Explore Recycle Glass
As glass is endlessly recyclable, one of AGC’s main objectives is to use as much recycled flat glass (cullet) as possible in its production processes. Using larger quantities of cullet makes it possible to reduce direct CO2 emissions since cullet requires less energy to melt and replaces higher-carbon emitting virgin raw materials.
These larger quantities of cullet are sourced by Recycle Glass, AGC's service for collecting flat glass waste from industry as well as from renovation and deconstruction projects (end-of-life glazing) for recycling in flat glass production. For end-of-life glazing, AGC works with a network of partners to handle logistics and to guarantee that the cullet is of sufficiently high quality for circular loop recycling.
Low-Carbon Glass and Recycle Glass are closely linked, since Recycle Glass supports the need for recycled materials in the production of Low-Carbon Glass.
Recycle Glass Benefits
Certificate
AGC issues a certificate to the customer indicating how much was saved in terms of material resources and CO2 emissions.
Circularity
Glass is a highly recyclable material. Recovering end-of-life glazing to recycle in our furnaces means reducing the amount of new virgin raw materials we use.
Custom solutions
The Recycle Glass team analyses every project thoroughly to verify its feasibility and determine the process to be followed.
Sustainable
Recycling glass offers a sustainable approach to production processes. It results in less CO2 from manufacturing and less waste from renovation and deconstruction projects.
Full service
The window is removed from the facade and the frame is dismantled by the deconstruction company or the window installer. The glazing is collected in a dedicated skip/container provided by AGC’s partners.
The skip/container is then transported to an authorised flat glass recycler, which processes the glazing in order to extract all cullet that meets the quality specifications for the production of flat glass.
The cullet is transported to one of our closest flat glass production plants, where it is melted in the glass furnace. At our float plants even greater attention than usual is paid to ensuring and tracing the quality of all externally sourced cullet.
AGC issues a certificate to the customer indicating how much was saved in terms of material resources and CO2
Recycle Glass Applications
All-glass facades are increasingly shaping today’s urban skylines. Whether part of the facade structure or integrated into a curtain wall, glass has become an ideal material for building envelopes since it offers numerous benefits and breathtaking aesthetics.
Windows not only let occupants enjoy natural daylight, solar protection and/or thermal insulation, they also provide enhanced safety and protection from surrounding noise. Contemporary glass technology offers a wealth of possibilities.
When it comes to embodied carbon and a CO2-neutral building we have to ensure that all materials used in the project have the smallest possible carbon footprint. The Low-Carbon Glass resulting from recycling the old facade has a positive impact on ensuring the future building’s carbon neutrality.
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Contact Roberto Galante
International Building Projects Manager
