Cullet is a word that refers to waste or broken glass. The spelling of cullet is derived from the French word "coulée," meaning "melted." The IPA phonetic transcription for cullet is /ˈkʌlɪt/. The "cu" in cullet is pronounced as /kʌ/ while the "lle" is pronounced as /lɪ/. The "t" at the end is pronounced as a hard /t/ sound. So, the correct pronunciation of cullet is "KUH-lit." This term is commonly used in the glass and recycling industries.
Cullet is a term used in the field of glass manufacturing and recycling, and it refers to broken or waste glass that is collected and reused in glass production processes. Specifically, cullet refers to post-consumer glass waste, typically obtained from recycling centers or from discarded glass containers, such as bottles and jars.
Cullet is categorized by its color and size, as different types of glass have distinct melting points and compatibility when mixed together. The collection and use of cullet in glass manufacturing is a key component of sustainable practices, as it reduces the need for new raw materials and helps conserve energy.
The cullet recycling process involves the cleaning and sorting of collected glass waste, removing any contaminants such as metals or paper labels. Once cleaned, the glass cullet is then crushed and melted in a furnace, along with other additives and raw materials, at high temperatures. The molten mixture is then shaped and cooled to create new glass products.
Using cullet in glass manufacturing offers environmental benefits by reducing the demand for virgin materials and decreasing carbon emissions. It also helps conserve natural resources, lowers energy consumption, and minimizes waste disposal. Moreover, glass made with cullet maintains the same quality and characteristics as glass produced with new materials, making it a sustainable alternative in the production cycle.
Broken glass for remelting.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cullet" originates from the French language. It is derived from the Old French term "collete" which meant "fragments of glass". Over time, the word evolved into "cullet" in English, still retaining the same meaning of small pieces of glass or broken glass fragments. The term is commonly used in the glass industry to refer to recycled or waste glass that is intended to be melted and reformed into new glass objects.