AGC, Obayashi and MUFG recycle demolition window glass into float-glass feedstock
- AGC research (May 2026) identifies this as Japan's first initiative to use demolition window glass as part of float-glass raw material.
- MUFG Bank's Head Office demolition (floor area ~120,000 m²) supplied the initial waste window glass; new HQ construction started April 2026, completion planned October 2030.
- 149 metric tons of waste window glass were collected (including portion to glass wool); 81 metric tons were processed into flat/float glass feedstock.
- The closed-loop process produced an estimated CO₂ reduction of 49 metric tons and uses AGC's Kashima Plant for float-glass manufacture.
Project overview
AGC, Obayashi and MUFG Bank have established a closed-loop recycling process that uses waste window glass from demolition projects as part of the raw materials for architectural float glass. The first application collects waste window glass from the MUFG Bank Head Office demolition and supplies it into the recycling chain for float-glass production.
Process
Waste window glass from the demolition is collected, sent through an intermediate treatment to produce cullet, and transported to AGC's Kashima Plant in Kamisu, Ibaraki Prefecture. The cullet is incorporated as part of the raw materials in the float process to manufacture clear architectural flat glass suitable for building applications, including projects handled by Obayashi. The float process requires high raw-material quality, and this route expands recycling beyond conventional uses such as patterned or wired glass.
Results and metrics
At the MUFG Head Office demolition (floor area about 120,000 m²) 149 metric tons of waste window glass were collected, including material routed to glass wool; 81 metric tons were recycled into flat glass via the closed-loop process. The initiative is estimated to reduce CO₂ emissions by 49 metric tons (based on the Flat Glass Manufacturers Association of Japan's vision). AGC cites May 2026 research identifying this as Japan's first such application.
Context and outlook
Obayashi has been developing circular construction-material processes—reusing structural steel (June 2024) and establishing closed-loop recycling for steel (Nov 2024) and aluminum (Dec 2025). MUFG began demolition work in February 2025, started new construction in April 2026, and plans to complete the new headquarters in October 2030; the group targets net-zero own-operations emissions by 2030 and net-zero financed emissions by 2050. AGC and Obayashi intend to continue and expand the closed-loop process to promote circular use of construction materials.
Source: AGC
