Superglass Sustainable Growth Agreement
Through this Sustainable Growth Agreement (SGA), SEPA and Superglass have agreed to work collaboratively to deliver powerful environmental performance. The agreement aims to enable Superglass to further move its business towards long-term prosperity (environmental, social and economic success) by identifying opportunities for Superglass to go beyond compliance and develop new and innovative products and/or ways of working.
Superglass is a manufacturer of glass mineral wool products, based at Thistle Industrial Estate, Kerse Rd, Stirling. Manufacturing of glass wool started on the current site in the 1950s with Superglass starting life in 1987. The manufacturing process uses more than 80% recycled glass and this post-consumer waste is sourced from around the UK. The type of insulation products manufactured at the site provide thermal, acoustic and fire insulation properties which are used in our walls, floors and roofs to retain heat in our homes, schools and businesses. Research has shown that over its lifetime, typical glass wool saves over 300 times the energy used in its manufacture and transport. Superglass products therefore have a generic British Research Establishment Green Guide rating of A+.
One year on from signing an SGA with us, some of the key outcomes for Superglass have been as follows:
40% decrease in water use
After a range if trials, Superglass implemented a programme to improve the use of recycled water from their onsite effluent capture and recirculation system. This has helped Superglass reduce fresh water use by 40% exceeding their original target of 20%.
60% less waste effluent produced
A programme of water recycling has reduced effluent production by 60% without compromising production performance. This has reduced the cost of effluent disposal and taken Superglass beyond compliance compared to Scottish Water's trade effluent standards.
Environmental management
Superglass achieved ISO14001, an international standard for an effective environmental management system.
Investing in innovation
A new research and development (R&D) laboratory has been installed and a joint Sheffield University project is progressing to factory trials later this year.
A new staff member is working with the Furnace & Technology Manager alongside a University partner to develop new resin technologies.
The SGA was also used by Superglass to support the internal investment.
Positive community engagement
Superglass are working with Braehead Community Council to discuss how to support new council initiatives such as sponsoring the development of a local play park.
Superglass are also discussing the supply of insulation to Launchpad, a charity providing housing for homeless veterans.
Reducing nox emissions
The New Horizon project is an investment in new technologies to take Superglass beyond compliance using best available techniques. This project aims to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions to 30% below European limits.
Reducing energy use
Superglass are anticipating a saving of 47.5 million kWh of energy per year through the installation of 'best in class' furnace and forehearth designs as part of the New Horizon project.
SEPA's contribution
SEPA supported Superglass to obtain significant funding from Scottish Enterprise towards the New Horizon project. SEPA will continue to highlight collaborative opportunities with other organisations with shared environmental and socioeconomic ambitions.
For the full details of this Sustainable Growth Agreement, please see the below PDF documents.