace is also part of Verallia's broader strategy to decrease its emissions by 46% by 2030 from 2019 levels.

Verallia stated that the €57m ($62.79m) investment in this project underscores its commitment to sustainable production.

Developed in strategic partnership with Fives, the furnace will be used for the production of flint and extra-flint glass, with a daily capacity of 180 tonnes, equivalent to 300,000 bottles.

Verallia CEO Patrice Lucas said: "This 100% electric furnace is at the intersection of our sustainability, innovation, and development challenges. It is a strong symbol for Verallia, fully illustrating our CSR [corporate social responsibility] roadmap and our ambitious investment plan to optimise energy consumption at our sites and develop low-carbon furnaces."

Verallia France general manager Pierre-Henri Desportes added: "Our new electric furnace in Cognac perfectly illustrates our commitment to our clients and our region. It enables us to concretely support our partners, especially the major Cognac houses, in reducing their carbon footprint."

Verallia, with nearly 11,000 employees and 35 glass production facilities across 12 countries, is one of the world's leading glass packaging producers for the food and beverage industry.

In 2023, the company produced more than 16 billion glass bottles and jars, generating revenue of €3.9bn.

Verallia expanded its reach by acquiring Vidrala's Italian subsidiary for an enterprise value of €230m in July this year.