Smashing Glass: Leading the Way in Sustainable Glass Recycling

Leading the Way in Sustainable Glass Recycling

Smashing Glass has invested heavily in optimisation programmes to help reduce its waste streams through improved yields. However, it also knows the importance of recycling the waste that it does generate. At the company recycling glass plays a critical role in reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. By recycling 15 to 20 tonnes of glass each month, Smashing Glass helps minimise the environmental impact of discarded glass, while contributing to various industries with recycled materials.

The Process of Glass Recycling

Smashing Glass recycling process starts with the segregation of glass waste into three distinct streams:

  1. Clean Glass: This is glass that is free from contaminants, making it ideal for high-quality recycling.
  2. Mixed Glass: Contains a combination of different types of glass, often with some level of contamination.
  3. Laminated Glass: Composed of glass used in windows, constructed of two panes of glass which are bonded together with interlayers to form a permanent bond.

Repurposing Recycled Glass

Once sorted, the glass goes through three distinct recycling processes, each with its own environmental benefits and applications:

  1. Road Bead Manufacturing: Some of the recycled glass is turned into tiny beads, which are used in road markings. These reflective beads help improve visibility on roads at night or in low-light conditions, enhancing road safety.
  2. Flat Glass: Clean, high-quality glass can be remelted and returned to the glazing industry to produce new flat glass products. This process contributes to a circular economy by allowing glass to re-enter the manufacturing cycle without the need for virgin materials.
  3. Fiberglass Production: Recycled glass is also used in the production of fiberglass, which is a key component in loft and building insulation. This helps conserve energy in buildings by improving insulation, leading to reduced heating and cooling requirements, thereby lowering carbon emissions.

Through these processes, Smashing Glass not only diverts glass waste from landfills but also provides eco-friendly materials for various industries. Our commitment to sustainability demonstrates how recycling can have a positive impact on both the environment and the economy.

Our Smashing Glass Green Credentials graphic showing our energy saving

Our Smashing Glass Green Credentials

At The Smashing Glass Company, we're deeply committed to sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint. A key part of our green credentials is our recent investment in solar energy. By harnessing the power of the sun, we've reduced our reliance on non-renewable energy sources, lowered our carbon emissions and we’re contributing to a cleaner planet.

Our solar panels generate a significant proportion of our energy needs, ensuring that we operate in a more environmentally responsible manner. This commitment not only helps us to minimise our impact on the environment but also sets a standard for green business practices within our industry. At The Smashing Glass Company, doing our bit for the environment isn't just a policy—it's very much core to who we are.

So far this year (August) our solar array has generated in excess of 90 MWh and over the lifetime of the panels we’ve produced 175 MWh. This adds up to a C02 Emission saving of over 34,240 Kg. This is the equivalent of planting more than 2,000 trees.