Sustainability in glassworks
A path to a more
sustainable approach
Our path to a more sustainable approach
Our mission, inherent to the art of glassmaking, is to create beautiful, timeless products, filled with emotion. The fact that we consider the sustainability of our mission as an integral part of this positive emotion infuses each of our products. In doing so, we expect to add another dimension to Kant’s idea of beauty – a dimension of responsibility for our actions.
– Martin Wichterle, Owner
We continue to explore sustainable business and contribute to a more sustainable society despite challenges posed by our industry.
Sustainability themes we are addressing include:
Designers
“Personally, I view sustainability from two angles. The first is to continuously refine our manufacturing processes and technologies to make them as efficient as possible and minimize their impact upon our planet. The second is to create outstanding products that clients can cherish, crafted from the highest-quality materials. My goal is for our products to be seen as an investment in beauty and quality, that will endure in your family for generations. The longer a product serves its purpose without requiring replacement, the lower its carbon footprint. In this, I see the primary purpose of sustainability - to produce objects that endure, are beautiful, and continuously enjoyed by people.”
– Václav Mlynář, BOMMA Creative Director
“I perceive sustainability as the protection of the environment and the responsible use of natural resources, as well as an effort to maintain a stable level of economic growth and employment, preserving both craftsmanship and tradition, and creating sustainable products that you acquire for life. In future, I would like see our products become not only recyclable but also a representation of ‘slow design.’ We will continue to use even more recycled materials and green energy in their production.”
– Kateřina Handlová, Rückl Creative Director
Maruška the Stork
In 2020, Rückl glassworks began a collaboration with the animal-rescue station in Rokycany. Together, within the glassworks premises, we created a new home for Maruška, a 6-year-old stork with a wounded wing and leg. She would not have survived in nature, due to her disability, but thrives as a Rückl mascot.
The glassworks continues its historic association with storks, as depicted in its original logo. Storks are generally known to be the symbol of health and wellbeing.
Rückl Glassworks employees enjoy caring for Maruška on a daily basis, regardless of the season or how busy they are.
Glassworks
At present, glass furnaces are almost entirely reliant on natural gas consumption. However, each furnace has a limited lifespan. Our company is exploring all possibilities that would lead to procuring energy from renewable sources, which would significantly contribute to a more sustainable and responsible business model. Simultaneously, we contemplate the implementation of solar panels and other technical options for our industrial facilities.
Air quality
BMRC Group consistently meets the established standards for air quality testing, as required by legal regulations. Changes implemented in the production process at the BOMMA glassworks, such as the construction of a new melting furnace, enabled improvements to our melting aggregate technology, contributing to reduced energy consumption. The new glass furnace, named Světluška (Glow-Worm), allows us to reduce emissions by nearly 800 tons of CO2 annually, compared to the original furnace.
Creating a harmonious environment for relaxation and biodiversity enhancement
While our glassworks are located in green areas near Czech forests and large grassy expanses, they are small industrial facilities. We aim to enhance the immediate surroundings for both our employees and visitors. Therefore, plans are in place for the planting of nectar-rich plants and wildflower meadows in the coming year to increase biodiversity and improve environmental diversity.
Products
The infinite recycling potential of glass products
BOMMA and Rückl are renowned for their unique quality of clear glass, free from bubbles and impurities. All products are the result of craftsmanship and undergo strict quality control. Items that do not meet our quality control standards are removed from the production cycle and crushed into shards. These shards are then melted once again to create new glass originals or find other secondary uses.
Glass recycling
Glass recycling allows for significant savings on raw materials, precious natural resources, and energy. Therefore, approximately 60 % of clear glass shards are returned to the glass manufacturing process.
This step streamlines the glass melting process, reducing its required energy consumption while maintaining the highest quality of molten glass.
To further enhance the combustion process, oxygen is added to the combustable gas.
This step has a favorable impact on glass quality, while reducing energy consumption, and minimizing emissions.
Innovation in Technology
At BOMMA and Rückl glassworks, the continuous development of new products and technological innovations are taking place. Currently, our R&D department is focused upon reducing excess waste glass.
Bomma Cullet
BOMMA Cullet is high-quality artisan glass created by glassmasters for glassmasters. By this means, we save energy for small glass studios.
Clear, lead-free crystal glass, processed into small glass nuggets, finds its ideal use in glass studios worldwide. Here, it is subsequently melted to create new, unique glass objects.
Due to its lower melting temperature compared to the typical glass melting process, BOMMA CULLET saves our small-studio customers 20–30 % of energy during melting, directly impacting their gas savings, as well as emission reductions.
Partners
BMRC Group specifically selects its partners and suppliers with a focus on responsible behavior and their commitment to sustainability. Whenever possible, it prioritizes local suppliers.
Current suppliers hold international certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), EcoVadis, and TÜV Süd.
Packaging
The internal part of our packaging materials consists of 100% recycled corrugated cardboard, while only the surface layer uses non-recyclable cardboard for aesthetic purposes.
To ensure product protection during shipment, our packaging is lined with polyethylene bubble wrap, which is easily recyclable when following normal recycling guidelines. The polypropylene adhesive tape uses natural rubber-based adhesive.
Over 90 % of all our packaging uses recycled materials.
Shipping
We prioritize sustainable ground transportation.
DB Schenger, the logistics company responsible for transporting nearly 97 % of our orders, acts both responsibly and sustainably. They have committed to neutralizing emissions throughout the supply chain by 2040.
Additionally, our efficiency of transportation is enhanced by the fact that storage facilities are either located directly at our production site or in close proximity.
People
97 % of our employees live in the vicinity of our facilities. They either walk or bicycle to work. Our commuting employees use rail transportation*.
*based on an internal research among employees
Education support
BOMMA has established a partnership with the Pilchuck Glass School, specializing in glass art and education. Each year, this school hosts an auction for which BOMMA selects works from Czech glassmasters. The funds raised through this initiative are reinvested in education across various glass-related disciplines, innovations, and new technologies.
Glass Cutting World Cup
For several years BMRC Group has been organizing this meeting and competition in its glassworks for glass-cutting masters around the world. This effort supports the development of the craft and the interests of glass school students.
Both high school students and experienced glass masters can participate in the competition.
The accompanying program also includes a glassmaking ‘jam session’– a free-creation segment that is an integral part of this Czech craft tradition.
Conclusion
Czech glass companies are recognized globally as leaders in their field.
However, due to their heavy reliance on gas consumption, they are constantly searching out new methods and approaches to lead their industry towards a more sustainable path.
We firmly believe that, through collective efforts, we can achieve positive change and are confident that tradition and sustainability can harmoniously coexist.
We thank all our employees, partners, and stakeholders for their support, cooperation, and inspiration, which motivates us to strive towards more sustainable business practices.