The glass industry, a cornerstone of construction, automotive, and packaging sectors, is also one of the most energy-intensive and CO₂-emitting industrial processes. With global climate regulations tightening and demand for sustainable products on the rise, manufacturers are actively seeking practical and cost-effective solutions to reduce CO₂ emissions. In this blog, we explore why MOFs are ideally suited to the unique challenges of glass production and how they offer a competitive edge in an increasingly regulated and carbon-conscious global market.
Why is CO₂ capture relevant for the glass industry?
A major challenge for the glass industry is that about 30% of its CO₂ emissions come from the breakdown of raw materials like limestone and soda ash during melting. These emissions are hard to avoid, because they are part of the chemical process—not from burning fuels. This means that even if the industry switches to renewable energy, this portion of emissions will still occur. As a result, glass manufacturers may still face carbon taxes or regulatory costs for emissions they can’t eliminate with cleaner energy alone. This makes it even more important to explore effective CO₂ capture solutions.
Are MOFs a good fit?
Glass manufacturing involves high-temperature processes that inherently generate significant CO₂ emissions. These emissions come from two main sources:
- Combustion of natural gas or other fuels to heat furnaces.
- Decomposition of raw materials (especially carbonates like soda ash and limestone) during glass melting.
Typical CO₂ concentrations in these gases range from 8 to 12%, ideal for adsorption-based capture systems. Post-combustion capture at these concentrations provides a balance between feasibility and cost-effectiveness, making it one of the most attractive strategies for industrial decarbonization.
However, a key challenge in glass flue gas is humidity. Moisture levels typically reach 10–15%, which can degrade the performance of conventional adsorbents like zeolites or amine-based systems. Most glass furnaces employ only basic flue gas treatment primarily cooling and particulate filtration, without dehumidification.
This is where MOFs show a distinct advantage. novoMOF’s hydrothermally stable MOFs retain their structural integrity and adsorption performance even in high-moisture environments. This eliminates the need for expensive upstream drying, simplifying system integration, and reducing installation complexity.
Integrating MOF systems in glass manufacturing facilities
Furnaces and forehearths in glass manufacturing generate large amounts of low-grade heat, which often goes unused or is only partially recovered. This generates an opportunity for MOF-based systems.
MOFs can be regenerated at just 90°C, allowing them to tap into this waste heat stream. This integration:
- Minimizes external energy input
- Reduces operating costs
- Enables modular, space-efficient systems suitable for retrofitting existing plants
Unlike traditional solvent systems that require tall columns, high-pressure compressors, or complex refrigeration loops, MOF-based units are lightweight, flexible, and scalable. The result is a flexible and cost-effective carbon capture system that aligns with both the thermal profile and operational constraints of glass manufacturing.
Meeting climate policies through CO₂ capture
Governments worldwide are enforcing climate policies aligned with the Paris Agreement. In the European Union, the Emissions Trading System (ETS) has seen carbon allowance prices rise from €30/ton in 2020 to nearly €100/ton by 2025. For a mid-sized glass plant emitting 100,000 tons of CO₂ annually, this translates to a €10 million yearly cost. Adopting carbon capture not only supports environmental goals but also significantly reduces financial exposure to such regulatory costs.
Environmental action is no longer optional — it’s a financial strategy.
To prevent companies from bypassing EU climate rules, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) imposes tariffs on imported goods based on their embedded carbon. Meanwhile, countries like Canada, South Korea, parts of the U.S., and Latin America are implementing carbon taxes that directly impact industrial emitters.
Most manufacturing companies have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, often through initiatives like the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In glass manufacturing, even with electrified furnaces, emissions from raw material breakdown remain. This makes carbon capture essential to closing the gap between operational improvements and full decarbonization. MOF-based capture technologies can help producers stay competitive, whether they operate in regulated markets or export to them.
MOF-based systems to meet the challenge
Unlike traditional post-combustion capture methods such as amine scrubbing, MOF systems bring several operational advantages:
- Lower energy requirement for regeneration (only 90°C)
- Tolerance to humid flue gases, reducing pre-treatment complexity
- Modular, compact units that fit into constrained industrial spaces
These features result in lower capital (CAPEX) and operational expenses (OPEX), making MOF systems a smart investment for both retrofits and new installations. The deployment of MOF-based systems by experts is crucial; novoMOF has partnered with industry-proven engineering firms that have decades of experience in glass furnace exhaust gas treatment. Their integration capabilities ensure minimal disruption during installation, tailored to each facility's layout and conditions.
MOF-based CO₂ capture offers a practical, strategic, and cost-effective path forward for the glass industry. It aligns perfectly with the sector’s emission profile, leverages waste heat, tolerates moisture, and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure. As carbon costs rise and sustainability becomes a business imperative, MOFs provide both compliance and competitive advantage.
Interested in MOFs? Reach out to us to know more about CO2 capture solutions.
