Gerresheimer Glassworks Momignies in Belgium: €30 million invested!

The Gerresheimer Group has just invested more than €30 million in its Momignies plant in Belgium with the installation of a new 100% electric furnace. This major project improves energy efficiency and actively contributes to the decarbonization of glass production. The furnace’s production capacity has increased by 25% per day compared to the old furnace. Dedicated exclusively to flint glass, it offers significantly higher efficiency than the old multi-purpose furnace by reducing losses, unnecessary remelting, and associated energy consumption. Thanks to improved energy efficiency, less energy is now required to melt a ton of glass. With the new furnace, the glass melting process is 10% more efficient.

In addition to reducing CO₂ emissions, this new equipment also contributes to a significant improvement in glass quality and a sustainable reduction in overall energy consumption. At the same time, over the last few years, the entire production facility has been gradually modernized (renovation of the molding workshop, creation of a new mold storage area, and investments in internal machining centers to increase autonomy and flexibility). Decoration capabilities were also enhanced between 2024 and 2025 with the installation of new lacquering and screen printing lines, incorporating hot stamping.

“The cosmetics and perfume market is changing rapidly, explains Nicola Balena, Global Commercial Vice President – Cosmetic Molded Glass. Today, brands expect much more from their partners than just production capacity. They are looking for reliable, comprehensive solutions that can meet ever-increasing demands in terms of quality, innovation, and sustainability. At Gerresheimer, we have made the strategic choice to position ourselves as a true “one-stop shop” partner. From packaging design to industrial production, including integrated decoration and finishing, our investments are aimed at simplifying our customers’ projects while guaranteeing performance, quality, and delivery times. This approach is based on a strong commitment to sustainability and material innovation, which are at the heart of our long-term strategy.”

Reducing CO2 emissions by 52%

Established in Belgium for over 125 years, the Momignies site designs and produces glass bottles and jars for cosmetics and perfumes, working closely with many international brands. “A pioneer in the use of 40% PCR glass since 2009, emphasizes Arthur Bru-Andriamihaja, Marketing Manager for Cosmetics, the site is now entering a phase of in-depth modernization, driven by a long-term vision and growing market demands in terms of quality, industrial performance, and environmental responsibility. Sustainable development is not a promise, it is a structured, measured and validated process. Our sustainable development strategy is based on a long-term vision, aligned with international standards and founded on clear climate objectives."

The Group’s decarbonization roadmap aims for a 52% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 (scope 1 and 2, compared to 2019, the reference year), validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ensuring full alignment with science-based climate trajectories. Our goal of sourcing 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030 will play a key role in implementing our decarbonization roadmap, significantly reducing Scope 2 emissions. “This commitment, emphasizes Arthur Bru-Andriamihaja, "is reinforced by independent external assessments, including EcoVadis Gold, renewed in August 2025, as well as a CDP rating of A- for climate and B for water, reflecting the transparency and credibility of our actions.”

Our emissions reduction strategy is based on three complementary pillars: production technologies, renewable energies, and eco-design." From an industrial perspective, Gerresheimer is investing in the modernization of its production tools, with an increasing share of electricity integrated into the operation of its furnaces. The 100% electric furnace in Momignies and the hybrid furnaces in Tettau, which operate with up to 40% electricity, illustrate this transition to technologies with a lower carbon footprint. Increasing the share of renewable energies in the electricity supply is a second essential pillar, notably with the installation of solar panels at several sites, in particular in Momignies (Belgium) and Zaragoza (Spain), as well as renewable energy purchase agreements (PPAs), which sustainably reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Gx EcoDesign is another pillar of Gerresheimer’s sustainability strategy. Designed around an integrated 5R approach (Rethink, Reduce, Replace, Reuse, Recycle), it involves the use of PCR glass (up to 40%) and rPET (up to 100%) and weight reduction projects. Recycle), it involves the use of PCR glass (up to 40%) and rPET (up to 100%) and weight reduction projects, developed in close collaboration with brands, to reduce the use of virgin raw materials without compromising the performance, quality, or aesthetics of the packaging. Using one ton of PCR glass in the production of new bottles saves 1.2 tons of virgin raw materials, reduces furnace energy consumption by approximately 2.5% for every additional 10% of cullet (depending on furnace size), and reduces CO₂ emissions by nearly 580 kg throughout the product’s life cycle [1]. “Brands no longer want to have to choose between design and sustainability,” insists Arthur Bru-Andriamihaja. "Our mission is to offer innovative solutions, such as alternatives to metallization, that preserve the visual impact of packaging while reducing its environmental footprint. More broadly, Gerresheimer’s sustainability strategy is based on three key pillars: Gx Clean, Gx Care, and Gx Trust. These pillars drive actions in favor of the climate and the circular economy, safe and engaging workplaces, and strong governance based on responsible sourcing and transparency, guiding the company toward a sustainable and responsible future."