The Glass Studio
Our Glass Studio demonstrates the magic of the circular economy, transforming discarded bottles into hand-crafted treasure. While our journey began in Cane Garden Bay, we are now looking toward the future as we prepare to bring this hub of upcycling and innovation to Virgin Gorda.
How we do it
JOB CREATION
Our Glass Studio creates sustainable careers by pairing experienced glassblowers with local apprentices. While mastering ‘hot glass’ techniques is a five-year journey, apprentices can more quickly develop specialized skills through torch work. To ensure world-class standards, our Guest Glassblower Programme brings international experts to the BVI to mentor our team and share global best practices.
INNOVATION
We are redefining the future of glassblowing by solving the industry’s greatest challenge: energy dependence. Our new studio will pioneer a carbon-neutral energy mix, transitioning away from expensive traditional fuels to a locally sourced, circular system. By converting used vegetable oil (UVO) and organic waste—such as food scraps and Sargassum—into high-heat biofuel and methane, we are proving that heritage crafts can thrive in a sustainable future.
PARTNERSHIPS
Our journey into green technology began in 2014 when we partnered with Xaquixe in Mexico, renowned innovators in sustainable glass production. We will expand that vision by working with international experts in anaerobic digestion. Our goal is to develop a custom Anaerobic Digester that will complement the biofuel process, to convert organic waste into a clean, renewable energy source for the Studio.
WHAT WE UPCYCLE
UPCYCLING GLASS
Glass bottles don’t just take up valuable space at the dumpsites; they damage our infrastructure. Manual glass removal requires 20 days of incinerator downtime annually on Tortola, creating hazardous conditions for our community. By diverting glass, we reduce toxic emissions and dumpsite pressure. We take that same “waste” and convert it into world-class Glass Art – proving that a circular economy is not only possible but beautiful.
POWERING ART WITH UPCYCLED OIL
To enhance the sustainability of the Glass Studio, we will use Used Vegetable Oil (UVO) from local restaurants as an alternative fuel source. This initiative provides a double benefit: it demonstrates a viable alternative to expensive fossil fuels and helps alleviate critical infrastructure issues caused by discarded grease clogging the BVI’s sewer lines.
TEXTILE UPCYCLING AND SOCIAL IMPACT
Our commitment to a zero-waste studio extends to our packaging. Our product bags are hand-crafted from discarded textiles, such as upcycled t-shirts. This initiative was pioneered by our dear friend and mentor, Barbara Bailey, who shared her expertise to train prison inmates in this creative upcycling process – providing both environmental solutions and valuable vocational skills.
REPURPOSED PACKAGING
Innovation often starts with a simple, brilliant idea. To minimize our environmental footprint, we repurpose discarded cardboard boxes by turning them inside out and screen-printing them with the Green VI logo. This creative solution – pioneered by Adina Potter – provides professional, branded packaging while giving “waste” cardboard a second life.
PALLET WOOD CRAFTMANSHIP
Every detail matters. To create premium packaging for our upcycled glass, we partner with gifted local woodworker Eldred Scatliffe. Eldred transforms discarded wooden pallets – which are typically sent to the dumpsite – into beautiful, handcrafted gift boxes. This collaboration turns a common waste material into a high-quality showcase for BVI art.
UPCYCLING FOOD WASTE INTO ENERGY
We aim to close the loop by integrating food waste into an Anaerobic Digester. This advanced system will convert organic materials into methane a a clean, renewable energy source perfectly suited for powering the high-heat demands of the Glass Studio furnace. By diverting food scraps from the dumpsite, we reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while fueling the creative arts.
ADVANCED ORGANIC DIVERSION
We aim to address some of the most challenging waste streams by integrating organic byproducts – including materials from the local abattoir – into the Anaerobic Digester. When processed, these high-energy organic materials produce methane, a clean fuel perfectly suited for the intense heat requirements of the Glass Studio furnace. This process transforms a difficult waste management issue into a reliable source of clean renewable energy.
EXPLORING SARGASSUM SOLUTIONS
We are exploring the potential of Sargassum seaweed as a renewable energy source. Through rigorous testing, we aim to determine the energy content of these seasonal blooms for integration into our Anaerobic Digester. If successful, this would transform a coastal challenge into a local resource, producing the methane needed to power the high-heat furnaces of the Glass Studio.
GLASS STUDIO GALLERY
Products
Studio & People
Fragile Tings
Glass Studio by Paul Dzioba
Green VI Moving to Biofuel by JTV
Barbara’s Bags
Glass Studio by Cpt. Rick Moore
Glass Studio by SeeBVI
ECOPARKS
Green VI’s EcoParks demonstrate how humans and the natural world can live in harmony – through innovation and symbiosis. The aim is to create Centres of Excellence that are sustainable, scalable and replicable models. They will feature best practices for Materials Management, Food Security, Renewable Energy, Water Management and Education – all designed to engage and inspire visitors.