6 August 1998: According to a recent press report, Japan“s top three glass manufacturers, Asahi Glass, Nippon Sheet Glass, and Central Glass, have made plans for the 100%-recycling of effluent genera…
6 August 1998: According to a recent press report, Japan“s top three glass manufacturers, Asahi Glass, Nippon Sheet Glass, and Central Glass, have made plans for the 100%-recycling of effluent generated in processes related to glass production, aiming for the year 2000, as part of their efforts to reduce industrial waste. According to the Sheet Glass Association, the volume of industrial waste generated by the glass manufacturing industry is 2.374 million tonnes per year. Of this total, effluent comprises 1.674 million tonnes. The waste is primarily made up of granules of sand, which is used to polish the glass, and water, the report said. The plan by the three major glassmakers calls for collecting the mix after its dehydration, and then using it again as a polishing agent. In addition, the material made of granules with too fine a diameter is to be used as a raw material in the production of construction materials, such as tiles, and the like. Not only do the companies desire to work toward helping the environment, but through the move, they hope to help improve their public image, said the report.