AGC Glass Europe, part of the global AGC Group, and ROSI, a frontrunner in the recovery and recycling of high-value raw materials from the photovoltaic industry, have entered into a strategic partnership agreement. By drawing on AGC Glass Europe’s extensive glassmaking experience and ROSI’s expertise in transforming end-of-life photovoltaic modules into high-purity raw materials, this partnership will contribute to more circular, low carbon production practices and the long-term success of both industries.
Signed on September 13 in Saint Honoré, France, in the presence of Itochu, a major investor in ROSI, this partnership agreement marks an important step in creating a more sustainable and circular value chain for flat glass and photovoltaics.
Glass recycling requires 25 percent less energy than the production of virgin glass. With solar panels consisting of 70 percent glass, end of life panels have the potential to become a major component in the glass supply chain. Through this collaboration, AGC Glass Europe and ROSI aim to recycle and reuse high volumes of photovoltaic glass in the production of flat glass.
This not only provides necessary raw material for the glass industry, but also reduces the end-of-life environmental impact of photovoltaic panels. The collaboration marks a great milestone in the journey towards creating a more sustainable and circular glass and photovoltaic value chain.
In addition to supporting the circular economy both companies can significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with glass manufacturing. The use of 1 tonne of glass cullet as a secondary material in float glass production saves 0.7 tonnes of CO2 and 1.2 tonnes of new raw materials.
Research and development teams have already conducted successful tests on the use of glass cullet from photovoltaic panels in the production of flat glass, demonstrating the feasibility of using recycled glass without compromising the quality or performance of the final product. The results indicate that the incorporation of recycled glass has potential to become a standard part of AGC’s production process.