Saint-Gobain and AGC Group, the two biggest names in worldwide flat glass production, have come together to build the large-scale hybrid electric furnace. “This type of furnace is the largest electric furnace ever built for flat glass, making it a world first,” the company stated. Emissions reduction A glass furnace is a high-temperature industrial kiln designed to melt raw materials such as silica sand, soda ash, limestone, and recycled glass. Glass produced from the Avilés hybrid furnace will directly supply Saint-Gobain’s ORAÉ® low-carbon glass line and AGC’s sustainable product portfolio. For instance, increasing the proportion of recycled glass scrap, known as cullet, significantly lowers furnace energy demands.