Schott breaks ground on €40 million electric furnace

Schott has broken ground on its first electrified melting tank in Mitterteich, Germany.

The €40 million investment is partially funded by the German government.

Schott said the new tank would be a major step in decarbonising pharmaceutical glass production.

Using 100% green electricity, the tank will produce Schott’s FIOLAX Pro Optimised Carbon Footprint (OCF) tubing.

This could see up to 50% fewer CO₂ emissions per vial.

Schott CEO Dr Torsten Derr said: “The transformation of our industry toward decarbonisation and significantly lower-carbon processes begins with concrete projects. This pilot tank is an example that sends a strong signal.

“We are investing specifically in technology that avoids emissions while also strengthening the competitiveness of our site.”

A groundbreaking ceremony took place in Mitterteich on Wednesday August 6^th.

With the start of construction, pharmaceutical glass tubing production is scheduled to begin in early 2027.

Dr Patrick Markschläger, Executive Vice President of Schott's Tubing business unit, said: “With our innovative tank concept, we are setting a new standard by offering CO2e-reduced solutions for all primary packaging formats, from syringes and cartridges to pharmaceutical vials and ampoules, based on the new FIOLAX Pro OCF product line.”