Multi-fuel, hybrid, pilot-scale, glass furnace rolls out

The Glass Futures team has rolled the first glass from the furnace, to deliver a R&D asset for the global glass industry.

First glass successfully rolled from experimental furnace
© Glass Futures

At the heart of the pilot facility is a 30t-per-day oxy-fired pilot furnace, designed to showcase sustainable technologies and approaches.

The furnace is designed to enable advanced analysis of glass flow and composition.

Aston Fuller, General Manager at Glass Futures says, ‘Having been part of Glass Futures since the very beginning, seeing the first glass roll from our furnace is a moment I’ll never forget’

Aston adds, ‘It’s the result of years of vision, planning and relentless hard work from an incredible team. This milestone isn’t just about commissioning a line, it’s about proving that innovation, collaboration, and perseverance can reshape the future of glass manufacturing and beyond.’

Glass Futures is a global innovation platform that brings together industry, academia, and government. it has been funded by bodies including Innovate UK, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and St Helens Council.