Edition 73 (January-March, 2024)

HEGLA• 2
Once the pane has been removed from the insulated glass laminate, the IGU can either be reformed with the available glass or it can be
used for other orders.
Reuse and repair
Alongside type-specific recycling,
the reuse of undamaged panes is
yet another option that increases
the recycling rate. “Separation and
repair make particular sense for
newly produced, large-surface and
high-quality IGUs, if this is done
productively and safely,” explained the
managing director.
If, despite all precautions, there
are impurities or surface defects in
a freshly produced insulated glass
laminate, the individual pieces can
be cleanly removed and the defective
pane can be disposed of, if necessary.
The remaining glass is available for
further processing. This method
can be economically attractive for
special coatings, toughened glass,
or laminated safety glass panes in
particular, as well as complex and
large attachments. “With our system,
we accelerate and simplify a process
that takes place manually in many
companies and depends on the skill
and know-how of the employees,”
remarked Dr Ostendarp.
If repairs cannot be made during
the ongoing production process or if
no special-purpose cut is available,
there is a third option. The clean
application of butyl and sealing of
separated glass can be planned for
follow-up orders and cut to smaller
dimensions. Applications here include
LSG, high-quality, refined glass, or
special-purpose glass that is no longer
available.
Three questions about separating
insulated glass
Q: The separation of IGUs is a
process that many glass processors
have avoided until now, due to the
time and effort involved. To what
extent has the situation changed?
Dr Ostendarp: Automated
separating technology will change
the initial situation. Alongside higher
productivity and safety, the separation
quality is higher. This results in
cleaner panes, while the spacers and
their desiccant remain unaffected. As
panes are becoming ever larger and
the proportion of special-purpose glass
is growing, the separation of insulated
glass is becoming more financially
attractive in and of itself. For a small
glass unit with two single float panes,
the cost and benefits must still be
individually evaluated.
However, if it contains an LSG
pane, a special coating or toughened
glass, separation is increasingly
attractive. This also applies if the
repair of a unit involves an extra pane,
which would result in longer delivery
times or higher costs. Firstly, the
effectiveness of the system depends
on the cycle. Automated separation
must be done so quickly that both
the environment and the company’s
budget will benefit. With the increase
in carbon pricing, this ratio will
continue to improve. Secondly, repairs
or type-specific recycling saves carbon
and contributes to achieving the
climate goals.
Q: you emphasise the sustainability
and resource conservation aspects.
Would you explain these in more
detail?
Dr Ostendarp: Climate protection
goals are more relevant than ever.
There are now calls for tender in
which concepts for recycling and
improving the climate footprint are
required. As a result, separating
insulated glass can be very attractive
for reasons of corporate image.
Further, recycling saves CO2 and
reduces the costs of the CO2
certificate for float glass producers.
Ultimately, the commitment must
also pay, which can be reinforced by
financial incentives.
Q: While the separation of
insulated glass is not widespread,
the topic is generating considerable
interest. What do you expect for the
future?
Dr Ostendarp: In the future, I
can imagine that new interest groups
will examine the issue. In some cases,
IGUs will then be separated directly
on the construction site. Suppliers
and buyers will come together via
software platforms. I also envision
new glass products, including IGUs
made from fully recyclable panes. In
terms of energy prices, melting will
become more attractive –the demand
for type-specific shards for the float
tank is already high today.
–Carsten Koch
Email: carsten.koch@hegla.de
Website: www.hegla.com
Glass Bulletin | January - March, 2024 79