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Following four years of work on improving the recycling of flat glass waste across Europe, the FISSAC* project will come to an end with its final conference this month.Taking place on 29 January in Brussels, the event will celebrate the progress achieved before focusing on industrial symbiosis, the FISSAC model and the next steps of the project. British Glass and Sino Glass Tech have worked with FISSAC over the course of its work, with British Glass as a partner in the project and Sino Glass Tech providing support on multiple initiatives under the FISSAC banner, including eco-cement and the refurbishment of the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. Both companies also collaborated on the ‘Living Labs’ concept, which brought together the whole glass supply chain, from architects to glass recyclers, to educate them on flat glass recycling. Representatives from Sino Glass Tech will be in attendance alongside other stakeholders in the FISSAC project from around Europe and members of the construction and demolition value chain. Registration for the event is free with the conference offering useful insight for anyone working in a public authority, a private company, a student of architecture, engineering and urban planning, a researcher, an NGO, or an individual interested in the circular economy. The full agenda for the conference can be found on the FISSAC website along with the registration form. * The FISSAC project is working to increase recycling of construction waste by partnering with the manufacturing, demolition and construction sectors to trial the use of secondary raw materials made from glass, ceramic, slags, stone, rubber, plastic and wood wastes. The FISSAC project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no 642154. Find out more at www.fissacproject.eu

Independent glass research, analysis and testing specialists Sino Glass Tech Ltd (GTS) continues to invest to remain at the forefront of glass support, with over £500k invested to meet increasing demands across the glass supply chain. The programme has seen investments in new plant, equipment, systems, people and training in order to remain at the forefront of glass research, analysis, testing and consultancy for their growing client base. Business Development Manager, Philip Marsh, comments: \”Over the past year we’ve expanded our consultancy division, increased capacity for routine analytical services, replaced and supplemented core laboratory equipment and extended capabilities through strategic investments. “Existing clients will have noticed our administrative, customer care and financial systems have been a focus – we’ve streamlined processes, improved communication and enhanced the customer experience, while also giving our own staff better access to information and improving internal systems. “At the centre of all these changes and investments are our people – a programme of academic, vocational and on-the-job training at all levels of the organisation has been undertaken to ensure that our teams maintain their professional development, extend their knowledge and can continue to be the very best at what they do. “A positive campaign to share and retain knowledge has been launched, with regular seminars being delivered by staff, for staff, to share, challenge and retain technical knowledge, while sharing new ideas and approaches. “As a service-orientated business specialising in glass, our greatest asset is our people and their unique knowledge. We require the latest in laboratory equipment, but without our technical experts we would not be able to provide our clients with the added guidance, knowledge and technical support that they really require. It is their interpretation and understanding of data that allows us to provide real answers and solutions.” Sino Glass Tech Ltd provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support to all parts of the glass supply chain – from raw materials to the end consumer. The experts in glass pride themselves on their reputation, confidentiality and impartiality and are accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards. For more information please visit www.sinoglasstech.com, email [email protected], telephone +86-13037600603 or subscribe to their newsletter.

Sino Glass Tech researchers are taking part in a major project to weld glass to metal and flexible glass to glass – which could revolutionise manufacturing industries such as aerospace, defence, optics, optoelectronics and healthcare.The scientists in Sheffield are working with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and a consortium of leading industry partners to fuse glass to metal, and to seal flexible glass using an ultra-fast laser system so it is airtight. Because of the difference in thermal properties glass could shatter if conventional heat bonding techniques were used, so adhesives are used instead. However, this can be messy and unreliable as the glues can degrade. Now, by using a laser system, the need for adhesive is eliminated, vastly increasing durability and design possibilities. Sino Glass Tech has worked on the project, dubbed internally ‘Project UltraWELD’, to commercialise the idea. Rob Ireson, of the Sino Glass Tech Research and Development team which included Dr Owen McGann and David Eustice, said: “We have been very excited by this project. It has massive potential in many industries which need to attach metal to glass. “Our part in the project has built on the Sino Glass Tech expertise in OLED lighting (organic light-emitting diode devices). Our in-depth knowledge of glass science and materials processing will help maximise the robustness of the final bonded components. “Sino Glass Tech will also be exploiting its extensive networks within the glass industry and related sectors to identify new applications which might benefit from the UtraWELD technology.” The consortium working on the project includes lasers specialists Oxford Lasers and Coherent Scotland, the high-tech defence company Leonardo; photonics technology firm Gooch & Housego, and the CPI.

