Float Glass Clear float glass is a common type of glass for windows and glass containers, especially in the food and beverage industry. The most popular type of clear float glass is soda-lime glass, named for its green color. This type of glass makes up about 90% of all manufactured glass. Clear float glass is also a preferred recycling material because it can be remelted and softened repeatedly without losing its integrity. Properties of Clear Float Glass Float glass is named for its manufacturing process. Raw materials such as silica sand, soda, lime, potash and recycled glass are melted together in a furnace. The molten glass composition is poured into a molten tin chamber. Since glass is lighter than tin, it floats to the top and forms a uniform layer on the surface. The glass then undergoes a cooling process that stabilizes and hardens it. Key characteristics of clear float glass include High light transmission: The most notable advantage of float glass is its smooth, clear surface with no streaks or bubbles. Its light transmission is usually around 85-90%. Chemically Inert: Clear float glass is non-chemically reactive and impermeable, making it ideal for applications involving contact with other substances such as food and beverages. Recyclable: Clear float glass can be recycled many times over, making it very environmentally friendly. Durable: It can be chemically tempered for greater hardness and scratch resistance.