The Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) announced the election of a new treasurer to the executive board and the appointment of a new board member. John Eichbauer, vice president of operations for Knauf Insulation North America, has more than 25 years of supply chain operations and capital project planning experience. He has been on the Foundation’s board since 2020 and this year was elected as the treasurer, formerly held by Ronald Holmes, director of packaging and technology at Diageo. Holmes continues on the nine-member GRF board. “I am honored to be selected to join the Foundation’s executive board, an organization that is focused on not only elevating the awareness around glass recycling but providing support for communities to take action,” said Eichbauer.
Newly elected board member, Brian Kristofic, director of sustainability at Ardagh Glass Packaging North America, brings over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, strategy development, and government affairs to the board member position. “The Glass Recycling Foundation is excited to have these industry veterans join the team and bring their passion for glass recycling,” said Scott DeFife, GRF president. “Our mission is to promote the preservation of the environment through glass recycling, and we need the talent that John and Brian bring to drive that effort forward.”
The GRF aims to support community glass recycling efforts by providing matching grants to start or expand programs. In February 2021, the GRF awarded its first grant of $10K to Erie County, PA, toward the purchase of glass recycler drop-boxes for its collaborative glass drop-off pilot project, resulting in 136 tons of glass collected in just six months. The GRF’s Don’t Trash Glass Campaign, in partnership with GlassKing and Corona, promotes glass recycling bar and restaurant glass in Chicago, IL, and Phoenix, AZ. Corona Protect Our Beaches program pilot debuts at bars and restaurants this September in Columbus, OH. “This is a unique opportunity to move ideas into reality, supporting communities that see the value in glass recycling,” said Kristofic. “I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the Foundation and the potential to have a positive impact.”