WINDCREEN RECOVERY AND RECLAMATION
A programme to recover broken windscreens from glass operations around the country, and return them to PFG in Springs. Here, the windscreens are crushed in a dedicated plant, the laminate is removed and the remaining glass is broken down further to produce cullet, which is then used again in the glass-making process. This reduces landfill volumes and energy requirements.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
For every 1 000 tons PFG melts, we generate approximately 30% less waste than we did in 2007. Timber, used in crates, is re-used as base for packaging at our Sealants operation. Similarly, we recycle steel from crate strapping and equipment packaging, and we have an active paper recycling programme throughout the site. Interleaf paper, used to separate glass sheets during packaging, is also recycled.
EMISSIONS
New technology used at both our float lines (SP3 and SP4) delivers significantly lower (approximately 30%) NOX, SOX emissions. We constantly strive to reduce our carbon footprint through load optimisation, return loads and local sourcing of raw materials and using cleaner energy
sources.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
PFG’s strategy is to reduce our energy consumption by 10% per annum. We have exceeded this target every year since 2006, by converting part of our operation to natural gas and reducing our demand for oil. We also replaced the furnace at our Rolled plant (SP1) furnace, which effectively halved the energy requirement.
GOING GREEN
PFG actively promotes the use of ‘green’ glass in buildings – such as Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, OR Tambo International Airports, Durban International Airport and other buildings. In 2008 we began producing low iron glass for energy- efficient solar applications. Local manufacture of this glass eliminates the need for imports. Green glass reduces the need for airconditioning in the South African hot climate. High performance coated laminated products improve the aesthetic look of buildings and is one of the most efficient mechanisms to prevent heat gain in buildings. |
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Modern technology
means optimum use
of energy and other
resources |
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Recovering and
reclaiming broken
windscreens reduces
landfill and energy
requirements |
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Cullet (recycled glass) is a key raw material in
the float glass batch, thus reducing waste and
optimising energy resources. |
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On-going efforts to optimise payloads have
resulted in fewer kilometers travelled and a
reduced carbon footprint. |
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PFG produces high quality low iron glass for
energy-efficient solar applications. |
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A modern furnace reduces the
amount of energy required to
melt our glass. |
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Removing alien vegetation. |
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Wooden pallets are reclaimed
and recycled. |
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