Verallia has inaugurated a new oxy-combustion furnace equipped with HeatOx™ technology, an innovative solution owned by Air Liquide, at its Campo Bom plant in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This EUR 111 million investment marks a major milestone in Verallia’s growth strategy in Brazil, reflecting the Group’s long-term vision and commitment to sustainable innovation.
Patrice Lucas, CEO of Verallia Group, said, “The commissioning of the Campo Bom furnace is a significant step in Verallia’s journey to decarbonise its production processes and accelerate innovation across our markets. This project embodies our ambition to invest in sustainable technologies, strengthen our presence in strategic regions and once again demonstrate our ability to construct solutions aligned with the environmental ambitions of our clients.”
Strengthening local impact through employment and innovation
The furnace integrates state-of-the-art production systems, increasing Campo Bom’s capacity to 820 tonnes of glass per day and introducing three production lines.
To support this expansion, Verallia creates 108 new jobs to date, including 21 women and 7 people with disabilities, demonstrating its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The combined Campo Bom 1 and Campo Bom 2 sites now employ 267 people.
Over 74,000 hours of training prepare new employees to operate the furnace’s advanced systems, supported by knowledge-sharing initiatives with teams from Verallia’s Jacutinga and Porto Ferreira plants.
Reducing Carbon Emissions with the HeatOx™ Technology
Developed in partnership with Air Liquide and Air Industrie Transition, the furnace uses HeatOx™ oxy-combustion technology, which preheats oxygen to 550 degrees Celsius and natural gas to 450 degrees Celsius using furnace exhaust gases. This improves thermal efficiency and reduces oxygen and fuel consumption. A high boosting system supplements the process with electrical energy, lowering fossil fuel use during the melting process.
This innovation reduces carbon emissions by up to 20 percent compared to conventional furnaces.
“This project demonstrates Verallia’s commitment to combine advanced technology, environmental performance, and local development. We are proud to contribute to the economic dynamism of Rio Grande do Sul, and to support Brazil’s wine and spirits sectors with innovative and sustainable solutions,” said Quintin Testa, Latin America General Manager of Verallia.