O-I has partnered with Workwell Industries and three major distillers for a glass recycling initiative in West Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Workwell’s “RecycWELL” project is in collaboration with O-I and distillers Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America and Pernod Ricard.

It aims to provide glass recycling services for the Louisville region while creating new job opportunities for the local community.

Non-profit organisation Workwell aims to recycle up to 1,200 tons of glass in its first year at its facility in Louisville.

It will manage end-of-life glass from local distilleries, restaurants, bars, and businesses.

The glass will be cleaned, sorted, and processed into cullet, which will then be recycled into new bottles by O-I.

This initiative aims to create a sustainable local supply of recycled glass in an area currently considered a “glass recycling desert.”

Randy Burns, Chief Administrative Officer for O-I, said: “Glass is core to the history of the Kentucky spirits industry. It is valuable raw material.

“To achieve its full, sustainable potential, O-I is transforming recycling systems through collective action between customers, communities and regulators in the communities where we operate.

“This innovative glass-recycling partnership builds on that legacy, benefitting not only local industry, but the community and our planet as well.”

An unveiling ceremony for a new glass crushing machine was held at Workwell’s Louisville facility (see image above).

By recycling glass locally, the region can maintain a local supply of materials needed to make sustainable glass packaging for distillers and other industries.

Glass recycling also reduces the need for raw materials, saves energy, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

By participating in the RecycWELL initiative, the Louisville region will benefit from a circular economy.

The project is expected to create up to 10 permanent full-time jobs in sorting, machine operation, and materials handling.

These jobs will provide opportunities for individuals who have faced barriers to employment, which is one of Workwell’s main areas of focus.

Team members will also be invited to further contribute to the initiative by bringing in their personal glass recyclables from home.