Best available techniques (BAT) reference document for the manufacture of glass : industrial emissions Directive 2010/75/EU: integrated pollution prevention and control

The BREF entitled 'Manufacture of Glass' forms part of a series presenting the results of an exchange of information between EU Member States, the industries concerned, nongovernmental organisations promoting environmental protection, and the Commission, to draw up, review, and where necessary, update BAT reference documents as required by Article 13(1) of the Directive. This document is published by the European Commission pursuant to Article 13(6) of the Directive. This BREF for the glass manufacturing industry covers the following activities specified in Annex I to Directive 2010/75/EU, namely: activity 3.3: Manufacture of glass including glass fibre with a melting capacity exceeding 20 tonnes per day ; activity 3.4: Melting mineral substances including the production of mineral fibres with a melting capacity exceeding 20 tonnes per day. The document also covers non-melting activities and downstream processes that may be directly associated to these activities and carried out on the same site. Important issues for the implementation of Directive 2010/75/EU in the manufacturing of glass are the reduction of emissions to air; efficient usage of energy and raw materials; minimisation, recovery and recycling of process residues; as well as an effective implementation of environmental and energy management systems. The BREF document contains eight chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 provide general information on the glass manufacturing industry and on the industrial processes and techniques used within this sector. Chapter 3 provides data and information concerning the environmental performance of installations in terms of current emissions, consumptions of raw materials, water and energy, generation of waste. Chapter 4 describes the techniques to prevent or reduce the environmental impact of installations in this sector. In Chapter 5 the BAT conclusions, as defined in Article 3(12) of the Directive, are presented for the eight sectors of the glass industry: container glass, flat glass, continuous filament glass fibre, domestic glass, special glass, mineral wool, high temperature insulation wool, frits.