TOYO GLASS CO., LTD. (Head office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shingo Noguchi; hereinafter referred to as "TOYO GLASS"), a consolidated subsidiary of our company, commenced operation of one large glass melting furnace for glass bottles that utilizes an oxygen combustion method at its TOYO GLASS Plant (Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture) on March 31, 2026.
The oxygen combustion method uses high-concentration oxygen instead of air. By introducing this method, combustion without nitrogen becomes possible, improving heat transfer efficiency to the glass. As a result, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per melting furnace will be reduced by approximately 20% compared to conventional methods, while maintaining the same production volume.
Furthermore, the adoption of this method eliminates the need for a heat storage chamber that uses a large amount of heat storage bricks. We will promote environmentally friendly manufacturing from both the perspectives of "decarbonization" of the manufacturing process through optimization of energy efficiency and "resource conservation" through streamlining equipment. In addition, we will pursue the reduction of environmental impact throughout the entire product lifecycle and deliver valuable containers that contribute to our customers' decarbonization management.
*This is the first introduction of an oxygen combustion system in a glass bottle melting furnace with a production capacity exceeding 200 tons/day in Japan (as of March 2026, according to TOYO GLASS).
The glass bottle industry faces a unique challenge in GHG emissions due to the high energy required for high-temperature combustion in melting furnaces. TOYO GLASS has long strived to balance business activities with global environmental protection, and has been working to promote energy conservation and recycling. The introduction of the oxygen combustion system was launched in May 2024 as one of the most important measures to contribute to energy conservation and the realization of a decarbonized society, and has commenced operation after approximately two years of preparation and construction.
We hope this initiative will serve as a model case for driving decarbonization in the glass bottle industry.
Furthermore, starting with the full-scale operation of this oxygen combustion method, TOYO GLASS will continue to promote the introduction of the latest technologies and strive to reduce its environmental impact through a multifaceted approach. In order to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, we will work together with our customers, suppliers, and local communities to provide more environmentally friendly glass bottles and innovate our manufacturing processes.
Since its founding in 1888 as a glass container manufacturer, TOYO GLASS grown from a manufacturer of glass bottles to a producer of various glass-related products, guided by the philosophy of "exploring the potential of glass and contributing to the improvement of lifestyle and culture." To deliver products that accurately meet diverse needs, the company promotes integrated operations from material development to design, technology, manufacturing, and sales.
Leveraging the various advantages of glass products, such as a sense of security, cleanliness, and luxury, we strive to develop products that are not only highly functional but also aesthetically pleasing, ensuring customer satisfaction. We also continue to develop innovative technologies, such as streamlining logistics through the development of ultra-lightweight bottles.
TOYO GLASS, with glass as its core product, which is attracting great attention from an environmental perspective, is engaged in product development in a wide range of fields and will continue to strive to improve living culture and reduce environmental impact.
■Contact information for inquiries regarding this project
TOYO GLASS CO., LTD.
Environmental Measures Promotion Office
Email: info@toyo-glass.co.jp
■ Media Inquiries
Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd.
Sustainability Promotion Department, Corporate Communications Group: Nakanori, Kakimoto, Takada, Ichihashi
TEL: 03-4514-2026 Mail: tskg_contact@tskg-hd.com