Practical Guide for Reuse of Glass Partitioning Systems

The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) published a Practical Guide for Reuse of Glass Partitioning Systems on 17 April, 2025. ASBP is pleased to announce the release of a new industry guide titled "The Reuse of Glass Partitioning Systems", offering clear, practical advice to support the reuse of glass partitioning systems in commercial fit-outs.

Authored by c Director and Reuse Lead, Debbie Ward, the guidance responds to growing demand across the built environment for lower carbon, circular solutions. It provides comprehensive direction for clients, designers, contractors and manufacturers on how to integrate reuse into design, deconstruction, and procurement processes—ultimately helping to reduce waste and embodied carbon associated with glass partitioning systems.

Why Glass Partition Reuse Matters: Key Facts from the guide

• 750,000 tonnes of flat glass waste generated annually in the UK
• 500,000 tonnes of that ends up in landfill
• Only 6% of flat glass is currently recycled — most is downcycled
• Reuse and closed-loop recycling could cut glass sector emissions by up to 18.6%
• In one case study Reusing just 18m of partitioning and 10 doors saved over 5 tonnes of COe

James Parlour, Head of Technical at the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS), commented : “This guidance supports a cultural shift toward seeing reuse as a viable, achievable option. With the right planning, glass partitions can be reused safely and effectively, helping us meet more ambitious environmental targets.” Key themes include early-stage decision-making, material passports, safe deconstruction and storage, performance considerations, and the potential role of manufacturers in take-back and warranty schemes. The guidance also outlines policy and procurement measures that could help drive more widespread reuse and high-value recycling.

The Reuse of Glass Partitioning Systems is available to download now via the ASBP website: https://asbp.org.uk/asbp-news/asbp-publishes-practical-guide-for-reuse-of-glass-partitioning-systems

--ASBP

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