Workwell Industries has announced the launch of its glass recycling initiative, “RecycWELL,” in West Louisville, Kentucky. The project, in collaboration with O-I and major distillers Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America and Pernod Ricard aims to provide essential glass recycling services for the Louisville region while creating new job opportunities for the local community.
The RecycWELL initiative manages end-of-life glass from local distilleries, restaurants, bars, and businesses. The glass will be cleaned, sorted, and processed into cullet — the industry name for recycled glass — which will then be recycled into new bottles by O-I Glass. This effort aims to create a sustainable local supply of recycled glass in an area currently considered a “glass recycling desert.”
“We are thrilled to be part of this collaborative initiative, investing in the future to bring jobs and improve glass recycling infrastructure in Kentucky,” said Gabriel Opoku-Asare, Director, ESG/Society of Diageo North America.
Promoting Sustainability and Circular Economy through Local Glass Recycling
By recycling glass locally and using Workwell’s processing services, the region can maintain a local supply of materials needed to make sustainable glass packaging for distillers and other industries. In its first year, Workwell is expected to recycle up to 1,200 tons of glass from the spirits and hospitality industries.
Major spirits producers like Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America, and Pernod Ricard, who operate in Kentucky and beyond, have set ambitious goals to reduce emissions at their production facilities and those of their suppliers. Recycling glass enables distillers and glass manufacturers to progress in their carbon dioxide emissions targets and conserve valuable natural resources.
“We’re excited to partner with O-I on the ‘RecycWELL’ initiative, marking a significant step towards a sustainable future,” said Pernod Ricard in a prepared statement. “This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and aligns with our efforts to reduce glass waste and simplify recycling for consumers.”
Glass is 100% and infinitely recyclable — it can be reused endlessly without losing quality or purity. Recycling glass reduces the need for raw materials, saves energy, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. By participating in the RecycWELL initiative, the Louisville region will benefit from a circular economy.
Innovating to Increase Glass Recycling and Promote Sustainability
O-I is working to get creative to build glass recycling programs. It’s important to O-I, and also to consumers and customers.
“Glass is core to the history of the Kentucky spirits industry,” said Randy Burns, Chief Administrative Officer for O-I. “Glass is valuable raw material. To achieve its full, sustainable potential, O-I is transforming recycling systems through collective action between customers, communities and regulators in the communities where we operate. This innovative glass-recycling partnership builds on that legacy, benefitting not only local industry, but the community and our planet as well.”
This partnership and new recycling initiative are helping brands meet their sustainability goals.
“We’ve set an ambitious goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions throughout our value chain by 2040. To get there, we need to innovate across our packaging to use fewer materials and more recycled content,” said Kim Marotta, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer at Suntory Global Spirits.
“Glass recycling is a key part of Pernod Ricard’s 2030 Good Times From a Good Place roadmap and this collaboration is a perfect example of how we should be uniting communities to protect our environment,” said Pernod Ricard in its statement. “By working together, we can accelerate progress and build the infrastructure needed to increase recycled glass, and ultimately reducing our environmental footprint and conserving natural resources. Together, we’re dedicated to building a sustainable future in Kentucky, the home of our Jefferson’s and Rabbit Hole whiskey brands.”
Leveraging Local Expertise and Technology for Sustainable Glass Recycling
Workwell Industries’ sustainability initiatives encompass tailored services to the partners within the spirits industry by leveraging their general-purpose Foreign Trade Zone to foster opportunities within contract packaging, VAP, labeling and inspection services.
Economically, Workwell Industries’ initiative is expected to create up to 10 permanent full-time jobs in sorting, machine operation, and materials handling. These jobs will provide opportunities for individuals who have faced barriers to employment, such as disabilities, poverty, or incarceration, as well as veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Team members will also be invited to further contribute to the initiative by bringing in their personal glass recyclables from home.
“We collaborated with local engineers and manufacturers to design a recycling system that prioritizes the safety of our team members’ and ensures accurate metrics to our partners,” said Jessica Fink, Compliance Officer, Workwell Industries. “Consumers want to know the recycled content in their glass containers, and we will have that information for our glass suppliers thanks to our unique machine.”
