Stara Glass is proud to be featured in the July/August issue of Glass International, highlighting its key role in the design of the Glass Futures experimental hybrid furnace, a milestone project in the evolution of glass melting technology.

In the article, Ernesto Cattaneo, Head of Innovation at Stara Glass, together with Aston Fuller, General Manager at Glass Futures, reflects on the collaborative design journey that led to the creation of a one-of-a-kind R&D furnace, recently lit to mark the start of international experimental trials.

A decisive step toward decarbonization

More than a technological breakthrough, the Glass Futures experimental furnace represents a decisive step toward the decarbonization of the glass industry.
Designed to combine performance and sustainability, the hybrid furnace demonstrates that these two objectives are not only compatible, but essential to the future of the sector.

The project stands as tangible proof that next-generation furnace concepts, capable of integrating hydrogen and alternative low-carbon technologies, can be developed through close collaboration between industrial partners and research organizations.

A global hub for sustainable innovation

As described in the Glass International article, the experimental furnace is not just a test facility, but a global hub for sustainable innovation. It has been specifically designed to support the testing of hydrogen firing, advanced combustion systems and future glass melting technologies, creating a unique platform for international cooperation and knowledge sharing.

The article retraces the early design phase of the furnace, highlighting the engineering challenges, the shared vision between Stara Glass and Glass Futures, and the importance of partnership in turning ambitious decarbonization goals into operational reality.

Collaboration shaping the future of glass

This publication reinforces a core belief at Stara Glass: the future of glass is collaborative.
Working alongside Glass Futures, Stara Glass has contributed its expertise in furnace design and high-temperature process engineering to a project that sets new benchmarks for sustainable glass production.

Being featured in Glass International is a meaningful recognition of this joint effort and of the role that collaboration plays in accelerating innovation across the global glass industry.