Ardagh Glass Packaging, in collaboration with Fire Camera Ltd, has successfully developed and implemented an automated fire detection system designed for the glass manufacturing industry.

The partnership addresses industry safety and operational challenges, making glass production safer and more efficient.

Steffen Seehausen, Chief Risk Officer at Ardagh Group, said: "This system is a true step change in protecting our people and assets."

The IS Protect Plus System, developed by Fire Camera Ltd, with Ardagh Glass Packaging-UK’s expertise, is an automated fire detection system, leveraging patent-pending dual-camera technology.

The system can detect fire and other incidents with precision, taking immediate corrective action to prevent escalation, all the way through to triggering the fire suppression system if required.

This results in a substantial reduction in risk, increases safety for staff, protects high-value assets, and monitored reporting improves overall operational effectiveness.

Key advantages of the system include:

  • 24/7 camera monitoring to detect and address incidents such as fire, stray glass, late loading, jam-ups, and stray parisons or bottles.
  • Automation of machine actions and integration into IS machine control systems, reducing downtime, waste, and incident recurrence.
  • A powerful database reporting tool that provides real-time insights to support continuous improvement.

The IS Protect Plus System offers a fully automated, closed-loop solution for fire detection, enhancing operational efficiency and allowing operators to focus on higher-priority tasks.

After successful trials , Ardagh Glass Packaging is expanding its investment in Fire Camera’s IS Protect Plus systems across its UK sites.

Dean Butler, UK Business Development Director, added: "This is a fantastic leap forward for industry safety, and a step change in fire detection.

“The system is the first of its kind to cover all elements of IS machine monitoring and fire system integration.

“The project exemplifies the power of collaboration towards a shared goal. By combining industry knowledge with specialist vision inspection and software expertise, together we have delivered a game-changing solution.”

In addition to addressing the critical industry challenge of fire detection and fire prevention, the system’s 24/7 monitoring and reporting also reduces downtime, improves pack-to-melt efficiency, automates quality procedures and enhances health and safety.