Fábrica Paraguaya de Vidrios (FPV) has inaugurated a hybrid furnace after a $43 million investment.
As well as expanding production capacity, the investment will allow FPV to increase the collection of recycled glass by 40% and expand the manufacture of new packaging for the domestic and international market, with a greater variety of formats and designs.
The hybrid furnace will be fuelled by 80% electricity from renewable sources.
The inauguration event at the site in Ypané, Paraguay was attended by the country's president, Santiago Peña and other dignitaries.
The furnace will give FPV the ability to increase its production capacity by 40% and increase its portfolio with new bottle formats and colours.
The company said the hybrid oven was the largest of its kind the Americas and the second largest in the world.
Santiago Galliano, general manager of Cervepar Group which owns the facility, said: “The new technology has managed to change FPV’s energy matrix. Previously, the plant operated with 80% fossil fuels as an energy source. With this new furnace, it will operate with 80% electric energy and 100% renewable energy.”
The Cervepar Group is part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev global brewing organisation.
