Sustainability - Skyline

At Skyline, our focus is on the measurable impact we have, not just the words we use.

When it comes to sustainability and responsible practices, we as manufacturers must continually refine our approach. This document breaks down our dedication to domestic manufacturing, creativity, and local responsibility as we produce glass products that are both eco-friendly and of the highest standard of quality.

In 1983 Charlie Rizzo founded Skyline, tapping into Chicago’s vibrant culture of creative production. Initially specializing in fiberglass and resin, the company soon shifted exclusively to architectural glass, beginning a longstanding commitment to sustainability and producing durable, eco-conscious products.

Glass, Clearly

Our sustainable commitment begins with our core building material, glass.

Glass has a relatively short list of required materials. Here’s a breakdown of those materials and their sources:

Glass / Midwest + East Coast, USA
Metal / Midwest, USA
Wood / Canada
Inks / East Coast, USA
Paint / Chicago, IL, USA
Eco-etch / Chicago, IL, USA

100% of Skyline’s glass decoration and fabrication take place in our Chicago factory.

This is made possible by the skilled labor of our makers, quality of our materials, and efficiency of our processes.

We carefully select our materials and methods to support the health of both people and the planet.

We work with carefully chosen suppliers, partners, and vendors who share our focus on product quality and longevity. This approach helps us keep delivery times short while maintaining stringent environmental standards.

Certifications

Skyline is a hometown, world-class production facility based in Chicago city limits since 1983. We’re proud to align with the following certifications:

LEED Contributions

Energy & Atmosphere, Credit 1
Skyline glass enhances natural lighting, potentially reducing energy consumption by lowering the need for artificial lighting and HVAC usage.

Materials & Resources, Credit 5.1 – 5.2
Skyline’s central location in the Midwest and regionally sourced materials can help projects meet regional material sourcing requirements.

Indoor Environmental Quality, Credit 4.1 – 4.2
Skyline’s processes have a Clean Air Gold Certification as low-VOC, contributing to healthier indoor environments.

Indoor Environmental Quality, Credit 8.1
Skyline’s glass designs provide natural lighting while maintaining privacy, supporting daylighting and views in regularly occupied spaces.

Innovation & Design Process, Credit 8.1
Skyline’s innovative glass designs and processes support sustainable building practices and enhance overall building performance.

What’s in Skyline Products?

We create decorative glass using sustainable methods that reduce waste, save resources, cut transportation needs, and use eco-friendly materials.

Vitracolor® Back-painting
Locally made, water-based, low-VOC paint is applied to the glass with a uniform, opaque finish. Learn more

Eco-etch®
Chemical-free process using recycled aluminum oxide to permanently etch intricate patterns into the glass surface for interior and exterior applications.

Digital Printing™
Our digital printing techniques use REACH-compliant ceramic frit inks that are free from lead, cadmium, and heavy metals.

Laminated Smart Glass
Our process utilizes EVA interlayers, which allow for lower processing temperatures. This is not only energy efficient but also results in a more durable, long-lasting and optically clear final product.

Social Health & Equity

Our workforce reflects the diversity of our local community, and we are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all team members. Employee retention is high, with many staff members having been with the company for over 10 years.

Jobs for Refugees
We collaborate with RefugeeOne and Heartland Alliance to provide job placement opportunities for refugees fleeing conflict and persecution.

Jobs for Individuals with Disabilities
We work with Association House to offer part-time, flexible work options for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Re-entry Program Support
We support Teamwork Englewood, a re-entry program that provides opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, reinforcing our commitment to social equity and inclusivity.

Space for Local Creatives & Makers
Skyline offers below-market rents to various creators, including ceramists, authors, and photographers, within our 150,000 square foot warehouse.

Educational Programs
We partner with the University of Chicago to bring in groups of students for two annual studies to evaluate our sustainability and manufacturing processes. and employ interns through the Chicago Public Schools program to provide office and manufacturing experience before they enter college.

Pollution Prevention

We focus on minimizing environmental impacts by addressing pollution at its source—before recycling, treatment, or disposal.

Modified Production Processes
We prioritize non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials, such as water-based and low-VOC paints, PVC-free films and interlayers, and a chemical-free glass etching process.

Water Conservation
We have invested in a state-of-the-art water centrifuge to clean and recycle water from our glass treatment processes and work with local programs to responsibly dispose of any waste.

Material Sourcing + Logistics
By sourcing raw materials from regional suppliers, we reduce transportation emissions and the overall carbon footprint of our supply chain.

Energy-Efficient Equipment
Our continuous investment in high-efficiency machinery reduces energy consumption in production. These machines help minimize emissions by using less electricity and generating lower levels of heat and waste during operation.

Emission Controls
We regularly monitor air quality within our facility, using filtration systems to protect our staff and the environment from harmful pollutants.

Renewable Energy by 2030
We are committed to installing solar power on the rooftops of our Chicago factory by 2030, advancing our sustainability goals.

Resource Conservation

We ensure that waste is not only reduced but repurposed, promoting a more sustainable and responsible manufacturing practice.

Water and Energy Efficiency
We’ve installed water-efficient toilets and faucets and energy-efficient light bulbs throughout our facilities.

Reuse of Materials
Excess glass from job production is reused to create samples, while excess metal is repurposed to reinforce our shipping crates.

Smart Packaging Solutions
Custom wood crates are designed to fit each order precisely, supporting a damage rate of <0.1%. This reduces material use and waste, conserving these materials that would be needed for damage replacement and re-shipping.

Packing materials utilize compostable packing peanuts, cardboard inserts, and recycled paper padding.

On-Site Laundering
We use on-site laundering for shop towels and gloves, reducing the need for disposable alternatives and minimizing waste.