The International Commission on Glass (ICG), is a non-profit international association comprising 37 national organisations, based on the science and technology of glass. Much of the ICG stems from its various technical committees that help to investigate new techniques, conduct studies and draft thermatic guides that allow the sector to advance and improve glass manufacturing. There are currently over 20 specialised committees that cover a wide range of subjects. Vidrala is currently active in two of these, both of which are of prime importance. These are the Energy Efficiency Committee and the Refractory Materials Committee. Among other tasks, the Refractory Materials Committee is currently drafting a Guide, which will include tests and practical case studies on product quality management according to the needs of the glass produced, and the behaviour or corrosion of the materials used. The Energy Efficiency Committee identifies those stages that can potentially prove most beneficial in terms of efficiency improvements. Work is also carried out on the selections of impact technologies, in the setting in motion of pilot projects to develop these technologies, the generation of R&D and the organisation of technical conferences on the subject of energy efficiency. This article discusses Vidrala's contribution and provides a brief overview of the company, together with a detailed description of the company's involvement in the issues.
