Press Release

Glass Manufacturing Industry Council Announces New Research Program for Glass Industry Members

G+ - (Glass – Project Laboratory User Services) program supports individualized research projects at National Laboratories

Westerville, OH, October 1, 2000: The Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC), in conjunction with the Department of Energy’s Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT), is pleased to announce the launch of a new program designed to encourage glass company members of the trade association to conduct small-scale research projects (less than $25,000 expense) using the expertise, facilities and cutting-edge technology equipment at any one of our 17 National Laboratories.

On an annual basis, each glass-manufacturing member, using a simplified form available from GMIC offices, will be eligible to apply for a research project to be carried out at the lab of their choice.  They will be encouraged to identify a problem or challenge in their operation which they would have difficulty resolving on their own, but which, with their extensive capabilities, the labs might be able to address successfully.  Costs, up to just under $25,000 will be borne by the glass industry research portfolio budget, a portion of which has been earmarked for that purpose.  It is estimated that this sum will cover the necessary manpower, facility and equipment costs at a laboratory for about one month … ample time to complete a properly-designed project!

Research conducted must relate to the OIT priorities and should contribute to addressing one or more elements on the “Glass Industry Roadmap” which was drafted several years ago by glass industry members.  Results of the research can be proprietary or for public dissemination, but patentable technologies can be held by the submitting company.

GMIC glass industry members represent all four sectors of the glass industry: container, flat, fiber and specialty glass.  Associate members include universities, research institutes and others with interest in the industry.  They work together and in conjunction with the Department of Energy and other organizations to identify and manage pre-competitive research that represents opportunities for the industry to develop new energy efficient and environmentally responsible solutions to many common challenges.  A 3-year $12,000,000 research program consisting of 5 projects focusing on: energy efficiency, production efficiency, environmental, and innovative uses has just been announced through congress.  New projects will be underway in a few weeks.

The organization is planning a full day workshop to be held in Washington, DC on February 22, 2001 entitled: “Glass Melting Technologies of the Future” which will initiate a major effort to bring about a significant leap forward in the method of melting glass as we move into the 21^st Century.  The basic approach has remained substantially unchanged for over 100 years.

GMIC members involved with these projects include:

For more information on G+ or the GMIC please contact Michael Greenman, GMIC Executive Director at (614) 818-9423 or e-mail: mgreenman@gmic.org