Exploring registers of valuing flat glass recycling in the construction sector: A case study in Sweden

Rapid urbanisation and population growth have increased the demand for glass as a building material, but its environmental friendliness is questioned partly due to the lack of recycling. The production of flat glass is energy-intensive and contributes to significant greenhouse gas emissions, while the raw materials used are finite resources. This research article explores the challenges and opportunities for recycling flat glass in the construction sector in Sweden. Despite its ability to be endlessly recycled without degradation, flat glass is rarely recycled and often ends up in landfills. Barriers to circular handling of flat glass include economic imbalances, high transportation costs and lack of collection and sorting facilities. The research was conducted using a qualitative case study approach, including a workshop and semi-structured interviews, to identify registers of valuing flat glass recycling. The results highlight the different roles of glass, its economic and ecological values and the tensions between different registers of valuing glass. Understanding these values and tensions can contribute to more precise measures for integrating flat glass into a circular economy and valorisation of post-consumer flat glass.