From 7th to 9th November, Nikolaus SORG were honoured to be invited by Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe (AGP-E) to their glass facility in Obernkirchen, Germany for the official unveiling of their NextGen furnace.

Supplied by Nikolaus SORG, the furnace is the first operational CLEAN Melter® to be launched, marking a significant step forward in sustainable melting for larger tonnages and a wider range of glass. Starting out as a conventional furnace, powered by 20% renewable electricity and 80% gas, the CLEAN Melter® is currently progressing through a planned start-up sequence that will ultimately result in a ratio of 80% renewable electricity and 20% gas.

Nikolaus SORG Research & Development Manager, Dirk Schnurpfeil explained “The CLEAN Melter® is the result of a combination of SORG Group’s extensive experience in furnace design and meticulous mathematical modelling by our in‑house experts.”

SORG Group Managing Partner Alexander Sorg, said: “We’re delighted with the initial performance of the CLEAN Melter®. To see the first amber bottles coming off the line has been a proud moment, and we’re looking forward to more customers making the switch to sustainably powered glass melting.”

SORG Group Managing Partner Michael Sorg added “Our unrivalled knowledge of electric and hybrid melting supports our vision of leading the glass industry into greater sustainability. With the CLEAN Melter®, we now have the technology in place to make that vision a reality.”

The SORG Group has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainable melting solutions without compromising the exceptional performance expected. Our sustainable journey started over 50 years ago with the introduction of the first all-electric furnace, the VSM®.

Now, SORG is revolutionising glass melting technology with the introduction of the first hybrid furnace designed for larger tonnages: the CLEAN Melter®. Drawing on our years of experience and expertise in both electric and combustion technology, this furnace enables significant reductions in CO2 emissions, increasing the electric share to as much as 80%. By patenting the world’s first hybrid furnace, SORG is taking a significant step towards safeguarding the future of the glass industry.