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Manufacturing
The manufacturing of car glass begins in float plants using the following raw materials: sand (~73%), soda Ash (~13%), limestone (~9%), dolomite (~4%), other trace materials (~1%).
From the float plants, the glass is transported to and processed in various plants. The windscreens and laminated side lights are constructed using the above glass combined with PVB. Following toughening or laminating of the glass, various attachments are added for fifitting to the vehicle and/or vehicle functionality, example housing clips, mirror attachments, ADAS brackets and so on.
Based on calculations performed by our largest suppliers of glass, we estimate the carbon footprint of manufacturing a windscreen to be about 38.5 kg C02/windscreen (1,2m2) NSG Group, 2021
Transport
The manufactured windscreens are transported from the manufacturing plants to workshops. For workshops that does not store any glass articles. Instead they are ordered and delivered (JIT) to workshops the day before they are used.
Transports are performed by our glass suppliers and in some cases their local supplier of transports. Based on their calculations, the carbon footprint from transportation is estimated to be 3kg C02 per windscreen Saint Gobain / Autover, Pilkington
Fitting
The main material used for replacing a windscreen is glue. During a replacement there are two kinds of tools, cutting tools and a glue gun – both being electrical. A windscreen replacement takes about two hours and includes cutting out the broken glass, cleaning the frame of the car, adding glue and fitting the new windscreen. On many of today’s cars, there are electronics in the windscreen such as lane assistants and rain sensors, which often need calibrating. We strive for all our workshops to run solely on green electricity, originating from carbon free power sources such as wind and hydroelectric.
Based on calculations we estimate the average carbon footprint of fitting a windscreen to be about 2 kg C02 per replacement based on electricity consumed and the carbon footprint of the materials used.
Handling of used glass
When the windscreen replacement is complete, all broken glass is transported for recycling. Currently, about 90% of the materials from the broken glass can be recycled – mostly becoming insulation products for the construction industry.
Based on calculations we estimate the average carbon footprint of transporting the windscreen to recycling to be about 0.6 kg C02 per replacement based on fuel consumption data from our suppliers.
Repairs
By repairing instead of replacing we can make a significant difference in terms of carbon footprint – repairing a windscreen instead of replacing it will avoid an additional carbon footprint of 44 kg C02. Even though repairing is the environmentally friendly alternative, we still use some electricity when repairing a windscreen which is important for us to include in our carbon offsetting initiative.
Based on calculations we estimate the average carbon footprint from repairing a windscreen to be 0.6 kg C02 per completed repair.
Compensation margin
When compensating for the carbon footprint of our services, it is important that we make sure all the emissions are covered. In order to make sure of this we always use an extra 10% margin when compensating.
These technologies work together to create windshields that are strong, safe, and able to withstand a variety of different conditions and environments.