Recycled Glass
In Mexico, discarded glass bottles are collected and transformed into unique, hand-blown pieces at our studio in Mexico City. The recycled glass captures light with organic depth, and small air bubbles formed during the melting process create texture. Fused at 1600°C for precision shaping, each piece carries the story of renewal. Its imperfections are part of its charm, reflecting the legacy of transformation.
RECYCLED GLASS
In workshops across the country, artisans still use age-old techniques: A dance between fire and craftsmanship.
PROCESS
Artisans gather and blow the molten material, forming delicate air bubbles inside.
CONTEXT
Glassblowing arrived in the country in the 16th century, and ever since, artisans have been shaping molten glass into functional art.
GLASS JARS
The thick-rimmed blue glasses found in fondas, the oversized glass jars used for aguas frescas, or the sculptural bottles in mercados.
Origin
Recycled glass in Mexico is about sustainability and giving discarded materials a second chance. Glassblowing has been practiced since the 16th century, and while fewer workshops remain today, we work with glass collected from Mexico City to keep it in use rather than letting it go to waste.
Culture and Significance
Handblown glass is a cornerstone of Mexican culture, seen in markets and cantinas across the country. Beyond everyday use, it’s a craft that requires precision and knowledge, passed down through generations. The process is a delicate balance between fire and craftsmanship, creating pieces that are always unique.
Crafting Process
The process starts with collecting and cleaning the discarded bottles. The glass is then melted in a furnace, gathered with a heated metal tube, and blown to form delicate air bubbles. After reheating, it’s shaped and slowly cooled to avoid cracks, ensuring each piece is unique.
TEXTURE CREATED
DURING MELTING
PROCESS
PROCESS
FUSED AT 1600°C
OVEN
Traditional Uses
Recycled glass has long been part of Mexican daily life, valued for its beauty and functionality. It can be found in everything from the thick-rimmed blue glasses in fondas to the sculptural bottles in mercados, each piece marked by the natural imperfections created in the recycling process.
