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Glasopor construction aggregate is made from recycled glass containers

Glasopor is a sustainable, lightweight aggregate building material that can be used for construction and thermal insulation.Published 15 Dec 2022 (updated 7 Feb 2024) · 2 min read
GLASOPOR AS

In the circular economy, crushed glass in a recycling plant may be reused for making bottles, glassware and other consumer products. Glass that contains certain colour additives, is contaminated or is too finely ground for this purpose requires safe disposal – and may end up in landfills.

Transforming waste glass into a foam glass filler

Glasopor converts waste glass particles into a lightweight material that has superior properties when used as construction filler, and for drainage and insulation.

Glasopor foam glass consists of 20 per cent glass and 80 per cent air, and is foam-like in the kiln. Once it cools at room temperature it naturally cracks into rock-like blocks varying from 10–60 mm in size. The air provides exceptional thermal insulation and makes the material much lighter and easier to handle than standard concrete aggregates, without sacrificing strength and durability.

Glasopor may be used in road surfaces, as an aggregate filler in pipe bedding and building foundations, and for rooftop insulation and grass bedding.

GLASOPOR AS
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Concrete benefits

Glasopor’s lighter weight makes it economical and easy to transport, with far lower transport emissions than traditional rock landfill. The material is manufactured at two top-modern, energy-efficient factories in Norway. One plant was recently converted to all-electric production for zero CO₂ emissions.

Strong and stable, Glasopor is well-suited for constructing roads, tunnels and railways on slopes or other areas with challenging building conditions. The Glasopor blocks are cubic with a coarse surface, providing stability even at an angle of 45 degrees.

Laying a compensated foundation with Glasopor requires less digging – saving on construction time and transportation. In difficult ground conditions, Glasopor can be used as a foundation for machinery before installing piles.

Glasopor is also ideal for use in green roofs and green areas, which make cities more capable of handling rainwater, help to lower urban air temperatures and provide habitats for wildlife.

Glasopor can be used for numerous other applications as well, including drainage and insulation in sports fields and water supply and sewerage networks.

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Market potential

The global foam glass market size was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 2 billion by 2026.

Glasopor is a pioneer in producing a foam glass building material from 100 percent recycled glass containers. Glasopor was established in 2002 and is owned by Sirkel Materialgjenvinning AS, Norway’s recycling facility for glass and metal.

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At a glance

  • Foam glass cubes made from 100% recycled glass
  • Lighter to transport and handle than other construction aggregates
  • Helps to reduce the carbon footprint of building projects

Solution status

Available

GLASOPOR AS

GLASOPOR AS

Grenseveien 107, 0663 OSLO, Norway

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Tore Bye

Sales & Marketing Manager

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Industry, innovation and infrastructure

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

About the goal


Glasopor is a sustainable material for building resilient infrastructure.

Sustainable cities and communities

11. Sustainable cities and communities

About the goal


Glasopor diverts rainwater into drainage systems, helping to prevent flooding. It can also be used on rooftops for heat retention and to create green areas.

Responsible consumption and production

12. Responsible consumption and production

About the goal


Glasopor is made from 100% recycled glass and is part of a circular economy for glass.

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