Knauf Insulation, Inc. (Knauf), a family-owned business and one of the largest fiberglass insulation manufacturers in the U.S., celebrates its two-year partnership with Caldwell’s to increase glass recycling in Indiana’s Shelby and Hancock counties.
Knauf has always been dedicated to its sustainability initiatives, specifically in the communities in which its facilities are present. As part of that commitment, Knauf has focused on increasing the amount of recycled glass from local communities that is used in their products. Knauf identified the need for local businesses in Shelby and Hancock counties, near its corporate headquarters in Shelbyville, Indiana, to recycle glass and prevent it from being thrown away.
To take action on this goal, Knauf partnered with Caldwell’s Inc., a Shelby County hauling service. Caldwell’s provided the operational framework required to transport glass, currently picking up empty glass bottles from more than 40 local businesses in the counties, hauling approximately six tons monthly to be recycled. This collaboration merges Caldwell’s logistical expertise with Knauf’s production capabilities, offering a convenient solution to reduce landfill waste.
“We understand there are challenges to glass recycling, and we are trying to solve for this locally, near our headquarters, with hopes to replicate similar partnerships in other communities where we have operations,” said Chris Mahin, vice president of sustainability and health, safety and environment (HSE) at Knauf. “The Shelby and Hancock Recycling Districts are valuable stakeholders and through their support we were able to initiate Caldwell’s collection with local restaurants and bars. This partnership is a powerful example of how local collaboration can drive positive impact.”
Knauf and Caldwell’s are exploring opportunities to enhance the program including expanding the number of businesses participating, increasing community involvement and introducing technologies that further improve efficiency.
“Our role is to ensure that the logistics of glass collection are efficient and effective,” said Jordan Caldwell, president of Caldwell’s Inc. “We are proud to support Knauf by helping local businesses participate in glass recycling.”
The success of this collaboration highlights the power of local partnerships to drive meaningful change. Businesses from Shelby and Hancock counties that discard glass are invited to participate by contacting Aleigha Simerly at Caldwell’s via email at aleigha@caldwells-inc.com, or via phone at 317-642-7283. Community members are also invited to participate in glass recycling and can drop off clean, lid-less glass at their county recycling district sites.
