Knauf North America and Caldwell’s have partnered for the past two years to enhance glass recycling in Shelby and Hancock Counties, Indiana, USA.
Knauf has always been dedicated to its sustainability initiatives, specifically in the communities in which its facilities are present.
As part of that commitment, Knauf has focused on increasing the amount of recycled glass from local communities that is used in its fibreglass products.
Knauf identified the need for local businesses in Shelby and Hancock Counties, near its corporate headquarters in Shelbyville, Indiana, to recycle glass.
To act on this goal, Knauf partnered with Caldwell’s, a Shelby County hauling service.
Caldwell’s provided the operational framework required to transport glass.
It now collects empty glass bottles from more than 40 local businesses in the counties, hauling approximately six tons monthly to be recycled.
This collaboration merges Caldwell’s logistical expertise with Knauf’s production capabilities, offering a convenient solution to reduce landfill waste.
Chris Mahin, Vice President of Sustainability and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) at Knauf, said: “We understand there are challenges to glass recycling, and we are trying to solve this locally, near our headquarters, with hopes to replicate similar partnerships in other communities where we have operations.
“The Shelby and Hancock Recycling Districts are valuable stakeholders and through their support we were able to initiate Caldwell’s collection with local restaurants and bars. This partnership is a powerful example of how local collaboration can drive positive impact.”
Knauf and Caldwell’s are exploring opportunities to enhance the programme, including expanding the number of businesses participating, increasing community involvement and introducing technologies that further improve efficiency.
Businesses from Shelby and Hancock Counties that discard glass are invited to participate by contacting Aleigha Simerly at Caldwell’s via email at: [email protected]
Community members are also invited to participate in glass recycling and can drop off clean, lid-less glass at their county recycling district sites.
