Solaglas recognises that concern for the environment is fundamental to the way we run our business. We are committed to promoting awareness and a responsible attitude amongst all our employees.

 

An example of the Solaglas environmental principles in action can be seen from the glass recycling case study shown below. 

Download the full text of our Environmental Policy.

 

 

All branches of Solaglas are involved in the recycling of cullet (broken or waste glass), re-using it in the flat glass manufacturing process. This action both conserves energy and reduces waste. The company is working closely with supplier Saint-Gobain Glass on their award-winning scheme.   

 

Using specially-designed bags, cullet is collected at each Solaglas branch and transported to the factory on Saint-Gobain Glass delivery vehicles. Over 2,000 tonnes of waste glass are returned to Saint-Gobain Glass each month. 

 

The scheme has reduced the consumption of raw materials by nearly 25%. Recycled cullet is put straight back into the furnace at the start of the glass-making process. This has reduced energy use by up to 8% due to the lower temperature required to melt it down. 

 

Using the vehicles which deliver flat glass to branches of Solaglas means that no extra lorries are dispatched. This means no additional vehicle emissions are introduced into the environment. The collection bags are recyclable, as well. Made of tough fibre, they can be used again and again throughout the company. 

 

Both annealed and tempered glass can be recycled through this scheme, which has significantly reduced the amount of waste generated by all Solaglas sites. The Flat Glass Cullet Recycle programme recently won Saint-Gobain Glass a Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Award.