AGC Group, a leading global glass manufacturer, recently achieved a significant milestone in Japan by successfully demonstrating the recycling of cover glass from solar panels into float glass.
This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in the company’s sustainability efforts and sets a new standard for the glass industry.
The demonstration test, which took place on March 18 at the AGC Kashima Plant, utilized innovative low-temperature thermal decomposition technology from Tokuyama Corporation to refine approximately 5 tonnes of cover glass. This breakthrough comes on the heels of a previous test for recycling into figured glass, showcasing AGC’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of glass recycling.
Solar panels typically have a service life of 20-30 years, leading to concerns about the environmental impact of disposing of cover glass, which accounts for a significant portion of the panel’s weight. By successfully recycling cover glass into float glass, AGC addresses these concerns and paves the way for a more sustainable approach to managing end-of-life solar panels.
One of the key challenges in recycling cover glass into float glass has been the presence of components that enhance glass transmission. With this successful test, AGC overcomes this obstacle and opens up new possibilities for horizontal recycling of cover glass into high-volume float glass production.
AGC’s efforts in glass recycling not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also offer significant benefits in terms of resource conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. By using recycled raw cullet instead of traditional raw materials derived from natural resources, AGC expects to conserve raw materials and reduce CO2 emissions in its production processes.
In line with its medium-term management plan, AGC plus-2026, the AGC Group is committed to creating social value through its products and technologies. The “Blue planet” value focuses on reducing the environmental impact of products, from raw material sourcing to customer use, and underscores the Group’s dedication to sustainability and resource efficiency.
As AGC continues to drive innovation in glass recycling and sustainability, it remains at the forefront of the industry, setting an example for companies worldwide. By accelerating the efficient use of resources and reducing environmental impact, AGC is shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Source: AGC Group with additional information added by GlassBalkan
