At Verallia, environmental transformation is not based on promises, but on a clear, validated and measurable trajectory. In 2024, teams, sites and technologies are mobilized to accelerate decarbonization, preserve resources and evolve industrial practices. This momentum is reflected in concrete actions, driven by a commitment to progress at every level.

 

A validated ambition: Net Zero 2040
Verallia’s Net Zero trajectory, validated by the SBTi, commits the Group to reducing CO₂ emissions by 90% for scopes 1 and 2 by 2040, with 10% offsetting. For scope 3, the target is a 90% reduction by 2050. By 2030, interim targets are set at -46.2% for scopes 1 and 2, and -27.5% for scope 3. This ambition is supported by a goal of 100% renewable or low-carbon electricity by 2040, and water consumption limited to 0.35 m³ per tonne of packed glass.

 

Understanding our CO₂ emissions
Verallia’s 2024 carbon footprint totals 2,166 kT CO₂, broken down as follows:

  • Scope 1: 1,455 kT CO₂ (direct emissions from melting and fossil fuels)
  • Scope 2: 346 kT CO₂ (indirect emissions from electricity consumption)
  • Scope 3: 2,166 kT CO₂ (indirect emissions throughout the product life cycle)

Compared to 2019, emissions have decreased by 24.7% for scopes 1 and 2, and by 23% for scope 3.

 

Acting across the entire value chain

To reduce scope 3 emissions, Verallia works with suppliers on four key levers:

  • Raw materials: local sourcing and low-carbon alternatives
  • Energy: use of low-carbon sources
  • Transport: shorter distances, biofuels, multimodal logistics
  • Packaging: eco-design, reuse and recycling

 

Decarbonizing melting: electrification underway

Glass melting accounts for 73% of energy consumption and 79% of scopes 1 and 2 emissions. Verallia is deploying several furnace technologies:

  • Super-boosted: electricity share increased to 25%, already in place at Chalon-sur-Saône
  • Hybrid: 70% electricity, 30% gas, -50% emissions; first deployments in Zaragoza (2025) and Saint-Romain-le-Puy (2026)
  • 100% electric: -60% emissions; in operation at Cognac since March 2024
  • Oxycombustion: oxygen injection, -10% additional emissions; deployed in Campo Bom (Brazil) and Pescia (Italy)

 

The Cognac furnace: a world first

Developed in partnership with Fives, the 100% electric furnace in Cognac is the largest in the world dedicated to food-grade glass packaging. It produces 180 tonnes of glass per day, or 300,000 bottles, with a 60% reduction in CO₂ emissions. One year after commissioning, results are clear: team autonomy, customer satisfaction, and fully decarbonized production for some clients.

 

Towards a greener energy mix

In 2024, Verallia reached 64% renewable or low-carbon electricity, exceeding its 2025 target. The Group aims for 100% by 2040. Photovoltaic panels have been installed on several sites, covering up to 25% of electricity needs.

Alternatives to natural gas are also being explored:

  • Biofuels: already used in Zaragoza and Vauxrot
  • Syngas: pilot project in Cognac with Charwood Energy
  • Hydrogen: industrial project in Essen (Germany), using gas with 60% hydrogen, reducing emissions by 10%

 

Water: a resource under control

Most plants operate in semi-closed loops. In 2024, nine sites are located in water-stressed areas. Their target: 0.25 m³/tve by 2030. “Water Cards” help monitor consumption and plan investments. Adiabatic towers, which reduce water use by 40 to 50%, are now installed with each furnace upgrade.

At Oiry, water consumption dropped from 140,000 m³ to under 14,000 m³ per year. The 2025 goal: zero consumption through rainwater recovery. The site shares its expertise with other Group plants, which will soon be equipped with the same technology.

 

Acting on air and waste

In 2024, only four minor exceedances of SOx and NOx thresholds were recorded and immediately addressed. 58% of the 242,176 tonnes of waste generated were recycled. Environmental Gemba Tours help map waste flows and identify areas for improvement.