Environmental Responsibility

In terms of Glaston’s environmental responsibility, the energy efficiency of products is of key importance, as is what is done with the products. Glaston also aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible in its own operations. The glass processed on our machines, moreover, is recyclable material and is designed to be safe.

End products improve efficiency of energy consumption and production

The machines manufactured by Glaston are used to produce – besides other types of glass – energy glass, which reduces buildings’ energy consumption, as well as glass used in applications producing solar energy.

The heating of buildings in winter, and their cooling in summer, accounts for around half of the world’s energy consumption. Manufacturing one window pane of energy glass generates a one-off carbon dioxide load of 25 kilos, but its installation to replace a traditional window pane will reduce the carbon dioxide load caused by heating by around 90 kilos every year. Tightening legislation in many countries is moving towards the use of energy glass both in new and renovation construction.

Glaston is also a link in the solar energy value chain. Solar energy production is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Glass and solar energy are closely connected, because glass in terms of its characteristics is the best material for manufacturing solar panels. With Glaston’s technology, high quality glass of precisely the right kind can be produced for this purpose.

Own production sustainable

It is not inconsequential how glass processing machines are produced. That’s why Glaston is continually developing its processes in order to take the principles of sustainable development better into account. The objective is to make glass processing machines as energy-efficient as possible.

The entire life cycle of a machine is taken into account in its design. One of the guiding principles is that Glaston’s glass processing machines are designed and built to withstand constant use at high production capacities. Advanced technology also ensures high quality of end product, which significantly reduces the amount of wastage.

With preventative and regular maintenance, the economic life of machines can be extended and at the same time the risk of damage to a machine due to the failure of some worn-out component minimised. The modernisation of machines with new technical features will extend the life of the machines and enable, for example, more efficient use of energy in glass processing.

In addition, Glaston pays special attention to the recyclability of machine materials, particularly with respect to components susceptible to wear and often changed. Parts changed in connection with servicing are delivered to collection points on the customer’s premises, although the level of recycling clearly varies from country to country.

In addition to the environmental aspects connected with glass processing machines, Glaston strives to minimise the volume of production waste.