Glass is ubiquitous. From the windows of our homes to the intricate screens of our smartphones, it’s a material deeply interwoven into the fabric of modern life. However, the recycling of glass is far from seamless.
While readily recyclable materials like bottles and jars are commonly processed, a significant portion of glass waste, including medical vials and electronic components, ends up in landfills due to the complexities inherent in their composition and small volumes. The EVERGLASS project is poised to disrupt this status quo, offering a groundbreaking solution to improve the future of glass recycling.
EVERGLASS leverages the precision of laser technology to address the challenges of recycling diverse glass types. The core objective is the development of a prototype machine that utilizes a novel “Glass Laser Morphing” process. This innovative technique melts and deposits glass with pinpoint accuracy, enabling the efficient recycling of even small quantities and previously unrecyclable materials. Unlike traditional methods reliant on large, energy-intensive furnaces, the EVERGLASS approach offers precise energy control, leading to significant energy savings. Further, the process mirrors 3D printing in its ability to create customized glass products without the need for expensive molds, opening up exciting possibilities for manufacturing.
As Project Coordinator Juan Pou explains, “Laser technology is very good for glass recycling because it allows us to adjust the energy that we need to melt the glass and turn it into a new piece in a very controlled way.” This precise control translates into greater efficiency and sustainability. A key advantage of this laser-based approach lies in its location flexibility. By deploying these laser morphing machines closer to waste generation sources, EVERGLASS significantly reduces transportation costs and energy consumption associated with long-distance material transport, solidifying its position as a truly sustainable recycling solution.
This ambitious project is a collaborative effort, uniting eight partners from four European countries: Spain, Slovakia, France, and Germany. Launched in January 2024, the EVERGLASS initiative is scheduled to run for 36 months, concluding in December 2026. This interdisciplinary team brings together diverse expertise to tackle this significant environmental challenge and pave the way for a more circular economy for glass. The potential impact of EVERGLASS on reducing glass waste and promoting sustainable practices is considerable, promising a more environmentally responsible future for this vital material.
Source:everglassproject with additional information added by GlassBalkan
