Encirc

Encirc is one of the UK's leading glass container manufacturers, operating its major North West production facility in Elton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, where it produces 2.2 billion glass bottles a year and employs more than 1,000 people.

As one of the most energy-intensive manufacturers in the region, Encirc is at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise the UK glass industry. In partnership with Diageo, Encirc is building a new ultra-low carbon hybrid glass furnace at its Elton plant, powered by a combination of low-carbon hydrogen from the HyNet North West cluster and green electricity. When operational in 2027, the furnace will cut carbon emissions by 90%, with carbon capture technology expected to eliminate the remaining emissions by 2030 — making Encirc the first glass manufacturer to produce net zero bottles at scale.

The hydrogen supply for the new furnace will come from EET Hydrogen's HPP1 production plant at Stanlow, demonstrating how the HyNet cluster is creating interdependencies that enable multiple North West industries to decarbonise together. Encirc's commitment to net zero production by 2030 is a powerful signal for the wider glass and packaging sector.