Heinz Glas GmbH – a leading manufacturer of flacons and jars for the cosmetics industry – has taken a decisive step towards climate-neutral industrial production: At the traditional Piesau site (Thuringia), the last gas-fired glass melting furnace was shut down in 2024 – and replaced by an all-electric system powered by green electricity. This reduces the company's CO₂ emissions at the site by up to 6,250 tons annually. The new melting furnace is the centerpiece of a comprehensive transformation project, which is being funded with around 15 million euros by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. It is not only fully electric, but also flexibly controllable – a novelty in the glass industry. This allows production to be better adapted to demand and the proportion of recycled glass cullet to be varied depending on the glass color. CEO Carletta Heinz speaks of a “historic milestone”: “We are combining our 400-year-old glassmaking tradition with a sustainable future.” The group is investing a total of around 60 million euros in decarbonization – a clear commitment to the Thuringia site and to responsibility for future generations.
Decarbonization with electricity – a flagship project from Thuringia
This is what the new electric glass melting furnace at the glass production plant in Piesau, which was officially inaugurated last autumn, looks like from above. Image: M. Bauer, HEINZ-GLAS
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