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 glassâpreviously destined for landfillsâinto high-quality tile products used in kitchens, bathrooms, and pools. This innovative approach supports Goodwillâs commitment to sustainability and job creation, while providing American Glass Mosaics with 100% local recycled raw material for its handcrafted designs.
âItâs hard to find sustainable outlets for many items that donât sell through traditional resale,â said Nick Carlson, Business Development Director at Goodwill Industries of West Michigan. âThis collaboration is a win-winâdiverting waste while creating beautiful, high-end products that resonate with todayâs environmentally conscious consumers.â
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.
âWe couldnât be more excited to incorporate Goodwillâs unsold glass into our production process,â said Marcus Lee, President and CEO of American Glass Mosaics. âOur customers love knowing our tiles are made from 100% recycled materialsâand now, theyâre also helping keep unsold, community donations out of landfills.â
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.