Goodwill Industries of West Michigan has partnered with Spring Lake-based American Glass Mosaics in a creative, eco-friendly initiative that transforms unsold glass donations into premium tile backsplashes and decorative surfaces.
Launched in summer 2024, the partnership repurposes excess clear glass鈥攑reviously destined for landfills鈥攊nto high-quality tile products used in kitchens, bathrooms, and pools. This innovative approach supports Goodwill鈥檚 commitment to sustainability and job creation, while providing American Glass Mosaics with 100% local recycled raw material for its handcrafted designs.
鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to find sustainable outlets for many items that don鈥檛 sell through traditional resale,鈥� said Nick Carlson, Business Development Director at Goodwill Industries of West Michigan. 鈥淭his collaboration is a win-win鈥攄iverting waste while creating beautiful, high-end products that resonate with today鈥檚 environmentally conscious consumers.鈥�
Founded in 1950, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, a local not-for-profit organization funds critical job training and placement services through its retail operations. While many donated items find new homes via Goodwill stores, others remain unsold. The new partnership provides a responsible and artistic second life for these materials.
鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 be more excited to incorporate Goodwill鈥檚 unsold glass into our production process,鈥� said Marcus Lee, President and CEO of American Glass Mosaics. 鈥淥ur customers love knowing our tiles are made from 100% recycled materials鈥攁nd now, they鈥檙e also helping keep unsold, community donations out of landfills.鈥�
Together, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan and American Glass Mosaics aim to divert and repurpose at approximately 100,000 lbs of glass annually, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and local impact.