At Skyline Design, our top priority is ensuring we produce architectural products using the most environmentally-friendly methods and materials possible. We prioritize using locally sourced materials to minimize our carbon footprint and support local communities.
“We are responsible for the stewardship of our planet, and we take that responsibility seriously” – Charlie Rizzo, Founder
Material Transparency
We prioritize material transparency, and value third-party certified product components that undergo regular reassessment to ensure material consistency. We exclusively use Vitro STARPHIRE® low-iron glass which is Cradle to Cradle certified with available EPDs; inks that are REACH-certified; and publish HPDs for all of our glass products including Eco-etch®, Texture™, Vitracolor®, Define™ Glassboards, Laminated Glass, and AST Digital Printing™.
Sustainable Manufacturing Processes & Materials
At our Chicago factory, we prioritize social health and equity by ensuring the well-being of our employees and using environmentally-friendly processes and materials to ensure their safety, and the safety of the end-user. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in our core building material: glass—a material that is chemically-inert, has zero emissions, and is free from red-list materials.
Eco-etch Glass Etching
Our company utilizes an innovative method of etching glass with aluminum oxide. Our process not only produces a superior result, but it is also environmentally conscious. We recycle and reuse the aluminum oxide in a self-contained manufacturing cycle, reducing waste and minimizing our carbon footprint. This manufacturing process lightly engraves into the glass surface, resulting in an end product that is simply glass with no coatings, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Texture
Skyline Design's unique texture digital process enables us to create full or partial patterns on glass surfaces, providing both privacy and ample natural light. Our deep engraving process, coupled with a specialized coating that emits no VOCs after curing, produces a stunning effect that resembles rolled or cast glass.
Glass Laminating
We use EVA interlayers in our glass laminating process, which provides an environmentally friendly alternative to PVB. Our decision to use EVA was also influenced by the fact that it can be processed at lower temperatures, reducing our heat generation. Additionally, EVA interlayers offer better resistance to moisture, ensuring that our laminated glass products maintain their quality over time.
Vitracolor® Back-Painting
Skyline Design's Vitracolor® back-painting is a core technique that involves using water-based paint. This specially developed paint is manufactured within five miles of our factory in Chicago and took over three years to perfect. Once cured, the paint no longer contains or emits VOCs.
AST™ + FV™ Digital Printing
Skyline Design utilizes cutting-edge technology to print directly onto glass surfaces with sizes up to 72" x 144". Our two proprietary digital printing processes ensure the highest quality printing with expert color matching. Our FV™ process uses ceramic frit inks by Dip-Tech and are certified REACH-compliant, lead and cadmium free, and compatible with EU directive 2011/65/EU. Our AST™ process uses UV inks by Durst that are RoHS compliant and contain no heavy metals or other poisonous or corrosive substances.
Steps Toward Carbon Neutrality
As part of our journey towards carbon neutrality, we have taken several steps to reduce our environmental impact, including investing in a centrifuge to recycle water used our processes, replacing our lights with energy-efficient alternatives, and implementing measures to reduce our overall energy consumption.
In addition to the steps we have already taken, we are continually reevaluating our processes and exploring new innovations to ensure that we are minimizing our environmental impact and moving towards a more sustainable future.
Eco-friendly Packaging Solutions
We prioritize environmentally responsible packaging to protect our products. Our custom-made wood crates are designed to fit each order precisely, and our packing materials are recyclable, including compostable peanuts, cardboard inserts, and recycled paper padding.
Climate Health & Glass Lifecycle
Skyline Design’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in our fundamental building material: glass. Glass is a durable and long-lasting material that can be recycled and reused, which reduces its overall environmental impact.
Inclusivity and Community Partnerships
At Skyline Design, we are proud to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of our local community. We believe in the importance of inclusivity and strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of our team.
Skyline Design works with several nonprofits in Chicago to promote social equity, including:
Association House
Association House serves thousands of families each year in Chicago's westside neighborhoods, through programs that promote health and wellness, advance education, and provide economic opportunity. Skyline Design works with Association House to offer part-time, flexible work options in the Chicago factory for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Heartland Alliance
Heartland Alliance provides comprehensive services and advocates for systems change to advance social, economic, and racial justice to those who have been denied it. Skyline Design works with Heartland Alliance to provide job placement opportunities in our factory and office for refugees who have fled war, terror, and persecution.
RefugeeOne
Finding a first job is a critical step for newly-arrived refugee families. RefugeeOne aims to help every adult refugee secure a full-time job that pays a living wage within 3 months of arrival. Skyline Design works with RefugeeOne to provide job placement opportunities in our factory and office for refugees who have fled war, terror, and persecution.
Teamwork Englewood
Teamwork Englewood provides services and advocacy for returning citizens. Their strategy seeks to improve conditions for their clients by reducing and eliminating the gap between release from incarceration and employment, allowing for optimal reintegration into society.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
We take recycling seriously. Our glass products can be recycled and used as cullet for new float glass, and we use recycled materials like aluminum oxide and cullet in our processes. We also use non-toxic ceramic frit inks that are fully recyclable at the end of their life. Additionally, we have invested in a water centrifuge that cleans and recycles the water used in our glass washing and polishing processes.