New Glass Could Cut Carbon Footprint by Nearly Half and is 10x More Damage Resistant

A new type of glass developed by researchers at Penn State University could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of glass manufacturing while also making the material more damage resistant.

The glass, called LionGlass, is made from a combination of silica and calcium carbonate, which are both abundant and relatively inexpensive materials. The manufacturing process also requires less energy than traditional glassmaking methods, resulting in a carbon footprint that is up to 45% lower.

In addition to its environmental benefits, LionGlass is also much more damage resistant than standard soda lime silicate glass. It is up to 10 times more resistant to scratches and cracks, making it ideal for use in applications where durability is essential, such as in smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices.

The research team recently filed a patent application for LionGlass and is working to bring the product to market. If successful, LionGlass could have a major impact on the glass industry, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make glass more sustainable.