O-I Glass completes EUR 50 million investment in Vayres plant

O-I Glass, Inc. has completed an EUR 50 million investment to advance the sustainability of its plant in Vayres, France, by installing the latest gas-oxygen combustion technology and heat recovery systems.

These investments in the sustainable performance of the plant are set to reduce energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions by up to 20 percent. In addition to the decarbonizing impacts, these new technologies also reduce NOX emission by up to 60 percent. When combined with the plant’s high usage of recycled glass, the positive impact on greenhouse gas reduction and energy use is bringing to life O-I’s vision to be the most innovative and sustainable glass packaging provider.

With more than 400 million bottles produced each year, the Vayres plant is a key site dedicated to modern high-tech glassmaking. It is the only glass factory in the Gironde, located in the immediate vicinity of the famous Bordeaux and Cognac vineyards.

“The Vayres investment is emblematic of O-I’s holistic approach to address sustainability by increasing energy efficiency, upgrading furnaces, creating more resilient supply chains, and forging strategic partnerships,” said Randy Burns, Chief Sustainability Officer for O-I. “Our sustainable commitment will help move us toward a truly circular economy for packaging that leverages the infinite recyclability of glass.”

For Thibaut Guichard, Vayres plant manager, “this is a strategic project that has been successfully completed. It is a strong expression of O-I’s determination to advance our sustainability roadmap, and it has received the support of the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME). The Vayres plant brings together modern real-life technology, know-how, and capabilities. 80 percent of our customers are located within a 100 kilometre radius and our plant supports the local economy, local wine producers and a local recycling system – a perfect example towards building a sustainable local circular economy.”