AGC sustainability report 2019 now online

AGC presents its online sustainability report, http://www.agc-glass.eu/nl/duurzaamheid. It covers the 2018 environmental results of AGC Glass Europe, operating with two divisions (Building & Industrial Glass and Automotive).

AGC's contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
This year's edition includes a new chapter related to the DODs (or SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. Among the 17 goals and 169 subgoals to be met by 2030, AGC Glass Europe identified 10 environment-related goals and 18 subgoals in which it plays an active role through its products and processes. More info is at: http://www.agc-glass.eu/en/sustainability/un-sustainable-development-goals.

Manufacturing activities: AGC's environmental performance at a glance
Energy recovery and electricity generation: AGC started installing solar panels and heat recovery systems back in 2009. Since then, electricity production increased, reaching 26,957 MWh of recovered or self-generated energy in 2018.

Air: On a comparable basis, per ton of glass sold, direct CO₂-emissions from Primary Operations by 17% since 2002. In specific dust emissions, the reduction since 1999 comes to nearly 65%.

Water: From 1998 to 2018, and on a comparable basis, they reduced water consumption by 74%.

Fixed waste: Today, the Group produces approximately 225,000 tons of solid waste per year. Of this, almost 96% is further recycled or recovered on site by its suppliers or contractors.

Transport: 71% of all raw materials are transported by ship or train. This reduces the number of trucks on the road each year by about 56,800. In 2018, 78,960 tons of finished glass products were transported by a combination of train and truck, which took another approximately 3,950 trucks off the road.

Packaging: Today, almost all glass packaging material is reusable. AGC Glass Europe achieves a very high figure in reusing packaging. In Belgium, for example, 98% of all packaging is reused.

Recycling: AGC Glass Europe recycles about 1,000,000 tons of cullet per year, a saving of about 1,150,000 tons of raw materials and 300,000 tons of CO₂-emissions.

Cradle-to-Cradle* approach to sustainable products
AGC received new Cradle-to-Cradle certifications for patterned glass (March 2018) and most recently for fire-resistant glass (May 2019). In addition, C2C certifications were renewed for laminated glass (May 2018), decorative glass (August 2018) and insulating glass (January 2019).

In doing so, AGC Glass Europe launched its first lead-free mirror, called Mirox 4Green. This high-quality product is distinguished by the use of lead-free paint and its high opacity, making it ideal for backlit applications. Mirox 4Green complies with RoHS** standards and regulations on the restriction of hazardous substances. A new, super-performance double glazing was also developed with vacuum technology. The new product is called Fineo and has the same or even better thermal and sound insulation properties as triple glazing.

The Sustainability Report*** is on web page http://www.agc-glass.eu/nl/duurzaamheid.

* Cradle to Cradle Certified^TM is an exclusive seal of approval from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
** Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
*** The Sustainability Report is available online, in English only.