Kentucky launches glass recycling program

Kentucky has launched its first dedicated glass recycling program.

The $350,000 glass processing initiative, RecycWell, is a collaborative partnership between O-I Glass, Workwell Industries and multiple Kentucky distillers, including Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America and Pernod Ricard, will create up to 10 new jobs.

Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders from O-I Glass Inc. and many of the distilleries to celebrate the launch in Louisville on Aug. 28.

“Kentucky is home to countless companies doing their part to create a better tomorrow for all Kentuckians, and this collaborative partnership is the perfect example of what our great state can achieve when we work together,” Beshear said. “I am honored to be here today celebrating this exciting next step in the commonwealth’s mission of sustainability and workforce development. This project will create quality jobs and opportunities for the West Louisville community, and I am thrilled to see this innovative initiative succeed.”

The project will create Kentucky’s first dedicated glass recycling program and provide needed support to prepare end-of-life glass spirits packaging for recycling into new bottles. The glass will be cleaned, sorted and processed into furnace-ready glass, called cullet, which will then be prepared for recycling into new bottles by O-I Glass.

The initiative aims to create up to 10 new permanent, full-time jobs in sorting, machine operation and materials handling for those in the community who have faced barriers to employment. It is focused on improving local recycling infrastructure by processing more than 1,200 tons of glass packaging in its first year.

“Glass is core to the history of the Kentucky spirits industry,” said Randy Burns, chief administrative officer for O-I Glass. “Glass is [a] 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.”

Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, O-I Glass operates globally with approximately 24,000 employees across 68 plants in 19 countries.

Louisville’s Workwell Industries is a nonprofit organization that specializes in co-packaging and subassembly for companies that outsource work and is committed to creating jobs for people who may experience barriers to employment. This includes veterans, individuals with disabilities and those who need second-chance employment.

“I am happy to welcome the RecycWELL facility to West Louisville,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg says. “This project reflects our city’s commitment to sustainability and showcases unique ways that the bourbon industry spurs economic growth throughout our community and our state. Together, we are building a greener, more prosperous Louisville for all.”