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Inspection: Asia raises the glass quality bar S e e U s At
26 TEC 20 S S A L G
• Glass tableware in ASEAN: Growth or decline? • Renewable energy: Solar boom fuels glass manufacturing growth • Soda ash: Squeeze on capacity, where does Asia stand? • Logistics in global glass: Efficiency and precision • COUNTRY FOCUS: USA – Trade opportunities and technological partnerships with asian glass producers
Plus news, views, analysis and much more!
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Welcome
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elcome to the fourth issue of Asian Glass for 2026.
Precision has always mattered in glassmaking, but these days it stretches well beyond the production line. Manufacturers want tighter control over quality, energy use, raw materials and supply chains – all while responding to shifts in technology, costs and demand.
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CONTACT DETAILS EDITOR
Inspection: Asia raises the glass quality bar
Editor Isaac Hamza Email: ihamza@asianglass.com Direct line: + 44 (0) 7494 867 169
See Us At GLASSTEC 2026
• Glass tableware in ASEAN: Growth or decline? • Renewable energ y: Solar boom fuels glass manufacturing • Soda ash: Sque growth eze on capacity, where does Asia stand? • Logistics in globa l glass: Efficiency and precision • COUNTRY FOCU S: USA – Trade oppo partnerships with asian glass producers rtunities and technological
Our cover story picks up that thread. Yogender Singh Malik reports on how artificial intelligence (AI), automation and advanced vision systems are reshaping glass inspection Plus news, view s, analysis and muc across Asia. With production speeds rising and products h more! getting lighter and more technically demanding, inspection is no longer just a final check for defects – it is becoming part of the manufacturing process itself, helping producers improve quality, consistency and efficiency. AG Covers_CURR
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ADVERTISING AND DESIGN Advertising Sales Paul Russell Email: prussell@asianglass.com Direct line: + 44 (0) 7494 866 793
17/09/2026 15:28
Solar glass has strong long-term prospects as solar power keeps expanding worldwide. Rohan Gunasekera looks at a sector caught between that promise and a harder present: rapid capacity growth has left it oversupplied and under price pressure. Trade measures, and unease over reliance on Chinese supply, are pushing more countries to develop their own solar manufacturing capabilities. Further upstream, Jahir Ahmed covers Asia’s soda ash market, where expanding Chinese capacity and softer downstream demand have opened up a sizeable surplus. Glassmaking remains the biggest source of demand for it, even as solar glass and other industrial uses reshape production and trade flows. A similar tension runs through ASEAN’s glass tableware industry. Yogender writes about how Southeast Asia has established itself as an important production and sourcing hub, helped by strong domestic consumption and buyers diversifying their supply chains. Rising costs and stiffer competition mean capacity alone will not be enough – quality, design and reliability will increasingly determine future growth. Reliability does not stop at the factory gate. Glass is heavy and fragile in equal measure, and moving it takes specialist handling every step of the way. Jahir looks at how shifting trade flows, rising costs, digital tracking and regional distribution are reshaping glass logistics across Asia. Our freight forwarding and logistics supplement takes this further, mapping the ports, carriers, warehouses and forwarders that get Asian glass to market.
Valerie Adamson Email: vadamson@asianglass.com Direct line: + 44 (0) 7494 866 883 Production and design Tim Mitchell www.corpsvector.co.uk
OVERSEAS OFFICES Bangladesh Jahir Ahmed jahir@asianglass.com India Yogender Singh Malik yogender@asianglass.com Sri Lanka Rohan Gunasekera rohan@asianglass.com
RESEARCH
Rohan’s Nation in Focus turns to the US. Government support, trade policy and a push to strengthen domestic supply chains are driving investment and modernisation there, although the picture varies considerably from one glass sector to the next.
Research Manager Andy Skillen Email: andy@bowheadmedia.com
We also take a look at vacuum insulated glass – thermal performance and acoustic insulation combined in a relatively slim unit. It is a combination drawing more attention as cities grow, noise persists and building-energy requirements tighten.
HEAD OFFICE
And looking further ahead, the international glass industry heads to Düsseldorf in October for glasstec, where automation, digitalisation, energy efficiency and advanced processing will again dominate the conversation. It is a good chance to see the latest technology in person and hear directly from manufacturers and suppliers about how they are tackling the issues facing the industry.
