Research project ReUse
Investigations on the Reuse and Remanufacturing of Flat Glass (‘re-use’) Technical evaluation of deconstructed architectural glass and investigation of its processability with the aim of reuse and remanufacturing
Project name Investigations on the Reuse and Remanufacturing of Flat Glass (‘re-use’)
Technical evaluation of deconstructed architectural glass and investigation of its processability with the aim of reuse and remanufacturing
Acronym ReUse
Project partner
  • Technische Universität Darmstadt, Institute of Structural Mechanics and Design
  • Hochschule München
  • Fachverband Konstruktiver Glasbau e. V.
  • Bundesverband Flachglas
  • Everlam GmbH
  • Kuraray Europe GmbH
  • Hegla GmbH & Co. KG
  • Kömmerling Chemische Fabrik GmbH
  • Velux A/S, Glas Elstner GmbH
  • Bollinger + Grohmann Consulting GmbH
  • Partner & Partner GmbH
Grantor Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building using funds from the “Zukunft Bau” research initiative.
Duration 2 years (2025-2027)

Research field
 I+I & E+E (and M+M)
(E+E > Energy + Environment
I+I > Information + Intelligence
M+M > Matter + Materials)
Project content The demands for reducing climate-damaging gases in the construction sector are increasing. The long-term goal is climate-neutral building. Although glass is theoretically infinitely recyclable, it is generally not returned to float glass production due to high purity requirements. Therefore, the reuse of dismantled glazing units gains particular significance. To achieve this, such glazing must first be technically evaluated. Since there is currently little relevant experience or data, the focus of this project is initially on the technical qualification of dismantled glazing and the technical assessment of their potential for reuse and repurposing. Furthermore, the suitability of the glass for further processing is investigated. These processes include the production of laminated (safety) glass and insulating glass. As part of the research project, glazing units are dismantled and examined together with project partners for their potential reuse and further application. This includes (1) qualification of the performance of the dismantled glass (e.g., strength of aged glass), (2) analysis of the separation of glazing into individual components (e.g., separating insulating glass into edge seal and individual panes), (3) examination of the suitability for further processing (e.g., producing new insulating glass units from recovered single panes), and (4) energy and CO₂ balance assessments for typical office and residential buildings.