AGC Glass Europe has joined forces with German cleantech startup SOLAR MATERIALS to boost circularity in flat glass production. The partnership focuses on integrating high-purity recycled flat glass (cullet) from end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) panels into AGC’s float glass process. Combining AGC’s expertise in glass manufacturing with SOLAR MATERIALS’ patented, chemical-free recycling technology, the initiative marks a major step toward a sustainable, closed-loop value chain.
Recycling PV glass offers significant environmental benefits, requiring up to 25% less energy for melting and reducing the need for virgin materials such as sand and soda ash. Since glass makes up around 70% of a solar panel, it represents a key secondary resource. SOLAR MATERIALS’ process recovers up to 98% of a panel’s total weight, returning materials like glass, aluminum, and silicon to production. Each tonne of cullet saves 1.2 tonnes of raw materials and cuts 0.7 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Together, AGC and SOLAR MATERIALS are developing industrial methods to incorporate recycled PV glass into float production while maintaining quality standards. This collaboration supports AGC’s decarbonization and recycled-content goals, strengthening its Low-Carbon Glass range and reinforcing Europe’s shift toward sustainable, circular manufacturing.
Source: agc-glass.eu with additional information added by Glass Balkan
