website maker SCHOTT‘s ambitious goal of becoming the world’s first climate-neutral specialty glass manufacturer by 2030 is being followed by the next mission: the company also wants to lead the way as a pioneer in the transition to a circular economy.
The technology Group has launched its first recycling projects in order to gain important experience. Together with pilot customers and partners, SCHOTT is systematically exploring ways to return used glass-ceramic cook-top panels and pharmaceutical packaging to the production of new products. Besides the technical challenges, it is primarily the lack of a legal framework that stands in the way of a circular economy.
Up until now, there have been no special regulations that allow specialty glass to be collected by type. SCHOTT is taking the lead in this area and would first like to provide technical proof with the pilot projects: The recycling of used materials would also be possible on a large scale.
“SCHOTT is continuing its transformation into a sustainable company. That is why we have now launched our first projects to enter the circular economy. We intend to recycle used specialty glass and glass-ceramics and thus preserve and reuse valuable raw materials – in line with the goals of the EU Green Deal,” explained Dr. Jörn Besinger, who coordinates the international technology Group’s circular projects.