O-I Mexico and glass recycler SILICE have inaugurated a glass recycling hub in Chihuahua, Mexico.
The project aims to increase glass recycling in the region.
The hub plans to process 300 tons of glass per month; glass is collected locally, then brought to the location.
After being processed at the hub, the glass will be reused at O-I’s plant in Monterrey, Mexico, providing part of the raw material used in making glass.
With energy consumption falling by around 3% for every 10% of recycled glass, or ‘cullet’, used in the manufacturing process, glass recycling is a key factor in reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Randy Burns, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer for O-I Glass, said: “Our goal is to use at least 50% recycled glass by 2030.
“We have taken action in many parts of the world towards this target, and most recently announced our mobile recycling programme, MOGRA, in North America. This co-operation with SILICE in Mexico is expected to get us yet another step closer.”
SILICE was founded in 2020 by two local entrepreneurs and engineers, Paulina Rascón and Ashly Hinojos.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms Rascón and Ms Hinojos started the company, focusing on establishing strategic alliances with collection centres, bars, and restaurants for efficient glass collection.
“Seeing how the community has adopted a recycling culture thanks to SILICE has been very rewarding,” said Ms Rascón.
Ms Hinojos added: “One bottle can make a big difference. We are committed to continuing to drive this change.”
Julissa Santa Cruz, Glass Procurement Leader at O-I Mexico, said: “We want all actors in the recycling chain and the community in Chihuahua to know that there are options for recycling glass and that they are being supported.”