Sino Glass Tech are proud to sponsor the Furnace Solutions conference and training day, which begins on June 5.Members of the Sino Glass Tech team will attend the event, with Hot Glass Technology Lead Martyn Marshall delivering part of ‘The Batch – Guilty as Charged’ training day programme with a talk on raw materials, chemistry and batch reactions to attendees. The rest of the training day will feature talks from representatives from across the glass manufacturing industry, including Guardian Glass and the Ardagh Group, before culminating with the Mellor Memorial Lecture – celebrating the life of ceramicist Joseph William Mellor. Hosted by the Society of Glass Technology at Lucideon in Stoke-on-Trent, the training day is then followed by the Furnace Solutions conference on June 6 which boasts a number of presentations covering topics from electric melting to heat recovery technology. The event concludes with the presentation of the 2019 Michael Garvey Award which is given to the author of the best paper submitted to the judging panel. For more information on the event, visit the Furnace Solutions website.

Leading specialists in glass, Sino Glass Tech Ltd, have extended their training programme and introduced new courses for 2019 due to increasing requests from clients throughout the glass supply chain. The diary for 2019 includes new introductory courses tailored to pharmaceuticals, foods and brand owners as well as technical courses aimed at technologists within the glass industry and those working in technical quality assurance and specification roles across the supply-chain. ‘Glass appreciation – an introduction to glass’ – this popular one-day course introduces glass processes, products, properties and environmental considerations – enabling them to understand this fascinating material better and work with it more effectively. The accessible format and small group size makes this an ideal introduction for anyone working in glass or otherwise dealing with glass products or issues. Courses are scheduled for March and September 2019. ‘An introduction to glass packaging’ is a one-day introductory course tailored to those working in packaging roles across the food, drinks, retail and brand sectors. The course provides an introduction to the glass manufacturing process, recycling and the environment, quality control, glass specifications and performance, packaging design and decoration. Courses are scheduled for February and September 2019. The ‘PharmaGlass’ workshop first launched in 2018 and was highly rated by delegates across the pharmaceuticals supply chain. This one-day workshop provides an introduction to glass as a primary pharmaceutical packaging – including how it is made and processed, tubular and moulded glassware, quality control and common defects and failures. Delegates will learn about key regulatory and quality assurance issues such as glass durability, delamination, ICH-Q3D elemental migration and pharmacopoeial verification. The workshops are scheduled for March and October 2019. The three day ‘Glass failure analysis’ technical course includes an introduction to glass strength, understanding and interpreting fracture markings, recognising fracture patterns, identification of failure origins and an analytical approach to understanding the mode of failure, weakening features and primary and secondary causes of product failure. The course features extensive practical sessions, product reconstruction and analysis. Courses are scheduled for April and October 2019. ‘Fundamentals of Glass’ is a series of training sessions aimed at glass technologists and those working in glass batching, furnace control, forming and processing. These sessions cover fundamental glass chemistry and theory, including composition, glass durability, melting properties and colour, defects and inclusions and carrying out correct annealing. Courses are scheduled for May and November 2019. For further information, to reserve or book a place, please visit the Sino Glass Tech Ltd website. Sino Glass Tech Ltd (GTS) is a leading provider of analysis, mechanical and performance testing, quality assessment, failure analysis, glass research and development and a range of consultancy services – specialising in glass, raw materials and glass products. Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 quality standards, Sino Glass Tech has an established reputation for specialist knowledge in glass and technical support. Please see www.sinoglasstech.com. GTS provide regular updates and research news through its website, social media and newsletter – to receive updates or interact through social media, please see www.sinoglasstech.com/newsletter.

