In the construction and glass industries, where flat glass often ends up in landfills rather than being recycled, there is great potential for change. By creating circular flows, we can save energy, reduce reliance on finite resources like quartz sand, and simultaneously create more sustainable and efficient solutions for the future. However, this transition also brings new workplace risks, such as during the dismantling and handling of fragile and heavy materials like flat glass, but it also offers opportunities to improve workplace practices and increase employee involvement.
This research project at Linköping University explores the workplace aspects of transitioning to a circular flow of flat glass, with the aim of identifying risks and strategies to manage them. Using a sociotechnical approach, both social, technical, and organisational aspects are studied. The researchers collaborate with Ragnsells Recycling and actors in the glass industry to analyse the journey of glass from dismantling to recycling. The project also aims to develop a model for workplace health and safety in circular flows that can be applied in various industries. The results are expected to provide insights into how social and environmental sustainability can work together and contribute to the green transition.
