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Based on the current UK decarbonization policy, a general outlook on potential routes for the glass industry to achieve net‐zero is discussed and the differentiation during decarbonization is specified. Biomass ash is considered a potential alternative raw material for low‐carbon glass manufacture as it is rich in certain advantageous components, chiefly network modifiers. Simple sieving processes were shown to effectively separate impurities such as S, Cl, and C from some biomass ashes according to particle size distribution. The concentration of undesirable impurities decreased with increasing particle size. Morphologies and X‐ray diffraction patterns of larger washed biomass ash particles indicated liquid/amorphous phase formation during biomass combustion. The washing of ashes was also shown to be a potential route to purification. A washed bracken ash relevant to both modern and ancient glass production was characterized for comparison. Ultraviolet‐visible near‐infrared (UV‐Vis‐near IR) absorption spectra of representative green container glasses produced using biomass ash confirmed that ∼5 wt.% ash in representative glass batches has little impact on the color and redox state of glasses; the redox status of glass produced using >2 mm biomass ash after washing was less reduced than that of glass produced using high levels (>∼9 wt.%) of >2 mm biomass ash after sieving alone, observed via the redox couple Cr3+/Cr6+ by UV‐Vis‐near IR absorption spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel glass processing by powder‐fed directed energy deposition was explored as a method of adding glass décor to glass surfaces and bottles. Consistent, semitransparent, single‐line tracks of soda lime silica glass could be processed onto glass substrates of the same composition, without significant cracks forming in the substrate. A suitable processing window was found with laser power and scan speed showing independent effects on processing. Consideration of processing surface conditions and reduction of laser transmission through transparent substrates was necessary, and the use of an adhesive tape layer aided adhesion of glass feedstock to substrate surfaces. The work demonstrates the potential for a one‐step method of glass bottle decoration for the packaging industry, with scope to create 3D designs of high geometric complexity and customizability on glass substrates, thereby adding value to glass packaging by brand differentiation without the high costs associated with molds and tooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]