The organisation, established as an independent, multi-stakeholder, not-for-profit body, will aim to close a gap in the sector by creating the first globally recognised framework for “responsible” glass production and sourcing.
Its launch brought together major glassmakers, industrial groups, mining organisations and automotive brands such as Jaguar Land Rover.
Chair of Responsible Glass Francis Sullivan said: “Driving social and environmental change in the glass industry requires an approach which values industry knowledge, social and environmental expertise, openness, trust and a forum where decisions are not only transparent but also equitable.
“Our membership will be the driving force and the foundation for this initiative, and we’re so proud to have companies from across the glass supply chain who are with us today and already working with us to make this change happen.”
Responsible Glass
According to Responsible Glass, the global glass industry has historically lacked a unified, auditable standard for responsible production, unlike the steel or timber sectors.
This is despite the high energy intensity of the sector, contributing an estimated 95 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Responsible Glass has been established to address this challenge through transparent, auditable standards for low-carbon glass and enhanced supply-chain transparency.
The platform will offer a certification mark for “responsibly” manufactured and sourced glass products.
The programme will cover the full breadth of the industry, including flat glass (used in windows, panels, mirrors and windscreens), container glass (bottles and jars) and speciality products such as lenses and fibreglass.
The initiative is being led by Francis Sullivan, former Head of Sustainability at HSBC, and Alan Knight, former Head of Sustainability at Responsible Steel, a body that has grown to more than 160 members worldwide in less than a decade.
Their approach will mirror the multi-stakeholder model that has influenced sustainability practices in the steel and forestry sectors.
Knight added: “Glass is a material that touches hundreds of industries. From construction and the automotive sectors to new technology industries of the future.
“Only by engaging the entire value chain can we work collaboratively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address other critical sustainability challenges.
“We’re applying those lessons to glass and bringing together companies from across the world to accelerate innovation and develop new sustainability standards for glass production and sourcing.”
Founding members
Responsible Glass has attracted support from across the global glass supply chain as well as from organisations focused on responsible production and sourcing. Founding members and supporters include:
- ARUP
- Belron
- Ciner Glass
- Climate Group
- DSS+
- IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance)
- NSG Group
- Stara Glass
- WE Soda
- ARM (Alliance for Responsible Mining)
- Cary Group
- JLR
- ERM CVS
Munehiro Hosonuma, CEO of NSG Group, commented: “We are very excited to join as a founding member of Responsible Glass.
“This initiative represents a significant step toward global standards for responsibly produced glass, advancing sustainability and transparency in line with NSG Group’s long-term carbon neutrality commitment.”
Subscribe for free