Glass manufacturing allows for a range of products. More than 4,000 years ago, in the historical region of Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers, glass was discovered through the art of mixing sand, soda, and lime together1. Today, glass is used in several products from intricate glassware to high-tech applications like smart phones and computer screens.

The process of manufacturing glass today incorporates advanced technologies and automation to ensure precision and efficiency throughout the process. Whilst glass manufacturing has advanced significantly, limitations are still associated with this process, including high energy consumption rates, fragility and the breakdown of crucial equipment and machinery.