This paper provides an overview of environmental issues related to the production of optical glass and float glass, along with proposed solutions. It explores methods that can optimise production efficiency while reducing the overall ecological footprint. These solutions aim to promote a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible approach to glass manufacturing. The main environmental areas identified include pollution from chemical materials, gaseous pollution, and contamination from solid and dust particles. Furthermore, during the production of optical glass, the correct handling of chemical materials was found to be the most crucial aspect due to the its wide range of varieties involved. On the other hand, in the production of float glass, greater emphasis was placed on addressing issues related to natural gas consumption, given the large volumes required. It was established that the utilisation of conditioned raw materials has a positive impact on the environment by reducing natural gas consumption. Consequently, a comprehensive methodology for studying these environmental issues was summarised, and promising directions for addressing them were identified. The focus is on Ukrainian production within this industry.
This paper is linked to a Year 2 doctoral practice-based research project, which explores the negative impacts on mental health and well-being of too-fast pace of life and work-related stress through craft. Existing research shows that the benefits of craft on mental health arise through the making process itself, creativity and self-expression, with foundations in psychology,(1) biology(2) and sociology.(3)In order to further explore the potential benefits of craft, the author examines the integration of literati landscape painting, an art form known for its positive impact on mental health,(4) into the craft of glassmaking. Additionally, the paper discusses the unproven health benefits and potential of long-standing after-making interaction with craft, such as the use of prayer beads and the love patina in Chinese culture, which aims to transfer the joy of craft from the maker to the user. Through cultural probe and participant interviews, the author validates to a certain extent the positive effects of literati style craft on well-being, as participants perceive it as a means of self-expression, connection, and ultimately achieving improved health and well-being.
Filament-laying techniques originated in the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and fl ourished in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), before being introduced to the Boshan region of China. After this technology was introduced to Boshan, glass artisans in the area used the well-developed local methods of glass production to pull out ultra-fi ne glass fi laments, replacing original fi bre or silk fi laments with glass fi laments. As a result, Boshan's speciality of glass-fi lament-laying was born. Products made using this technique include plaques, table lamps, palace lamps and screens. Glass-fi lament-laying is the melting of transparent glass into fi ne fi laments of uniform thickness, dividing the fi laments into two layers, closely arranged and bonded in diff erent orders, with calligraphy and paintings on paper or silk sandwiched in between them. The glass-fi lament-laying process is highly complex and there are fewer and fewer master artisans of this skill today, with it being close to being lost. This paper mainly studies and discusses the development of glass-fi lament-laying in Boshan and the contemporary innovative methods of glass-fi lament-laying.
Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to limit global warming to 15 degrees C is one of humanity's most critical challenges. Every energy-intensive sector, including glass manufacturing, must play a part in reaching this goal. This paper, based on the AGC/Professor Michael Cable Memorial Lecture, presents a comprehensive analysis of the technical challenges and strategies for decarbonization of glass melting, the most energy-intensive process in glass production, accounting for 50-80% of the total energy used in glass manufacturing. Four key themes are explored. First, it examines the energy intensity of the glass industry within the broader context of commodity materials manufacturing. Next, it offers an overview of the glass manufacturing process, with a focus on the fundamentals of glass melting. It then highlights key technological innovations implemented by the author and colleagues that have significantly reduced the energy intensity of melting. Finally, it presents decarbonization strategies for glass melting, with a focus on energy substitution methods such as electric boosting, hydrogen combustion, and ammonia combustion, discussing their benefits, challenges, and, where applicable, providing economic projections. The paper also addresses emissions reduction through increased cullet use and raw material modifications.
Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to limit global warming to 1??5°C is one of humanity’s most critical challenges. Every energy-intensive sector, including glass manufacturing, must play a part in reaching this goal. This paper, based on the AGC/Professor Michael Cable Memorial Lecture, presents a comprehensive analysis of the technical challenges and strategies for decarbonization of glass melting, the most energy-intensive process in glass production, accounting for 50‐80% of the total energy used in glass manufacturing. Four key themes are explored. First, it examines the energy intensity of the glass industry within the broader context of commodity materials manufacturing. Next, it offers an overview of the glass manufacturing process, with a focus on the fundamentals of glass melting. It then highlights key technological innovations implemented by the author and colleagues that have significantly reduced the energy intensity of melting. Finally, it presents decarbonization strategies for glass melting, with a focus on energy substitution methods such as electric boosting, hydrogen combustion, and ammonia combustion, discussing their benefits, challenges, and, where applicable, providing economic projections. The paper also addresses emissions reduction through increased cullet use and raw material modifications.
