Melt & Shape Any Kind of Glass With the Power of Laser Technology

In the lab, a machine hums to life, its laser melting glass particle by particle. Juan Pou, protective goggles in place, watches intently as the molten material glows, and then solidifies into something entirely new. As professor of Applied Physics at the University of Vigo and coordinator of EVERGLASS, he is pioneering a way to recycle glass using laser technology.

With over three decades of experience working with lasers, Juan sees them as a tool that harnesses the power of light to shape materials in remarkable ways. The EVERGLASS project builds on this principle, using laser technology to recycle types of glass that are traditionally difficult to process, such as pharmaceutical borosilicate glass. By working with smaller, highly controlled laser systems, EVERGLASS can achieve high temperatures quickly and efficiently, reducing energy consumption compared to large industrial furnaces.

In their new video, Juan explains the core concept of the EVERGLASS process: combining powdered glass with a laser and using a precise kinematic system to create new components. This technique is similar to 3D printing but adapted for glass, allowing for precise, energy-efficient recycling. The ultimate goal is to develop a scalable, economically viable system that can be implemented across various facilities, making comprehensive glass recycling a reality.

As EVERGLASS moves from laboratory prototypes to industrial-scale testing, Juan and his team are working to refine the process, optimise laser parameters, and ensure the technology is both sustainable and practical.

Watch the full video to get an inside look at Juan’s work and how the EVERGLASS project is transforming glass recycling for a more sustainable future.