AGC launches windshield-to-flat-glass recycling demonstration
- Demonstration project starts June 2026 to collect and recycle discarded vehicle windshields in Japan.
- Autoglass will run the scheme; AG Expert and Oda Safety Glass handle replacement and separation; AGC will use recovered cullet for architectural flat glass.
- Japan generates an estimated over 10,000 tonnes/year of waste automotive glass at dealers and installers.
- Recycling one tonne of waste automotive glass is estimated to cut GHGs by about 0.6 tonnes on a Scope 1, 2 and 3 basis.
Project scope
AGC will begin a demonstration project in June 2026 to collect and recycle discarded windshields from vehicle repair and replacement. The trial covers the full chain from collection through separation to reuse of cullet as a raw material for architectural flat glass.
Partners and roles
Autoglass Co., Ltd. will develop and operate the collection scheme using its wholesale, sales and delivery network and installer contacts. AG Expert Co., Ltd. and Oda Safety Glass Co., Ltd. will perform glass replacement and separate glass from attached components and interlayer resin. AGC Inc. will test using the refined cullet in architectural flat-glass manufacture.
Background challenge
More than 10,000 tonnes of waste automotive glass are estimated to arise annually at car dealerships and installers in Japan, with windshields difficult to recycle because of laminated glass bonded with interlayer resin requiring separation.
Evaluation and expected impact
The demonstration will evaluate cullet quality, supply stability and practical operability. Using recycled cullet is expected to reduce CO₂ associated with raw materials and procurement; AGC estimates a GHG reduction of about 0.6 tonnes per tonne of windscreen recycled on a Scope 1, 2 and 3 basis.
Next steps
AGC will assess feasibility while expanding the target area and strengthening collaboration with installers, automakers and non-life insurers to scale collection and recycling across the industry. AGC states this is the first systematic initiative in Japan to recycle waste automotive glass into architectural flat glass (based on AGC research as of June 2026).
Source: AGC
