AGP-North America partners with Don’t Trash Glass for recycling initiative

USA – Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America (AGP-North America), part of Ardagh Group, has joined forces with the “Don’t Trash Glass” program to boost glass recycling efforts across Chicago.

This initiative aims to accelerate the recycling process and increase the use of recycled content in glass bottle production, benefitting Chicago and other regions.

In collaboration with the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) and Glass King Recovery & Recycling, “Don’t Trash Glass” is working to inspire restaurants, bars, and local businesses to separate glass bottles from other waste.

The bottles are collected, processed, and then transformed into new glass products, contributing to higher regional recycling rates.

“Ardagh is committed to initiatives like Don’t Trash Glass that ensure a steady supply of quality recycled glass,” said AGP-North America president and CEO Brian Brandstatter.

“This partnership reflects our dedication to improving glass collection and recycling while advancing glass bottle circularity.”

Launched as a pilot in Greater Chicago in 2021, “Don’t Trash Glass” has since expanded to Kentucky and other areas following its success.

In 2022 alone, the program, with support from Diageo North America, collected 2.2 million pounds of glass in Illinois, keeping it out of landfills.

The recycled glass was processed into cullet for use in Ardagh’s glass production, marking a significant step in sustainable packaging.

GPI president Scott DeFife remarked, “With Ardagh’s support, we’re tapping into an often-overlooked source of glass from bars and restaurants to produce new bottles within the region.”

AGP-Europe launches automated fire detection system at Knottingley facility

In the UK, Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe (AGP-Europe), a division of Ardagh Group, has collaborated with Fire Camera to develop the IS Protect Plus System, an automated fire detection and prevention technology for its Knottingley facility.

Equipped with thermal and HD cameras, this system provides real-time monitoring across critical areas of the IS machine, including moulds, feeders, and conveyors, to swiftly detect and respond to potential fire hazards.

The system can autonomously reroute glass to a safe area, initiate the IS machine’s safe mode, and activate fire suppression, depending on the detected risk level.

“This system is groundbreaking in its combination of thermal and HD camera vision to pinpoint threats and respond accordingly,” said AGP-Knottingley plant director Robert Fisher.

“In my 20 years in the industry, it’s the most significant advancement in safety I’ve seen, poised to protect people and assets alike.”

The IS Protect Plus System enhances fire safety and helps reduce operational downtime and waste by identifying issues like jam-ups or misalignment.

Following successful trials at Knottingley, AGP-Europe plans to roll out this system across additional UK sites.

“This is a landmark innovation for industry safety,” added AGP-Europe business development manager Dean Butler.

“Our collaboration has delivered a transformative solution, combining our industry expertise with state-of-the-art inspection and software technology.”

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