Orora

Pioneering Australia's first oxy-fuelled furnace to slash emissions and boost efficiency

Orora has demonstrated significant leadership in responding to climate change, investing more than $100 million to build one of Australia’s first oxy-fuelled glass furnace at its Gawler site in South Australia. The furnace has delivered a 30% reduction in energy use and emissions, positioning it among the world’s top 10% most energy efficient furnaces. 

This pioneering initiative showcases the value of innovation and collaboration in achieving sustainability, highlights Orora's commitment to reducing emissions and energy consumption. and offers a strong model for reducing industrial emissions nationwide.

Orora undertook the upgrade of its existing furnace to an oxy-fuelled system and the construction of a new oxygen plant with the support of a $12.5 million grant from the Australian Government under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative — Manufacturing Translation Stream of the Recycling and Clean Energy program. 

Who was involved:

The project involved multiple stakeholders, including: 

• Orora: Leading the project with significant financial investment and strategic planning.
• Australian Government: Providing financial support through a $12.5 million grant.
• Technology and engineering partners: Collaborating on the design, construction, and implementation of the new oxygen plant and oxy-fuelled furnace.
• Local community and workforce: Engaging with the local community and workforce to ensure smooth project execution and operational transition. 

Results:

The upgrade was commissioned in December 2024, and the results have been impressive: 

• 30% reduction in energy consumption and emissions: The new system has significantly lowered energy usage and emissions.
• Significant reduction in NOX emissions: The oxy-fuelled furnace has drastically reduced nitrogen oxide emissions.
• Top 10% energy efficient furnaces worldwide: The G3 furnace at Gawler is now among the top 10% of energy-efficient furnaces globally. 

Emissions reduction and climate adaptation benefits:

The project has delivered notable climate change-related benefits, including: 

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Lowering the carbon footprint of Orora's operations and significant reduction in NOX emissions, benefiting the local environment and community health.
• Enhanced energy efficiency: Contributing to more sustainable manufacturing processes. 

Lessons learned and potential for scaling:

Key lessons learned from this project include: 

• Importance of collaboration: Successful partnerships with government and technology providers are crucial for large-scale sustainability projects.
• Investment in innovation: Investing in advanced technologies can yield substantial environmental and operational benefits.
• Scalability: The success of this project demonstrates the potential for scaling similar initiatives across other facilities and industries, promoting broader adoption of low-emission technologies. 

Orora's investment in the oxygen plant and oxy-fuelled furnace at Gawler serves as a model for other companies aiming to enhance their sustainability efforts and reduce their environmental impact. This project underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment in driving meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.

Please note that the information provided has been submitted by the organisation and has not been independently verified.