NSG Group has completed a demonstration trial producing float glass from cover glass recovered from end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) modules, confirming the technical feasibility of closed-loop recycling.

As Japan approaches a wave of PV system decommissioning beyond 2030, the need for effective recycling solutions is increasing. PV cover glass has been particularly difficult to reuse due to its specialised composition and strong encapsulation materials.

For this trial, the glass was recovered using Tokuyama Corporation’s low-temperature thermal decomposition technology at its Hokkaido facility. The extracted material was then introduced into the raw batch at NSG Group’s Chiba Plant float furnace in Ichihara during a controlled manufacturing run.

The trial evaluated both product quality and operational stability, confirming that recycled PV cover glass can be reused under defined conditions without compromising performance. This establishes a viable pathway for horizontal recycling within float glass production.

The process supports reduced consumption of primary raw materials such as silica sand and soda ash, while increasing cullet usage improves furnace efficiency and lowers CO₂ emissions.