Johns Manville highlights ongoing efforts in fiberglass recycling

Johns Manville (JM, Denver, Colo., U.S.) announces that it continues to implement recycling initiatives at its facilities in Trnava, Slovakia and Etowah, Tennessee. For decades, JM says it has been dedicated to enhancing its production processes, with a focus on reducing environmental impact, advancing eco-friendly practices across operations and promoting resource efficiency.

In 2021, the company launched a recycling unit in 2021 that aligns with the European Commission’s zero waste program. The plant processes glass fiber waste into raw material for on-site production, diverting more than 10,000 tons of waste from landfills each year. This recycling initiative supports JM’s goal of sustainable resource management and is a key element in its drive to produce high-quality products with a reduced environmental footprint. The Trnava plant is also ISO 14021:2016 certified, ensuring that all products leaving the plant contain a minimum of 6% recycled content.

“Our investment in recycling technology underscores our commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring a tangible positive impact on the environment,” says Elena Hríviková, manager for environment, health and safety – Europe/Asia.

On the other side of the Atlantic, JM’s Tennessee plant is building upon its long-time sustainability efforts. In 1987, the Etowah facility installed a recycling unit that collects, chops and grinds glass waste, enabling it to be reintroduced into the production process. This initiative not only minimizes waste, but also contributes to a 5% recycled content in the plant’s finished products.

“Our process ensures that furnace scrap is repurposed effectively, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality,” says David Kissell, plant manager at Etowah.