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.