Ciner Glass Backs ResponsibleGlass to Advance Sustainable Glass Production in Europe

Ciner Glass has announced its support for ResponsibleGlass at its upcoming container glass facility in Lommel, Belgium. The initiative focuses on establishing sustainability standards across the global glass value chain.

Ciner Glass has confirmed its support for ResponsibleGlass, a sustainability certification programme covering the entire glass value chain, at its developing container glass manufacturing plant in Lommel, Belgium.

The company is constructing a multimillion pound facility designed as a next-generation glass production site. The plant is being developed with a focus on reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and incorporating circular practices. Key features include optimised furnace design, increased use of recycled glass (cullet), emission-reduction technologies, and alignment with long-term decarbonisation targets.

ResponsibleGlass is an independent initiative involving multiple stakeholders, aimed at establishing verifiable sustainability standards across glass production, from raw materials to recycling and end use. Representatives of ResponsibleGlass recently visited the Lommel site during its development phase.

Following its launch last year, ResponsibleGlass has formed a Council comprising manufacturers, suppliers, and industry participants from sectors including automotive and soda ash production. The Council is currently developing the ResponsibleGlass standard, with Version 1.0 expected to be released later this year to outline guidelines for responsible glass production.

Glass production currently accounts for an estimated 95 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions globally each year. Despite its widespread use in packaging, construction, automotive, and renewable energy, the sector has not had a globally recognised sustainability certification framework. ResponsibleGlass is intended to address this by introducing a system covering emissions, circularity, worker safety, and sourcing practices across flat, container, and speciality glass.

Francis Sullivan, Chair of ResponsibleGlass, said: “Launched at a time when collaboration is key, ResponsibleGlass is built on a multi-stakeholder approach where industry insight meets environmental accountability,” This model has already proven effective in other hard-to-abate sectors. By working with committed manufacturers such as Ciner Glass, we can build a transparent, credible framework that drives meaningful change across the entire glass value chain.”

Jeroen Bloemen, Corporate Affairs Manager at Ciner Glass Belgium, said: “Ciner Glass is committed to building glass manufacturing capacity that meets the expectations of the future — not just in terms of efficiency and scale, but also transparency and responsibility,” said “Glass is inherently a circular material, but sustainability cannot be taken for granted. Clear standards, accountability and continuous improvement are essential, which is why ResponsibleGlass is so important for our industry.”

Ciner Glass stated that its support for ResponsibleGlass aligns with its broader approach in Belgium, combining investment in modern production facilities with engagement on sustainability performance and industry-wide initiatives. The programme provides a framework for addressing environmental and social impact requirements from customers, regulators, and investors.

ResponsibleGlass includes members and partners such as ARUP, Belron, Glass Futures, Jaguar, Climate Group, IRMA, NSG Group, Stara Glass, WE Soda, and Ciner Glass, along with additional participants across the global glass sector.