Strategic Materials Inc.
For manufacturers, using recycled glass just makes sense. It’s easy to find—thanks to bottle redemption programs in ten states—and it saves money. Strategic Materials, Inc. (SMI), one of North America’s biggest glass recyclers, reports that using recycled glass cuts energy use by about 15% compared to making glass from scratch. This means that glass recycling cuts down on both CO2 emissions and energy costs.
SMI is a mission-driven organization passionate about making sure glass gets a second life in new products. Now part of the European company Sibelco, SMI runs 42 recycling facilities across North America, handling both consumer and industrial glass waste. Their goal? Keep glass out of landfills and put it back into products used in industries like automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage manufacturing.
In Michigan, SMI plays a crucial role in the bottle deposit system. They collect glass from return centers, process it, and supply manufacturers with clean, high-quality recycled material. Those bottles made with recycled glass end up right back on Michigan store shelves, creating a closed-loop system that ensures local and efficient recycling.
SMI understands that education is needed at every step during the recycling process. They partner with material recovery facilities (MRFs) to help residents recycle properly. Many SMI employees, including Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Executive Laura Henneman, provide crucial guidance and education to residents, recycling facilities, and other glass recycling stakeholders, from speaking at industry and community events to creating educational materials.
Even though there’s strong demand for recycled glass, only about 30% of consumer glass actually gets recycled in the U.S. SMI is working to change that by supporting policies that make recycling easier and more accessible.
SMI is dedicated to encouraging industries and the general public to recycle more glass. They understand the power of legislation to help advance glass recycling. SMI advocates for the creation and expansion of “bottle bills” in which residents pay a 5 or 10 cent deposit on glass containers that they receive back when they recycle. They also advocate for better statewide recycling programs that ensure everyone has access to recycling services and that glass manufacturers contribute to the system.
With its expertise, advocacy, and commitment to keeping glass in use, SMI is helping Michigan and beyond recycle smarter. Their work ensures glass stays in circulation rather than becoming waste, supporting a more efficient and responsible recycling system.
Learn more here.
