SUSTAINABILITY

in Harmony with the environment

As an ISO 9001:2000 (quality management system) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) certificated company, PFG adheres to the highest standards of sustainable operating. We constantly strive to reduce the impact we have on the environment, by focusing on energy reduction, waste management, emissions, process optimisation and other areas that affect our carbon footprint.
 

WINDSCREEN 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 by 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 putty 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, local sourcing of raw materials and using cleaner energy sources.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
PFG’s strategy is to reduce our energy consumption annually. We have achieved this 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 – including the glass used in developments such as the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, OR Tambo International Airport, Durban International Airport, Wesbank / FNB Office Park 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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