AGC Recycle Glass - pilot initiative
This initiative aims to optimize the recovery of end-of-life glazing from AGC Energypane’s customers, thereby increasing the use of recycled glass in AGC’s flat glass production.
About AGC Recycle Glass
AGC Glass Europe already recycles glass from its production plants and subsidiaries to produce new flat glass, by combining this recycled flat glass (cullet) with virgin raw materials - such as sand and soda ash - in the furnace. The goal is to maximize the use of cullet in the flat glass production process, ensuring that more glazing waste is reintroduced into new glass manufacturing rather than being lost to landfill or downcycling.
Recycle Glass is AGC's dedicated service for collecting flat glass waste from industrial offcuts and deconstruction projects, including end-of-life glazing from commercial and residential buildings. This waste is then treated via a network of specialized partners to ensure high-quality cullet for circular recycling, preventing downcycling and landfilling.
The AGC Energypane Recycling Pilot
AGC Energypane, based in Hannut, Belgium, specialises in the production of insulating glass, including double and triple glazing. The company is proud to introduce its end-of-life glazing recovery service, designed to collect and recycle flat glass waste from its customers. These waste materials will be remelted and reintegrated into the production process, supporting AGC Glass Europe’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting the production of Low-Carbon Glass.
A Simple & Efficient Collection System
AGC Energypane provides a practical collection system featuring custom-designed 2m³ containers, tailored for end-of-life glazing recovery. Designed with professionals in mind, these containers are low enough for easy access but offer an optimal size: large enough to prevent frequent emptying, yet compact enough to avoid cluttering storage spaces.
During renovations or accidental breakages during installation, professionals simply store the end-of-life glazing (without frames) in these containers. Once full, they are collected during the delivery of new glazing by Energypane, using a reverse logistics model. The collected waste is then treated into high-quality cullet, which is used for the production of new flat glass at AGC's Moustier plant (Belgium), creating a locally managed, seamless circular process.
Looking Ahead
The environmental impact of this initiative is significant. By using recycled glass in AGC’s production process, we reduce up to 0.7 tonne CO2 emissions per tonne of cullet and avoid the extraction of 1.2 tonnes of virgin raw materials. This initiative delivers a triple benefit: reducing environmental impact, increasing the recycled content of AGC’s flat glass, and providing a cost-effective waste solution for AGC Energypane’s customers. It is a key step toward a more circular and sustainable glass industry. By closely collaborating with its clients and partners, AGC ensures that end-of-life glazing is no longer seen as waste, but as a valuable resource.
Discover how you can contribute to circular glass recycling : learn more about AGC Recycle Glass
More information about AGC Energypane on www.agc-energypane.be
