R&D Transformation

Reinvent and reimagine glass-making so the circularity of glass meets the potential of our MAGMA melting technology, low-carbon alternative fuels, and light-weighted glass packaging.

Our R&D Transformation Vision

For more than 100 years, O-I has been innovating and transforming the glass packaging industry. In 1903, Michael J. Owens developed the Automatic Bottle Machine, which was considered the most important invention in glass in more than 2,000 years. Innovation is in our DNA, and we continue to reimagine how we approach every part of our business, from our glass-making technology and processes, to our customer approach, to how we support our people. We seek to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

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MAGMA
Just a century after Owens’ invention, O-I is again innovating with our groundbreaking MAGMA melter. This proprietary technology changes the way glass is melted and will disrupt how glass is sold with a scalable, modular design enabling production flexibility and rapid deployment and an improved sustainability profile. Learn more in our 2021 Sustainability Report.
Innovation Center
MAGMA and other advancements are pioneered in our dedicated R&D Innovation Center. This state-of-the-art facility brings together research and development, product design, engineering, and commercial expertise under one roof. The smaller-scale configuration in the 2,000 square meters facility allows us to trial new processes and prototype new product designs without interrupting production. Without the constraints of our commercial plants, it can take risks no plant can take, advancing rapid innovation.
GOAT
We are consistently evolving our furnace technology, which keeps us at the forefront of energy efficiency. The gas-oxygen advancement technology (GOAT) combines several innovations that collectively make our most efficient melting process to date reducing energy 30%, CO2 emissions 40%, and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions 70%.
Light-weighting
With no compromise on aesthetics or functionality including strength and quality, we consistently create lighter-weight glass packaging that enhances the sustainability profile of our packaging. The new Slim Stubby is 14% lighter, which translates to an equivalent 14% CO2 reduction.
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Innovation is in our DNA, and we continue to reimagine how we approach every part of our business, from our glass-making technology and processes, to our customer approach, to how we support our people.

Related Topics

Our Innovation Story

Product Innovations

Success Stories

Sustainability in Action   
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