SOLUTION / PUBLIC SOURCE RECORD
Glasopor foam-glass construction aggregate
- Published December 15, 2022; updated September 21, 2026; estimated reading time 2 minutes. Status: available. Industry: Circular economy.
- Glasopor turns discarded glass particles that cannot be remade into consumer glass—because of color additives, contamination or fine particle size—into lightweight foam-glass aggregate for construction and thermal insulation.
- The material is described as 20% glass and 80% air. It foams in a kiln and, when cooled, cracks into rock-like pieces about 10–60 mm across. The trapped air gives thermal insulation and reduces weight while retaining strength and durability. Uses include roads, pipe bedding, foundations, rooftop insulation, green roofs, drainage, sports fields and water/sewer networks.
- The page says the lower weight makes the aggregate easier and cheaper to transport with fewer transport emissions than traditional rock fill. Glasopor is produced at two energy-efficient Norwegian factories; one plant had recently converted to all-electric production, which the page says enables zero-CO₂ production there. Its coarse, cubic pieces are presented as stable for roads, tunnels and railways on difficult slopes, including at a 45-degree angle. Compensated foundations can require less excavation and transport, and the material can provide a base for machinery before piling in difficult ground.
- Green-roof and green-space applications are described as helping manage rainwater, cool cities and create wildlife habitat. The article cites a 2019 global foam-glass market value of USD 1.3 billion and a projection of USD 2 billion by 2026. Glasopor was established in 2002 and is owned by Sirkel Materialgjenvinning AS, Norway’s glass and metal recycling facility.
- SDGs shown: 9, 11 and 12. Contact: Tore Bye, Sales & Marketing Manager, tore.bye@glasopor.no; phone reveal control is collapsed. Company: GLASOPOR AS, Grenseveien 107, 0663 Oslo, Norway; glasopor.no.