Solving some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges will take more than innovation alone. It will take collaboration – across teams, across regions, and across the entire value chain.

At NSG Group, this belief is at the heart of how progress happens. By working as One Team, our business is not only accelerating decarbonisation, it is shaping the future of glass.

In this article, Barry Fish, Decarbonisation Technology Team Leader, talks about how we’re increasing the use of recycled glass to develop low-carbon innovations like our Pilkington Mirai™ range, and how our colleagues around the world are working together to make a real difference.

A Material with Transformational Potential 

Glass is uniquely positioned to support global sustainability efforts. Infinitely recyclable, highly durable, and chemically stable, it plays a vital role in technologies such as solar panels and energy-efficient buildings.

But its true potential is only realised through the people behind it. 

“Glass is a material with huge potential,” says Barry Fish, Decarbonisation Technology Team Leader. “Our teams are constantly exploring new ways to unlock it – creating solutions, inspiring progress, and helping build the future of glass.”

Driving Innovation as One Team 

To accelerate progress, NSG Group established a dedicated decarbonisation technology team within its R&D function. But innovation doesn’t sit in one team alone – it is powered by collaboration across the entire organisation.

From R&D and manufacturing to commercial and procurement teams, colleagues are working together to develop new technologies, run world-first trials, and bring low-carbon solutions to market – including the Pilkington Mirai™ glass range, the world’s lowest embodied carbon glass.

Every manufacturing site now operates with its own decarbonisation roadmap, supported by a global steering committee. This ensures ideas, insights, and progress are shared – enabling teams everywhere to move forward together.

“This cross-functional collaboration empowers teams to push boundaries, share ideas, and shape the future of our industry together,” Barry explains.

Unlocking the Power of Recycled Glass

One of the clearest examples of this collaborative progress is the increased use of cullet, or recycled glass.

By working across teams and with external partners, NSG Group is scaling up the use of this valuable material, reducing both emissions and waste. Each tonne of cullet used saves around 600 kg of CO₂ across the value chain* while preventing glass from going to landfill.

“It’s a simple material with extraordinary impact,” says Barry. “And our teams are unlocking its full potential.”

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Using more recycled glass brings technical challenges, particularly around contamination. But here too, collaboration is key.

By working closely with cullet processors and trialling advanced technologies such as optical sorting systems, teams across the business are finding new ways to improve quality and reliability.

“Innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to experiment are helping us increase cullet use safely and reliably,” Barry notes.

Building Circularity Through Partnership

The renew:glass initiative highlights the power of collaboration beyond NSG Group’s own operations.

As demand for recycled content has grown, commercial and procurement teams have worked closely with customers and partners to identify new cullet streams and support glass recovery from renovation and demolition projects.

This joined-up approach is delivering real results – improving sustainability, strengthening competitiveness, and aligning teams around a shared goal.

“It shows what’s possible when we come together as one team,” Barry says. “Everyone has a clear role to play in shaping a more sustainable business.”

Connecting Ideas Across the World

With teams around the globe making progress, the next step is ensuring those ideas are shared.

The renew:glass initiative is evolving into a global platform where colleagues can connect, exchange insights, and build on each other’s successes. By creating a space for collaboration at scale, NSG Group is accelerating innovation across regions.

“I’m excited to see how this inspires new ideas and strengthens our sustainability credentials,” Barry adds. “It’s about building a global community where people feel empowered to contribute – and confident their ideas matter.” 

Future-Proofing the Industry, Together

As sustainability expectations continue to rise, collaboration will remain essential – not just for innovation, but for long-term resilience.

By developing alternative energy solutions, reducing embodied carbon, and enhancing product performance, NSG Group is preparing for a future where low-carbon technologies are the standard.

But the most important investment is in people.

“When colleagues understand the impact of their work, they feel part of something bigger,” Barry says. “They feel they belong, and that’s what truly future-proofs our industry.”

One Team, One Future

At NSG Group, progress is not driven by individuals or isolated teams – it is the result of people coming together with a shared purpose.

By combining expertise, ideas, and ambition, teams across the business are proving that we achieve more as one.

And together, they are shaping the future of glass.

 

* Every tonne of cullet saves around 300 kg of CO₂ in scope 1 & 2 emissions, and another 300 kg in scope 3 emissions. It also prevents waste glass from going to landfill.