LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 28, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leadership from O-I Glass Inc. and multiple distilleries in Louisville to celebrate the launch of Kentucky’s first dedicated glass recycling program. The $350,000 glass processing initiative will create up to 10 new jobs and is a collaborative partnership between O-I Glass, Workwell Industries and multiple Kentucky distillers, including Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America and Pernod Ricard.
“Kentucky is home to countless companies doing their part to create a better tomorrow for all Kentuckians, and this collaborative partnership is the perfect example of what our great state can achieve when we work together,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am honored to be here today celebrating this exciting next step in the commonwealth’s mission of sustainability and workforce development. This project will create quality jobs and opportunities for the West Louisville community, and I am thrilled to see this innovative initiative succeed. I want to thank the leadership teams of O-I Glass, Workwell Industries, Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America and Pernod Ricard for their willingness to partner strategically and make this program a reality.”
The collaborative project will create Kentucky’s first dedicated glass recycling program and provide needed support to prepare end-of-life glass spirits packaging for recycling into new bottles. The glass will be cleaned, sorted and processed into “cullet” (furnace-ready glass), which will then be prepared for recycling into new bottles by O-I Glass, helping to create a sustainable local supply of recycled glass. The initiative aims to create new jobs for those in the community who have faced barriers to employment and is focused on improving local recycling infrastructure by processing over 1,200 tons of glass packaging in its first year. The initiative is expected to create up to 10 permanent full-time jobs in sorting, machine operation and materials handling.
“Glass is core to the history of the Kentucky spirits industry,” said Randy Burns, chief administrative officer for O-I Glass. “Glass is valuable raw material. To achieve its full, sustainable potential, O-I is transforming recycling systems through collective action between customers, communities and regulators in the communities where we operate. This innovative glass-recycling partnership builds on that legacy, benefitting not only local industry, but the community and our planet as well.”
Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, O-I Glass is the preferred partner for many of the world’s leading food and beverage brands that has specialized in the manufacture of glass products for nearly 120 years. The company operates globally with approximately 24,000 employees across 68 plants in 19 countries.
Workwell Industries is a nonprofit organization committed to creating jobs for people who may experience barriers to employment. This includes veterans, individuals with disabilities and those who need second chance employment. They specialize in co-packaging and sub-assembly for companies that outsource work.
“I am happy to welcome the RecycWELL facility to West Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “This project reflects our city’s commitment to sustainability and showcases unique ways that the bourbon industry spurs economic growth throughout our community and our state. Together, we are building a greener, more prosperous Louisville for all.”
Through collaborative support and funding from O-I Glass, Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America and Pernod Ricard, Workwell’s RecycWELL initiative helps build on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
