The RUBIN consortium “Intelligent Analytics for sustainable and climate‑friendly glass production” (INA‑Glas) set out to transform glass manufacturing by integrating advanced sensing, process analytics and digital control. Central to the effort was the development of online detection systems that monitor process variables in real time, enabling the elimination of process‑related CO₂ emissions in glass processing. Intelligent gas and liquid sensors were designed to provide precise feedback for process control, while a CO₂‑neutral soda glass route was explored to reduce the carbon footprint of raw material production. The consortium also advanced a heating microscope as a reference analysis tool for the glass industry, allowing detailed characterization of melt‑optimized glasses and automated analysis of exhaust gases from the glass‑melting process.
Spectral refractometry was extended to thin films, providing wavelength‑resolved, temperature‑dependent refractive index measurements. Parallel studies investigated finishing techniques, validating novel polishing methods and developing new optical procedures to analyze surface quality and structure. Scaling laboratory procedures to industrial scale was addressed through the creation of a thermal process that enhances product stability, accompanied by a quality‑assurance system. Plasma coating of glass was introduced to seal cracks and increase mechanical strength. In a separate sub‑project, bubble formation in glass was examined, leading to a method for determining bubble content and the development of a sampling apparatus. The consortium also pursued the reuse of historic glass, creating a systematic approach for sustainability assessment, cleaning and activation of historic surfaces, and contact‑less optical characterization.
Laser technologies were harnessed to produce resource‑efficient structuring and marking of architectural glass. Algorithms for efficient laser marking were developed, and plasma‑based incorporation of laser‑activatable dopants was demonstrated. Across all sub‑projects, the focus remained on integrating digital analytics, often leveraging AI‑driven approaches, to enable smarter, more efficient glass production. While specific performance metrics were not reported in the brief, the breadth of techniques—from sensor development to plasma coating—illustrates a comprehensive push toward lower emissions, higher quality, and greater sustainability in the glass sector.
The technical work was coordinated by the IGR Institute for Glass and Raw Material Technology GmbH, which served as consortium leader. IGR managed project communication, control, and reporting, and led the development of the overall strategy and the RUBIN concept. Sollingglas Bau und Veredelungs GmbH & Co. KG contributed industrial expertise and market insight, while the Institute for Nanophotonics Göttingen supplied advanced optical and laser technologies. Together, the consortium comprised nine small and medium enterprises, three large companies, and two research institutions, supported by five associate partners focused on training, intellectual property, and further development of the RUBIN concept.
The consortium’s goal was to generate €177 million in five years of commercialization, positioning the region’s glass industry as a leader in sustainability and digitalization. The RUBIN concept was successfully drafted and submitted within the project timeframe, but it did not receive a positive review. Consequently, the partners are exploring alternative funding routes, including the German Innovation Fund (ZIM) and potential network formation. Despite the setback, the collaborative framework—characterized by workshops, an open‑space session, and continuous stakeholder engagement—remains intact, and the partners plan to continue advancing the technical innovations and pursuing new funding opportunities to realize the vision of climate‑friendly glass production.