From glasstec 2024 to 2026: glass reused and PVB recycled for new laminates

Materials recovered from a Frameless Glass Structure exhibited at glasstec 2024 have been recovered and given a new purpose in laminates manufactured for a different structural-glass demonstrator at Glass Technology Live (GTL) in 2026. The project team identifies this as the first reuse of materials from a major glasstec/GTL exhibit in a different new exhibit; previously, such exhibits were scrapped following the event.

The original structure was developed through a German ZIM research project involving KnippersHelbig, Yachtglass, TU Darmstadt and Eastman. Its laminated insulating glass units incorporated Saflex™ Structural PVB interlayers and embedded linear stainless-steel fittings.

Following the 2024 exhibition, the structure was dismantled and its heat strengthened and fully tempered glass units were transported by electric truck from Yachtglass to Glass Competence Center (GCC) at TU Darmstadt for further work. Researchers successfully separated large-format laminated and heat strengthened glass panels from this installation, recovering intact glass suitable for reuse and PVB interlayer material suitable for recycling. The recovered glass was reused to manufacture new laminates, while the recovered PVB was recycled and used to produce new Saflex™ Structural interlayer material. The result demonstrates the technical feasibility that both principal materials could be recovered under the conditions evaluated in this project.

The new laminates were manufactured for a GTL demonstrator planned for glasstec 2026 in Düsseldorf. The demonstrator will feature an embedded zipper-connection concept developed through a separate research project involving TU Darmstadt and Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences. 

Bringing the recovered materials into this new concept has required collaboration among researchers, glass processors, material suppliers and recycling specialists to explore more circular approaches to laminated glazing. 

Visit the Glass Technology Live area at glasstec 2026 to see the new showcase for yourself.