The Us Glass Industry - Moving In New Directions

Since its formation in 1998, the direction the glass industry has been taking through the leadership of the members of the GMIC has been in line with the mission of the DOE: the reduction of energy use in melting operations. As collaboration between the GMIC and its primary partner, the DOE has evolved, a wide range of new initiatives are being explored: glass properties and qualities; raw materials; cheaper energy sources; communications with other regulatory government agencies; new forming methods, new funding mechanisms, innovative uses and types of glass. This paper describes the activities and status of these new initiatives.