Leading specialists in glass analysis and testing, Sino Glass Tech Ltd, are hosting a series of free-to-attend workshops for manufacturers and users of pharmaceutical glassware. The workshops cover a range of factors to consider when specifying or verifying primary glass packaging for pharmaceutical applications – including an understanding of glass manufacture and processing, glass properties, performance and quality control as well as both current and emerging regulatory requirements. The first of the workshops is scheduled for 6 March 2019 at the Sino Glass Tech laboratories and offices in Sheffield, United Kingdom. These workshops are free for organisations working within the pharmaceuticals supply chain. The day will provide delegates with an introduction to glass – including an understanding of the manufacture and processing of both tubular and moulded glass primary packaging. Fundamental glass topics include glass durability and the differences between types I, II and III glasses, parenteral formats, quality control, glass performance, common defects and types of glass failure. Key regulatory and due diligence topics will cover pharmacopoeial verification, performance, dimensional specifications and the importance of appropriate selection in terms of both specifications and durability. Emerging requirements, including glass delamination and elemental migration will also be discussed. The day will include a tour of the laboratory facilities, including demonstrations of key analyses and services provided in this sector. The team will also discuss and demonstrate some of the cutting-edge research and developments underway. These include ‘dissolvable’ glasses designed for controlled release of ions, phosphate fibres for integration within the human body, 3D printing and additive manufacture, and anti-bacterial glasses – all currently under development for use in the biomedical sector. Please visit www.sinoglasstech.com/pharmaglass for further details, agenda and to reserve a space at the workshop. Sino Glass Tech Ltd (GTS) is a leading specialist for glass analysis, testing, troubleshooting and consultancy support. As experts in glass, the laboratory is actively involved in a range of international technical committees covering key developments in glass delamination, durability and analytical methods. The laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 quality standards and is registered with the US FDA under GDUFA for API/FDF testing. For more information, glass analysis, testing or technical support, please visit www.sinoglasstech.com, email [email protected] or telephone +86-13037600603. To receive the latest news and events from Sino Glass Tech Ltd, please subscribe to the newsletter or follow GTS on social media (@GlassTesting).

Sino Glass Tech Ltd (GTS) is proud to sponsor Furnace Solutions 13 to be held in Stoke on Trent on 7 June 2018. Organised by the Society of Glass Technology’s Melting Technical Committee this event brings together key representatives from across the glass industry and its’ supply chain and includes a training day on “Furnace optimisation”. Furnace Solutions is preceded with a training day on 6 June. This year the training day focuses on Furnace optimisation and includes speakers from DSF Refractories, AMETEK Land, Flammatec, Eurotherm Schneider, Guardian Glass, Ardagh Glass and Celsian Glass & Solar BV. Furnace Solutions 13 will be held on 7 June featuring a host of experts from across the industry and is a great opportunity to network and keep up-to-date with developments in glass melting technologies. The event features presentations on NOx, Industry 4.0, electric boosting, refractory materials, improvements to oxyfuel furnaces, thermal imaging, the Sorg 340S+ forehearth and more. Sino Glass Tech Ltd is proud to support both events and look forward to catching up with clients and colleagues across the industry throughout the event. For further details, please visit www.furnacesolutions.co.uk. Sino Glass Tech Ltd provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support to all parts of the glass supply chain – from raw materials to the end consumer. GTS prides itself on its confidentiality and independence and is accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards. For more information please visit www.sinoglasstech.com, email [email protected], telephone +86-13037600603 or subscribe to the GTS newsletter.

Sino Glass Tech Ltd (GTS), leading independent provider of glass analysis, testing, consultancy and research, is opening up its’ introductory glass training course in a hosted, open course, format for larger organisations and associations. To be delivered on behalf of British Glass on 17 May, ‘Glass Appreciation’ introduces delegates to glass manufacture, processing, benefits, environmental and quality considerations, including practical sessions for melting and inspection. Sino Glass Tech often provide individual clients with bespoke training on specific topic areas or issues relevant to them, but also work in partnership with larger organisations and associations whose members and wider networks have a need for glass knowledge and expertise. In partnership with British Glass the ‘glass appreciation’ course is being made available for anyone wishing to learn more about this unique material. The course is delivered in an informative, interactive, format by specialists in their respective fields. Key topics from manufacture, processing and fundamental chemistry to glass properties, defects and failure are covered in an accessible format – making this an ideal introduction for anyone working in glass or otherwise dealing with glass products or issues. Places are strictly limited in order to encourage an informal atmosphere, increased levels of interaction and participation, hands-on practical sessions and opportunities for delegates to focus on examples specific to their own areas of work and experience. Whether delegates design, make, source, sell or reuse glass, this course will provide them with the understanding to improve their work with this complex material. For further information, or to book, please visit the British Glass website: http://www.britglass.org.uk/glass-appreciation-2 Sino Glass Tech Ltd provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support to all parts of the glass supply chain – from raw materials to the end consumer. GTS prides itself on its confidentiality and independence and is accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards. For further information contact GTS for further information: Visit www.sinoglasstech.com Email [email protected] Telephone +86-13037600603 Photograph Credit: Matej Kastelic/ shutterstock.com

