Bormioli Luigi has re-upped for a second year in a project with Penn State University aimed at commercializing a new family of glass that would have less impact on the planet. The glass, known as LionGlass, could be used for cosmetic packaging.

The partnership, which began in 2024, is focused on the scale up Penn State’s LionGlass as a sustainable alternative to traditional soda lime glass.

LionGlass melts at temperatures up to 400°C lower than conventional glass and eliminates direct carbon dioxide emissions by removing carbonates from the glass batch. It also offers enhanced mechanical durability, in some cases up to 10 times higher crack resistance than conventional glass, according to the University.

Pilot in Italy

Researchers ran a pilot in Murano, Italy. Over two days in March, the team melted two 100-kilogram batches of LionGlass and formed more than 150 clear glass cups.

“We were able to not only show that LionGlass could be melted at significantly lower temperatures and without carbonates, but we also demonstrated the formability of LionGlass and its ability to remain transparent and smooth,” Nicholas Clark, an assistant research professor at Penn State—and co-inventor of LionGlass—said in a statement.

The trial also confirmed compatibility with traditional, industrial-style glass manufacturing techniques, according to PSU.

The next steps for the project include refining LionGlass compositions to improve mechanical performance and chemical durability, with hopes of matching or exceeding the properties of soda lime glass.

Another trial in Italy is anticipated in the coming months, according to Penn State.

Verallia, a large producer of glass containers for food and beverages, also formed a partnership with Penn State to scale up the use of LionGlass.