A partnership between Workwell Industries, O-I Glass, and major distillers Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America, and Pernod Ricard is set to revolutionise glass recycling in West Louisville, US.

The RecycWELL initiative aims to create a sustainable local supply of recycled glass while providing new job opportunities for the community.

The initiative will process glass waste from local distilleries, restaurants, and bars, transforming it into cullet – recycled glass – which will be used to create new glass bottles.

By recycling glass locally, the initiative will reduce the need for raw materials, save energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The region’s distilleries, meanwhile, which have set ambitious sustainability goals, will benefit from a more sustainable supply chain.

O-I said it is committed to developing innovative recycling programmes.

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“Glass 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.”

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

These jobs will provide opportunities for individuals who have faced barriers to employment such as disabilities, poverty, or incarceration.

Workwell Industries, a local sustainability services provider, will leverage its expertise and technology to ensure the initiative’s success.

“We collaborated with local engineers and manufacturers to design a recycling system that prioritises the safety of our team members and ensures accurate metrics to our partners,” said Jessica Fink, compliance officer, Workwell Industries.

“Consumers want to know the recycled content in their glass containers, and we will have that information for our glass suppliers thanks to our unique machine.” 

The RecycWELL initiative is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Louisville and the wider region.

By promoting glass recycling, creating jobs, and reducing environmental impact, the partnership is demonstrating the power of collaboration to drive positive change.