A multimedia CD-ROM produced by WRAP (the UK Waste & Resources Action Programme) will be launched in February 2006 to present to brick makers and buyers the significant benefits of using recycled glas…
A multimedia CD-ROM produced by WRAP (the UK Waste & Resources Action Programme) will be launched in February 2006 to present to brick makers and buyers the significant benefits of using recycled glass as a fluxing agent. “From Bottles to Bricks” gives an overview of the practical and technical benefits of using the material in this way, to supplement traditional clay materials, such as Etruria Marl and Carboniferous Shale. The CD-ROM reports the results of successful independent trials, involving testing to industry standards, conducted over the last three years by ceramic research organisation, CERAM Building Technology. Results have shown that by adding between 5 and 10% glass powder, produced from recycled container glass, to the clay mixture, a range of benefits can be achieved. Depending on clay and kiln type, these benefits include reduced firing temperatures, increased throughput and lower emissions. Product improvements can also be achieved, such as greater compressive strength and enhanced frost resistance, in addition to the conservation of natural resources achieved by using a higher recycled content. Viewers of the CD-ROM will see the glass being processed and added to the clay mixture, and the finished product being tested. The footage also includes a traditional and large-scale brick manufacturer sharing its experiences of using recycled glass and interviews with key bodies involved in the trials, such as CERAM. Bronnie Allen, materials development manager (glass) at WRAP, said: “This CD has been designed to present the benefits of recycled glass in brick manufacture and the practical solutions to implementing the use of this 100% recycled material. Viewers can instantly see the material“s advantages and how it can be applied in their operations”. “We“re hoping that, through this CD brick manufacturers will be encouraged to look at the potential for using recycled glass in their own clay mixes to achieve some of the benefits that others are already realising. Construction professionals too will be able to see the advantages of buying bricks with higher recycled content and in many cases improved product quality.” The production is part of a wider initiative by WRAP to encourage the use of materials made from recycled glass across a variety of industry sectors. These include brick and tile manufacture, grit blasting, filtration and sports turf. WRAP“S campaign is intended to move the UK towards its target under the EU Packaging Directive, which stipulates that by 2008 60% of used glass must be recycled. The UK“s current level is about 42%.