An Integrated Approach to Market Development for Glass Cullet

This paper describes the work being undertaken by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) to develop stable and efficient markets for glass cullet. WRAP – which was established by Government to promote sustainable waste management, in particular by building markets for recycled glass, plastic, wood, paper and aggregates – takes an integrated approach to market development activity, aiming to break down barriers that disrupt market flow and to encourage conditions that will draw materials along the supply chain. WRAP'S glass programme is working along the entire supply chain. Through its R&D programme, it is developing diverse higher value applications for glass, e.g. as a fluxing agent in brick manufacture, as a partial substitute for cement, as aggregate in concrete products, and for use as a water filtration medium. These applications will require equally diverse glass cullet specifications – and WRAP is therefore helping to establish processing facilities to meet the anticipated demand. It is also helping local authorities acquire the knowledge and resources needed to supply these facilities with sufficient cullet. At the other end of the supply chain, WRAP is working to inform and convince manufacturers, specifiers and consumers of the qualities and benefits of purchasing such products.

• Introduction

• Principles of Integrated Market Development

• Integrating Results from the Glass R&D Programme

• Glass Remelt Applications

• References