On 25 June 2025, Glass Futures marked a major milestone by lighting its cutting-edge furnace for the first time.
The world first at the £54m Global Centre of Excellence in St Helens heralds the start of international trials aimed at creating sustainable, lower-carbon glass and other materials.
In a dedicated ceremony, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, will light the 30-tonne-a-day furnace putting the town centre stage in the global push for sustainable glass manufacturing.
One of a kind, the furnace is able to use low-carbon fuels including green electricity, hydrogen, and biofuels (such as used cooking oils), reaches temperatures of 1600°C and can produce over 2 miles of flat glass a day – the equivalent of a double decker bus of stacked sheets each week.
Justin Kelly, CEO of Glass Futures, said: “Following the Prime Minister’s visit last month, today marks a defining moment – not just for Glass Futures, our members and St Helens but for the entire global glass and foundation industries. There is no other facility in the world capable of producing both flat and container glass using such a wide range of sustainable fuel sources, including electric melting. This isn’t just about decarbonising glass – it’s about working with our membership to transform global manufacturing.
“We were profiled in the government’s Industrial Strategy this week for our work in translating and commercialising new technologies and processes such as using sustainable fuels to develop new materials. By hosting trials for manufacturing partners and members from across the UK, Europe and internationally, we’re set to influence production standards worldwide, reducing emissions and supporting other energy intensive sectors like ceramics and steel.”
Credit: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority