Sibsteklo plans to develop cooperation with NSTU

Dear colleagues, we are publishing news about a member of the Association "StekloSouz" of Russia, Siberian Glass LLC (“Sibsteklo”):

The prospects for interaction between Siberian Glass LLC (Sibsteklo, the largest manufacturer of glass containers beyond the Urals, an asset of RATM Holding) and the Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) were discussed as part of an introductory visit of university representatives to the enterprise.

The NSTU delegation included Rector Anatoly Bataev, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Sergei Chernov, Head of the Development Strategy Department Natalya Plotnikova, Dean of the Faculty of Energy Anastasia Rusina, Dean of the Faculty of Automation and Computer Science Ivan Reva, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Technology Andrey Tyurin, Dean of the Faculty of Mechatronics and automation Mikhail Wilberger.

According to Anton Mor, General Director of Sibstekla, the company is increasing the share of lightweight glass containers in the product structure, and as a result, productivity, curbing the consumption of material resources. In 2023, they began serial production of bottles with a record low weight of 235 grams, maintaining the same displacement. At the same time, a technological complex for processing waste glass to obtain secondary raw materials began to be gradually put into operation at the industrial site. Its use reduces the energy intensity of glass melting. Among the key tasks is the creation of sustainable algorithms for collecting cullet in the Siberian regions. Supplies of mineral resources have already been localized in the Siberian Federal District; for example, sand from the European part of Russia has been replaced with that mined in the Tomsk and Novosibirsk regions.

In addition, Anton More drew attention to the need for import substitution of special technical lubricants and molding equipment for glass production:

– We have now certified two Chinese suppliers of mold kits; we previously imported them from Europe; we are ready to consider the use of domestic samples if the quality meets our requirements.

According to Anatoly Bataev, NSTU is interested in industrial partnership, and the Department of Materials Science in Mechanical Engineering has experience in developing technology for manufacturing mold kits. The university could select the chemical composition and microstructure of cast iron so that the molds cast from it are not inferior in their characteristics to Italian ones, providing at least 1 million moldings. Tests will be carried out in the glass complexes of the plant.

In addition, the meeting participants agreed to consider the possibility of improving automation systems for technological processes, conducting an energy audit of the plant, organizing production and pre-graduation internships for students, and targeted training of specialists for Sibstekl.

“RATM Holding mastered the scientific approach to industry a long time ago,” comments RATM Holding President Eduard Taran. – In addition to developing human resources, cooperation between enterprises and universities, pooling their resources to achieve common goals, maintains a direct connection between innovations and the results of their implementation. This is beneficial to each of the parties. The transfer of technology to the real sector increases business efficiency and, in accordance with national priorities, creates new growth points in seemingly traditional industries.