A sustainable innovation in the Italian glass production. LCA and Eco-Care matrix evaluation

The world glass containers production in 2015 reached 50.63 million of tonnes (MT), and is estimated to grow by 2022, achieving 65.42 MT. In Italy in 2016 the production was 4.6 MT, by registering an increment of 3.2% compared with 2015. The glass transformation process occurs in high temperature ovens, where the fusion stage takes place. The life cycle of this commodity is correlated to the exploitation of natural resources, as well as to the emissions of different greenhouse gases (GHG), that have negative effects on natural environment system. In order to decrease the negative environmental impact of the glass industry we analyse the combination of recycling methods and process innovation applications in an Italian company. We reported an environmental and cost analysis of a process innovation implemented by a company operating in the hollow glass sector in Italy: we scientifically demonstrated that important results in energy savings could be reached by the implementation of the aspiration system and the re-use of the hot air produced by the furnace. In this research study we demonstrate that energy savings can be achieved: The results have been reported according the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, by using the software Simapro 7.1 and the database ReCiPe 1.07 (2012). The relationship between cost efficiency, environmental and social benefits have been displayed in the Eco-Care matrix (ECM), in order to graphically quantify the benefits of a low cost process innovation. The study wants to demonstrate that the innovation is efficient in economics, social and environmental perspective, and it could represent a benefit for the companies operating in the glass industry.