AWJ glass: A green machine, rainwater used for glass washing, furnace for heating

Moving to a purpose-built facility next to a nature reserve in Scarborough has given AWJ Glass the ‘green’ light to make its business more eco-friendly. Planning regulations required the leading IG and processed glass producer to landscape the perimeter of its new premises to complement the surroundings, and that started the ball rolling says Sales Director Ivan Copley. ‘We planted trees and meadow grass and installed bird and bat boxes and then considered how we could be more environmentally aware in other areas of our operation.’

With the industry now driven by green legislation AWJ Glass believes individual companies can play a major role in saving energy and reducing waste. For its part, the company has implemented a number of initiatives at its 42,000 sq ft purpose built premises.

The company has installed a Tamglass HTF-super glass toughening furnace at the factory, enabling glass to be toughened in house, including soft coat. However, rather than simply waste heat generated by the furnace, it is ducted through the building and offices, so saving on central heating bills and energy consumption.

Rainwater is collected from the roof for use in glass washing lines, and any water used during processing is automatically passed through a water treatment system.

After filtration, it is checked for purity and if it is up to the required standard it can be used again. In addition, off-cuts of glass, paper, wood shavings, lead and cardboard are all recovered from the factory floor and sent for recycling.

AWJ’s green policy also extends to its delivery fleet, with tracking systems installed in every vehicle so routes can be planned more effectively, thereby reducing fuel consumption. The company can re-direct the driver if a change in the schedule is required, eliminating the need for a journey back to the factory.

A clean air policy is encouraged within AWJ’s new premises, with a blanket ban on smoking, ‘we’ve even instigated a clinic to help staff who smoke to quit the habit,’ adds Ivan Copley. And the landscaped areas outside the building, complete with picnic tables, provide a pleasant place for staff to enjoy their breaks in the fresh air.