Verallia inaugurates an oxy-combustion furnace in Campo Bom (Brazil), reflecting the Group’s long-term vision and commitment to sustainable innovation
Verallia inaugurates a new oxy-combustion furnace with HeatOx™ technology at its Campo Bom in Brazil, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and local development.
Verallia, the European leader and world’s third-largest producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products, has inaugurated a new oxy-combustion furnace equipped with HeatOx™ technology, an innovative solution owned by Air Liquide, at its Campo Bom plant in Rio Grande do Sul. This €111 million investment marks a major milestone in Verallia’s growth strategy in Brazil, reflecting the Group’s long-term vision and commitment to sustainable innovation.
For Patrice Lucas, CEO of Verallia Group “The commissioning of the Campo Bom furnace is a significant step in Verallia’s journey to decarbonize its production processes and accelerate innovation across our markets. This project embodies our ambition to invest in sustainable technologies, strengthen our presence in strategic regions, and once again demonstrate our ability to construct solutions aligned with the environmental ambitions of our clients.”
STRENGTHENING LOCAL IMPACT THROUGH EMPLOYMENT AND INNOVATION
The furnace integrates state-of-the-art production systems, increasing Campo Bom’s capacity to 820 tons of glass per day and introducing three production lines.
To support this expansion, Verallia creates 108 new jobs to date, including 21 women and 7 people with disabilities, demonstrating its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The combined Campo Bom 1 and Campo Bom 2 sites now employ 267 people.
Over 74,000 hours of training prepare new employees to operate the furnace’s advanced systems, supported by knowledge-sharing initiatives with teams from Verallia’s Jacutinga (MG) and Porto Ferreira (SP) plants.
“With the Campo Bom furnace, Verallia will double its installed capacity in Rio Grande do Sul, reinforcing our role as a strategic partner to the Brazilian wine industry, says Quintin Testa, Latin America General Manager of Verallia “The Campo Bom plant historically serves the national market of still wines, sparkling wines and grape juices. With the start of production of this new furnace, the plant will continue to serve these markets and expand its capacity to operate“.
The project is developed in close collaboration with local and regional authorities, further positioning Verallia as a long-term industrial partner in Rio Grande do Sul and showcasing the value of public-private cooperation for regional innovation and growth.
“This investment by Verallia in Campo Bom results from a strong partnership with the State Government, which provided essential support through Fundopem to make this new operation possible. The company’s decision demonstrates confidence in the work we are carrying out to improve the business environment in Rio Grande do Sul and attract new investments. It is an achievement that strengthens our economy, generates jobs and income for our citizens, and positions the State as an increasingly competitive and innovation-driven region”, said Governor of Rio Grande do Sul State, Eduardo Leite.
Reducing Carbon Emissions with the HeatOx™ Technology
Developed in partnership with Air Liquide and Air Industrie Transition, the furnace uses HeatOx™ oxy-combustion technology, which preheats oxygen to 550°C and natural gas to 450°C using furnace exhaust gases. This improves thermal efficiency and reduces oxygen and fuel consumption. A high boosting system supplements the process with electrical energy, lowering fossil fuel use during the melting process.
This innovation reduces carbon emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional furnaces.
“This project demonstrates Verallia’s commitment to combine advanced technology, environmental performance, and local development. We are proud to contribute to the economic dynamism of Rio Grande do Sul, and to support Brazil’s wine and spirits sectors with innovative and sustainable solutions”, concludes Quintin Testa, Latin America General Manager of Verallia.