Collaboration for Solar Panel Glass Recycling
AGC has partnered with NPC Corporation to enhance the recycling of solar panel cover glass. The collaboration aims to recycle several thousand tons of solar panels annually by 2030, addressing the anticipated waste surge in the latter half of the 2030s.
Innovative Recycling Method
AGC has developed a new horizontal recycling scheme, utilizing NPC's solar panel recycling equipment to convert cover glass into architectural flat glass. This method overcomes technical and economic challenges in separating and improving the quality of recycled glass.
Successful Implementation
In September 2025, AGC successfully used 20 tons of cullet processed through this method as raw material for manufacturing figured glass at its Yokohama Technical Center. This marks a significant advancement in recycling technology, complementing existing methods like pyrolysis and high-pressure water jet technologies.
Future Plans and Support
AGC plans to strengthen its collaboration with NPC and expand the recycling initiative both in Japan and internationally. The project is part of a commissioned initiative by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), identified as JPNP25011.
