From Vision to Implementation: Evaluating Readiness for Circular and Climate-Neutral Glass Production

Evaluating Readiness for Circular and Climate-Neutral Glass Production

Abstract

The glass industry is undergoing a profound transformation on its path toward climate neutrality by 2045. Along the value chain of glass and facade products, varying challenges emerge: while environmental considerations can be integrated relatively easily in some segments, others demand fundamental systemic change. Within the CircuClarity initiative, stakeholders from industry and academia collaborate to advance innovations supporting climate neutrality and circularity. This study evaluates the current state of development using a six-stage maturity model. Findings reveal heterogeneous progress—glass reuse is evolving rapidly and becoming increasingly product-specific, whereas advancements in sustainable energy sources for glass production remain limited, highlighting a continued need for technological innovation. This study focuses on a comparison of the groups and assesses their overall impact on energy reduction within the broader context of the industry based on the technology readiness level framework developed by the European commission.