The company is initially spending a total of 400-600 million yen to build windshield recycling facilities capable of processing 300-400 tons a month at its Aichi Prefecture plant in Japan. AGC is the parent company of AP Technoglass, North America's fastest growing supplier of automotive glass and glazing systems.
Jay Strong, AP Technoglass President, noted that AGC's recycling program is their latest commitment to the environment: "We've been pursuing answers to environmental issues all over the world. For example, every year AGC's Foundation presents two Blue Planet Awards to outstanding individuals or organizations for their efforts in resolving world-wide environmental problems. The Blue Planet is the world's largest award of its kind; 50 million yen (approximately $415,000 US) is presented to each recipient. We work diligently to make our products and manufacturing processes more environmentally friendly. We realized a great dividend when AP Technoglass Company became America's first auto glass company to earn ISO14001 certification in December, 1999."
Strong sees an environmental advantage for AP Technoglass and AGC: "AGC's committed global resources combined with AP associates' resolve will enhance our leading position with our customers moving forward."
Asahi Glass Company investing in auto glass recycling
Asahi Glass Company (AGC) has announced an automotive glass recycling test initiative that begins next March and will lead to a full-scale program in 2004.