Advancing Sustainable Glass Manufacturing through Optimized Predictive Maintenance Planning of Critical Forming Components

Abstract

The glass manufacturing industry is a key contributor to various sectors, including construction, automotive, and packaging. However, it is also energy-intensive and contributes significantly to global carbon emissions. Decarbonizing glass production is essential for aligning industrial practices with global climate goals. This study focuses on advancing sustainability in glass manufacturing through a predictive maintenance planning framework adapted to critical forming components, including Gob Delivery System, Blank Moulds, and Blow Moulds. By optimizing maintenance schedules and minimizing unplanned downtimes, the framework reduces resource wastage, energy inefficiencies, and associated carbon emissions, thereby aligning operational practices with sustainability objectives. The proposed framework integrates reliability analysis, cost evaluation, and advanced optimization techniques to dynamically generate maintenance schedules. A computational tool developed for this purpose simulates degradation and maintenance processes, offering actionable insights into component reliability and cost efficiency. While validated using simulated data, the methodology is adaptable for broader industrial applications, promising significant contributions to the sustainability of glass manufacturing.