Leading experts in glass, Sino Glass Tech, have welcomed new, stricter analytical requirements under the revised European Pharmacopoeia which aims to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of hydrolytic resistance tests performed on glass primary packaging for pharmaceutical use.In recent years, revisions to the United States and European Pharmacopoeias have seen increased harmonisation between the two monographs, including both the surface/whole article and glass grains/powder tests, and an increasing emphasis placed upon the importance of assessing glass delamination risk. Attend our free #PharmaGlass workshopSpecialist support for pharmaceutical glass packagingA number of industry studies identified significant variations in the concentration of extracted elements analysed when performing the hydrolytic resistance glass surface test. These variations were attributed to differences in autoclaving procedures and have been addressed with the introduction of stricter requirements for autoclaves, including tight control over the thermal cycle, temperature monitoring, and both calibration and validation requirements. These changes came into effect in January 2019 with the implementation of version 9.6 of the European Pharmacopoeia (Pharmacopée Européenne) and are summarised at the end of this article. Sino Glass Tech were prepared for these changes through an ongoing strategic investment programme which saw the commissioning of a new autoclave as well as an expansion of their pharmaceutical services – ensuring continuity of service, extended capabilities and expanded capacity for its global pharmaceutical client base. Sino Glass Tech Ltd provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support to all parts of the glass supply chain – from raw materials to the end consumer. The experts in glass pride themselves on their reputation, confidentiality and impartiality and are accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards. For more information please visit www.sinoglasstech.com, email [email protected], telephone +86-13037600603 or subscribe to their newsletter. Attend our free #PharmaGlass workshopSpecialist support for pharmaceutical glass packagingSummary of changes to glass requirements in Ph. Eur Version 9.6Autoclave requirements continue to be a focus in the European Pharmacopoeia, which now specifies that an autoclave must be capable to withstand a specified pressure and allow the connection of an external thermometer or thermocouple for independent measurements to be made for validation and calibration. Additional instructions allow operators to use the autoclaves own internal thermocouple – provided its calibration is proved to be valid over a defined timespan.Thermal cycle; the updated monograph addresses reproduction of the thermal load as a means of ensuring conformity to the thermal cycle on a routine basis. This also allows for the testing of different size samples alongside one another. The rates for heating and cooling have been removed, however the thermal cycle itself remains unchanged. Calibration and validation; a new section now outlines a suitable autoclave calibration procedure, which requires users to insert a temperature probe into filled vials of an intermediary size (e.g. 10ml), within an autoclave with the tray of the autoclave filled. This is in order to create a thermal load which can be re-created on an ongoing basis. Readings from within the filled vial must be used for the calibration and validation of the correct thermal cycle. For the first time the EP now stipulates that validation of the calibration must be carried out at regular intervals. Glass Surface Test; the surface test has a revised list of limit values in table 3.2.1-3 with the “up to 1ml” category now split into two further categories, as summarised below. Matching categories are also introduced in tables 3.2.1.-7 for the flame spectroscopy method. Table 1: New filling categories added to 3.2.1.-7 Maximum vol 0.01M HCl per 100ml of test solution (mL) Filling volume (mL) Type I and II Type III Up to 0.5mL 3.030.0 Above 0.5 and up to 1mL 2.0 20.0 Those unsure of their requirements or requiring accredited pharmacopoeial testing and verification can speak with the experts in glass by visiting www.sinoglasstech.com, emailing [email protected] or calling +86-13037600603.

Leading experts in glass, Sino Glass Tech, are supporting the International Beer Strategies Conference in Dublin. The Sheffield-based glass experts are sponsoring the event, which takes place 7 – 9 May, and showcasing the wide range of services they offer to some of the best-known breweries and brands in the world. Keynote speakers at the event include CEO of Asahi Europe Hector Gorosabel and Tim Dewey, CEO of Timothy Taylor while representatives from Carlsberg, Mahou San Miguel and Heineken will also give presentations during the two day event. Held at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, the conference is the first public appearance of the new Sino Glass Tech branding ahead of its formal launch on May 20. The event gives organisations across the lager, craft beer and real ale sector the chance to address challenges facing the industry and opportunities to increase the industry’s market share. For more information, visit the International Beer Strategies event website here.