What You Should Know about Bio Glass Architectural Glass Products

Bio glass is not as environmentally friendly as many consumers expect.

This kind of product claims to be made from 100 percent recycled glass, and the product itself is meant to be fully recyclable. However, TCG Glass is not aware of any glass in the world that is truly 100 percent recycled.

Beyond that, bio glass is all produced in large sheets overseas in China. These mass-produced sheets are then shipped to the United States. Then they’re shipped again to various countertop manufacturers around North America for individual fabrication.

We know this because we’ve been approached by numerous factories asking us if we want to buy their glass. Our answer is always no. We have photos of their manufacturing process in China and have samples on hand to reference and to show customers whenever they ask.

The environmental impact of transporting the glass around the globe significantly degrades its claims of being a green product.

Is Bio Glass Durable?

Because this glass product is mass produced (as opposed to custom created), it is a lower-end commodity product. This means you have to be more concerned about potential quality issues. That includes costly repairs or even untimely replacement.

When you’re getting quotes for architectural glass products, it’s critical to factor in the whole picture and not price alone. (Often the lowest glass flooring bid isn’t the best bid.)

Choosing your glass product on nothing other than price poses two significant problems:

• It could end up costing you more in the long run. When you factor in the cost of repairs or full replacement, that lower bid quickly becomes a less favorable prospect. When making your decision, think about the lifetime value of the product. Not just the immediate price tag. (This is also to say nothing of the time and hassle of having to deal with these repairs or full product failure!)

• Low-quality glass products pose a safety hazard. If your glass product does fail due to poor quality, you very quickly have a safety issue on your hand. Then there are liability considerations to take into account. If someone gets hurt because of a poorly engineered, manufactured, or installed glass product, you or your business could be financially and legally liable. (For one worst-case scenario, read about this tragic glass bridge failure in Indonesia.)

Is Bio Glass Custom Created?

Bio glass is a mass-produced product. This means everyone who uses it ends up with the same end result. There is no individuality, uniqueness, or “specialness” about the product. (It’s like driving a white car. Boring and vanilla!)

If you’re looking for a custom, high-quality product that’s truly one-of-a-kind and never mass produced, see what our ThickGlass™ countertops offer. 

Have Any Questions about Selecting the Right Architectural Glass for Your Project?

Whether you’re completing a residential or commercial project, choosing the right architectural glass manufacturer and product can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help!

Need an estimate for your architectural glass product? Want to know more about a type of glass you’re considering? Have any questions at all about this process or the world of glass? Don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re TCG, experts in custom architectural glass manufacturing, and we’re always happy to answer your questions!