O-I has set up a new photovoltaic plant at its site at Beziers, France, with the help of green energy producer Aerowatt. O-I chose Aerowatt to install and operate the photovoltaic panels at the plant. Since Autumn 2010, 10,085m/2 of modules have been installed at Beziers, covering four warehouses, and representing a global capacity of 1381.5kWp to produce green energy and supply the EDF electrical network. Since the construction of the plant in 1999, O-I has been investing in state-of-the-art equipment in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint. This includes an advanced technology, energy-efficient furnace, and a station that continuously filters and treats water. Glass recycling is a major priority at the site and O-I is steadily increasing the proportion of cullet in its manufacturing process - up to 90% is used at Beziers. Facilitated by the extensive surfaces of its warehouses, O-I is one of the first glass manufacturers to equip its plants with solar panels and, it confirms, several new projects are ongoing at its European sites.
