Edition Circular Glass has been launched on UNESCO International Day of Intangible Heritage

A new edition Circular Glass has been launched on the UNESCO International Day on Intangible cultural heritage, presenting more than twenty stories of European artists who demonstrate how the intersection of the creative economy and glass art is helping to preserve the traditional glassmaking craft.

Through their work, these artists explore diverse circular approaches to glass that draw on historical techniques, from interventions that give new life to discarded glass, to practices rooted in recycling glass waste and using traditional hot-glass methods.

Among the featured artists is Studio Kalff, founded by Visilice JULIET, who transforms small glass objects into striking lamps, chandeliers, and sculptural glass pieces.

The edition also presents Jugošik, studio developed by Slovenian designer and architect Nina Savič and known for its sustainable approach to lighting and furniture, inspired by the legacy of Yugoslav industry. Every piece from this brand is created by upcycling products made in Yugoslav lighting and furniture factories.

A highlight of the edition is the story of Pernille Bülow, a leading figure in circular glassmaking. Working from two studios on the Danish island of Bornholm, Bülow recycles up to 200 tons of glass each year. She has also developed a product line ReUse which is made entirely from recycled borosilicate test tubes from Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company. The ReUse line has become so popular that it has evolved into its own distinct brand: Bülow_Re:use.

The stories featured in Circular Glass Edition demonstrate how artistic imagination and sustainable thinking can coexist, offering inspiration not only to designers and craftspeople but also to anyone interested in giving new purpose to glass objects that have lost their original function.

The edition was produced with the support of the European Union through the project Glassmaking Tradition Meets Innovation.