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Pure Glass Media joins Sassda to drive sustainable innovation in stainless steel surface preparation

South African company Pure Glass Media has recently become a member of the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda), marking a significant step in its mission to promote sustainable surface preparation solutions within the industry. As the sales and distribution arm of Reclite SA, which specialises in recycling electronic waste into industrial materials, Pure Glass Media aims to use its Sassda membership to engage with key industry players, drive awareness, and advocate for the adoption of locally manufactured, recycled glass-based blasting media.

Pure Glass Media Operations Director Louise Cousins says, “Many in the industry are still unaware that glass media can be sourced locally and that it provides a viable alternative to traditional abrasives. By joining Sassda, we hope to bridge this knowledge gap and encourage more businesses to consider sustainable options for their stainless steel surface preparation needs.”

A shift in stainless steel blasting practices

Stainless steel finishing often relies on abrasive blasting methods using materials such as imported glass beads and steel shot as well as chemicals to clean surfaces following blasting. However, the supply chain for these materials can be unreliable, with disruptions caused by shipping delays, rising costs, and environmental concerns.

Cousins adds, “Glass media for blasting has traditionally been imported, making it both expensive and subject to logistical delays. By manufacturing it locally, we ensure greater availability while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport and mining.”

Manufacturing from electronic waste

One of the defining features of the Reclite SA product, is its origin. The glass used in the blasting media is sourced from electronic waste, including materials such as old light bulbs and, glass used in electronics. This process aligns with the principles of the circular economy, reducing landfill waste and creating a closed-loop recycling system. The recycling and reprocessing of electronic waste into industrial-grade glass media is an emerging sector in South Africa, addressing one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally.

Applications in stainless steel and beyond

While glass-based media is already well known in the stainless steel sector for its role in creating a clean, noncontaminated surface, the availability of locally produced media could encourage wider adoption. The angular shape of Reclite’s blasting media differentiates it from traditional glass beads; offering greater efficiency in surface profiling while maintaining a non-hazardous working environment for operators.

Reclite SA MD Steffen Schröder says the key advantage of the company’s product, is that it does not embed contaminants into stainless steel surfaces - a common concern when using steel shot. The non-reactive nature of glass ensures that stainless steel surfaces remain corrosion resistant,  reducing the need for chemical passivation processes after blasting.

“In stainless steel applications, one of the biggest concerns is contamination. Traditional steel shot, for example, can lead to microscopic deposits that increase the risk of corrosion. Our product eliminates that risk while maintaining the high-quality finish industries expect,” explains Schröder.

As a result, the company’s product is already in use by major industrial clients, including those in the chemical processing, food-grade manufacturing, and architectural sectors, where the aesthetics and longevity of stainless steel surfaces are critical.

Future growth and expansion

With South Africa’s industrial sector placing increasing emphasis on sustainability and cost efficiency, Pure Glass Media sees potential for further expansion, including into filtration media for swimming pools and industrial water treatment. The company is also exploring export opportunities, though its current focus remains on establishing a strong local market presence.

“In the long run, we aim to make glass media a standard in the industry, rather than an alternative,” says Cousins. “By proving its effectiveness and economic benefits, we believe we can shift industry perceptions and contribute to a more sustainable manufacturing landscape.”

Meanwhile, Reclite SA continues to refine its glass processing technology to further optimise production efficiency. According to Schröder, the company has developed specialised machinery that allows it to process large quantities of e-waste glass with minimal energy consumption, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in sustainable materials.

“We’ve gone through several iterations of our glass processing equipment to make it as member news efficient and precise as possible. We now have a system that can process high volumes while maintaining the specific grain sizes required for different industrial applications. The goal is to keep improving and expanding our capabilities to support more sectors in need of sustainable alternatives,” he says.

Turning waste into a valuable resource

As global industries move towards greener and more cost-effective solutions, the development of locally sourced, recycled blasting media could mark a turning point for South Africa’s stainless steel industry. Through its membership with Sassda, Pure Glass Media is positioned to educate, engage, and drive awareness within the sector, helping manufacturers and processors explore more sustainable and efficient surface preparation solutions.

By collaborating with industry partners and leveraging innovative recycling technologies, Pure Glass Media and Reclite SA are paving the way for a more circular economy in industrial manufacturing - one where waste becomes a valuable resource, rather than a burden.