The reasons: glass production is energy-intensive. It requires substantial heat to produce and refine, even when recycled.
The result: companies that once relied on glass are moving away from it to meet climate targets and lower emissions.
The problem isn’t glass but how it’s heated
Glass, by itself, isn’t the issue. The real problem lies in how it’s made, especially in how it’s heated. Most glass production still relies on fossil-fuel-based systems that waste energy and release CO₂ at every stage of the process.
That’s where electric heating makes a difference. And Kanthal is leading that shift.
Electric heating is not new. In fact, it was once the norm in the glass industry.
But as fossil fuels became more affordable and prevalent, many manufacturers switched to gas-fired systems to lower initial energy costs.
Now, that equation is changing again.
Emissions need to come down. Fossil fuel prices are increasingly unstable. And electricity is becoming more accessible. The pressure to meet climate targets is intensifying, while safety, product quality, and process control are more important than ever.
And electric heating checks every box.
Glass manufacturers are returning to electric
Kanthal’s heating solutions are helping glass producers switch from gas to electric with minimal disruption and maximum long-term gain.
In forehearth furnaces
Kanthal’s Globar® SiC heating elements provide uniform, stable temperatures, enhancing glass conditioning and reducing defects. They also help save 70-80% on operating costs by keeping heat focused where it’s needed.
In annealing lehrs
For thinner container glass, Fibrothal® heating modules with ROB meander elements offer precise temperature control, thereby enhancing glass strength and durability.
For higher power and more demanding temperature requirements, Kanthal also offers Kanthal® Super MoSi₂ heating elements and Superthal® heating modules, each designed to meet the needs of different production setups.
Four reasons electric heating is back in glass
- Zero local emissions. Switching to electric eliminates harmful combustion gases from the process. When powered by renewables, it becomes a zero-emissions solution.
- Much higher efficiency. Gas heating systems often waste over two-thirds of the energy they consume, while electric heating can convert up to 95 percent of that energy into usable heat.
- A safer, quieter workplace. No flames. No exhaust gases. No roaring burners. Just clean, controlled heat
- Kanthal’s deep industry experience. With decades in electric heating and a diverse portfolio of solutions, Kanthal helps glass manufacturers upgrade without compromise.
The expert view: Why this shift matters
Glass is infinitely recyclable and reusable. It can be made using 100% renewable energy and offers safe, chemical-free packaging that looks good and performs well.
Sachin Pimpalnerkar, Global Product Manager, Kanthal.Sachin Pimpalnerkar, Global Product Manager at Kanthal, is witnessing the shift happen in real time.
“Precise temperature control is critical in glass. It directly affects product quality. With electric heating, we help our customers hit the right temperatures with less waste and better consistency.”
The benefits aren’t just technical. They’re financial.
“In the EU, manufacturers pay 90 euros per tonne of CO₂ under the emissions trading scheme. By switching to electric, they reduce both emissions and compliance costs.”
Even in regions where gas is still cheaper, the landscape is changing.
“Electricity from renewable sources is becoming more accessible. With better efficiency, lower maintenance, and reduced risk, electric heating is a smarter long-term investment.”
That perspective is echoed outside Kanthal as well.
Grahame Stuart, Technical Sales Manager, Electroglass Ltd.Grahame Stuart, Technical Sales Manager, Electroglass Ltd., reinforces the case for glass when done right:
“Glass is infinitely recyclable and reusable. It can be made using 100% renewable energy and offers safe, chemical-free packaging that looks good and performs well,” he remarks.
He also points out that in categories like beer, wine, and spirits, glass still delivers a premium experience, one that consumers continue to prefer. “With modern manufacturing techniques, it’s possible to produce glass with minimal carbon impact. That, combined with its recyclability and the growing use of renewables, makes it a genuinely sustainable option.”
Glass is still fashionable
While some companies avoid glass to lessen their impact, others opt for a smarter approach: retaining the material and changing the method.
Electric heating offers glass packaging a future that’s cleaner, more efficient, and built to last.
And with Kanthal’s support, that future is already taking shape.