Advancing circularity in industrial ecosystems
Sustainability is on everyone’s agenda, but making it a reality in resource-intensive industries is easier said than done. The flat glass industry, crucial for everything from skyscrapers to home renovations, is facing a big challenge: how to break free from a linear economy where materials are used once and discarded. But change is happening, and the shift towards circularity is gaining momentum.
Glass is made from sand, a finite resource, and its production is energy-intensive, releasing large amounts of carbon emissions. Right now, much of the glass used in buildings ends up in landfills when the buildings are demolished or renovated. This isn’t just wasteful—it’s a missed opportunity. Glass can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, yet the industry struggles with inefficient recycling systems, unclear regulations, and a lack of demand for recycled materials.
Finding ways to make circularity work
Despite the challenges, some exciting shifts are taking place. Companies and policymakers are finding ways to make circularity work, and three key strategies are emerging as game-changers.
– One of the biggest steps forward is education and awareness. Many people still don’t realize the benefits of recycling glass, and changing mindsets is crucial. By teaching businesses, policymakers, and consumers about circularity, the demand for sustainable materials can grow. It’s about making recycling second nature, like sorting your household waste, but on an industrial scale, says Vinit Parida, Chaired Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Luleå University of Technology
Another big change is happening in design. Architects and manufacturers are rethinking how glass is used from the very beginning. Instead of treating glass as disposable, they’re designing windows and facades that are easier to dismantle and reuse. If more projects prioritize recycled glass, it becomes a viable and desirable option rather than an afterthought.
Then there’s the shift towards decentralized recycling. Instead of transporting old glass long distances to be processed, companies are looking at ways to recycle closer to demolition sites. This saves money, reduces emissions, and makes recycling more efficient. In some cases, third-party “circular brokers” are stepping in to connect companies that generate waste with those that can repurpose it.
The goal is clear: to stop seeing glass as waste and start recognizing it as a valuable resource that can stay in the loop, again and again.
The transition towards circularity in industrial ecosystems aligns closely with the goals of Trace4Value and SwePass. Both initiatives aim to enhance traceability, sustainability, and digitalization across industries, ensuring that materials, like flat glass, can be efficiently tracked and reused throughout their lifecycle.
In Trace4Value, efforts are focused on establishing transparent and standardized data flows that support circular value chains. SwePass, in turn, explores Digital Product Passports (DPPs) as a means to provide detailed product information, enabling more effective recycling and reuse. The insights from the flat glass industry, as discussed by Vinit Parida, illustrate the broader need for better tracking systems and digital solutions, which are at the core of these projects.
By integrating traceability solutions with circular economy strategies, Trace4Value and SwePass contribute to accelerating the shift towards more sustainable industrial practices—making materials more reusable, reducing waste, and fostering innovation across sectors.
