Focus on use of recycled glass in atomic research, spacecraft
Times of India | 21 January 2025
123 Kolkata: The city-based Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI) garnered global attention with its pioneering work in recycling glass waste into precision glass that can be used for high-end applications in aerospace, atomic research, spacecraft, among others.
The institute's research work on glass recycling, which can reduce mining, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and help mitigate climate changes, was discussed at the International Congress of Glass (ICG'25). With a lineup of 550 delegates from 20 countries, the event was inaugurated in the city by union science and technology minister, Jitendra Singh, on Monday. Speaking about the waste-to-wealth technology, conference president, Sitendu Mandal, said, "We have generated enough glass, and it is high time we recycle it for all kinds of uses—from optical glass to window panes, radiation-resistant glass for atomic research, and thermal-resistant glass for spacecraft."
Meanwhile, the minister highlighted the transformative potential of glass technology. "Glass has indeed broken the glass ceiling and opened new vistas in medical research, space research, climate change, and energy security," he said, adding that the event aims to explore promising opportunities in the field of glass technology.
"We are truly in the glass age now. Glass is widely regarded as a transformative material contributing to 11 of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Recognising its critical role in human progress, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2022 the international year of glass, marking the first time in UN history that material was granted such status," said Atiar Rahaman Molla, the conference secretary. CGCRI director Bikramjit Basu expressed optimism about the conference. He claimed thatICG'25 would benefit the Indian glass community.