O-I will install technology from Linde to improve the efficiency of its container glass plant in Holzminden, Germany.

The collaboration is expected to reduce fuel consumption and fuel-based Scope 1 CO2 emissions for O-I.

The Thermochemical Regenerator (TCR) technology recovers waste heat from glass furnace flue gas to preheat and reform the natural gas feed. 

This decreases fuel consumption of the melting process by approximately 30% versus furnaces that do not feature this technology. 

The Optimelt TCR technology is also compatible with a range of fuels such as low carbon hydrogen or blends of hydrogen and natural gas. 

Randy Burns, Chief Administrative & Sustainability Officer for O-I, said: “We continue partnering with innovators and strategically deploying leading-edge technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. 

“In addition to supporting O-I’s objectives, this will help our customers in their own decarbonisation efforts."

O-I has also commissioned Linde to install a Centrifugal Vitron Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA) plant at the Holzminden facility.

This will produce a steady supply of oxygen for the furnace. 

The Vitron plant incorporates the latest Linde technology to improve power efficiency, lower noise emissions, and further reduce environmental footprints.