27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AX, UK.
It is shaping up to be a busy few months for glass, and we will keep tracking these stories across Asia and the wider international market. As ever, we hope this issue of Asian Glass gives you a useful read on the markets, technologies and trends shaping the industry. Enjoy the issue.
Directors:
Valerie Adamson and Paul Russell.
Asian Glass (ISSN: 1475-6501), is published by Bowhead Media Ltd, registered in the UK No. 06127651.
DISCLAIMER
Isaac Hamza Editor
News, Views, Analysis and much more! www.asianglass.com
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Asian Glass is committed to ensuring that all content in the magazine is original and accurate at the time of publication. It should be noted that the views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editor. The material published in the magazine, including advertisements, editorials, and all other content, is published in good faith. Asian Glass does not guarantee or accept any responsibility for any loss or damage caused by this publication, or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.
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Contents: AG 26-4 Regulars
Features
2 Welcome
42 Asia raises the glass quality bar
Precision and control shape a changing glass industry.
6 Insight Asia
Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art puts glass at the heart of its architectural design.
8 Headline News
Key openings, closures and moves shaping Asia’s glass sector.
16 Global View Our eye on the international arena.
26 People and Places
Appointments, awards and company milestones from across the global glass sector.
36 Comment & Analysis
Asian glass companies arrive at glasstec with a changing role in the international market.
As inspection moves deeper into the production process, Yogender Singh Malik looks at the growing role of AI, automation and advanced vision systems.
48 ASEAN at the table
Rising consumption, shifting sourcing patterns and tougher competition are changing Southeast Asia’s glass tableware market. Yogender Singh Malik reports.
56 Sunrise industry
For solar glass, booming demand tells only half the story. Rohan Gunasekera considers the impact of overcapacity, price pressure and changing supply chains.
64 Surplus pressure
Jahir Ahmed takes stock of an Asian soda ash market facing excess capacity, weaker demand and growing pressure on prices.
74 Handle with care
From specialist handling to digital tracking, moving glass across Asia is becoming an increasingly sophisticated operation – as Jahir Ahmed explains.
88 Country Focus: USA
What is driving renewed investment in US glassmaking? Rohan Gunasekera looks at modernisation, automation and the push to strengthen domestic production.
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A worker handles flat glass during the production process. Image by Hanna Alves via Pexels
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India’s Tata Chemicals owned soda ash plant, TCML, in Kenya’s Magadi. Photocredit, Tata Chemicals
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98 Refractory Zone
Asian Glass: now for mobiles, ipads and androids
108 In Perspective
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90 Batch
Raw materials news and updates. Refractory industry news and developments. Isaac Hamza examines why proximity is reshaping the geography of glass. www.asianglass.com
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Insight Asia Glass gardens of Suzho
Curved glass facades connect a series of pavilions in a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Suzhou garden Curved glass facades and a flowing, ribbon-like roof define the new Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art on the shores of Jinji Lake. Officially opened on 30 August, the 60,000m² complex is arranged as a village of 12 interconnected pavilions rather than a single monumental building, allowing gardens, courtyards and views towards the water to become part of the museum experience. Designed by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group with a multidisciplinary project team, the museum draws on Suzhou's centuries-old garden tradition. Its layout reinterprets the lang – the covered corridor that winds through a traditional Chinese garden – as a continuous route connecting galleries, gathering spaces and cultural venues. Glass plays a central role in linking these individual volumes. The pavilions are woven together by glazed galleries and porticoes, while rippled and curved glass facades wrap the buildings beneath the continuous roof. Rather than forming a uniform transparent
Above: Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art beside Jinji Lake, with its curved glazed facades and flowing roofline. Image: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
Full-height glazing connects the museum interior with its lakeside setting. Image: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
skin, the glazing follows the changing geometry of the pavilions and helps maintain visual connections between the museum, its gardens and Jinji Lake. The effect is particularly evident from inside. Full-height glazed areas bring daylight into the interior while opening views towards the landscape and neighbouring Suzhou Ferris Wheel. Externally, the curved glass reflects the surrounding sky, water and planting, allowing the appearance of the facades to shift with changing light and weather. The museum's relationship with its setting extends beyond the glazed envelope. Covered pathways frame gardens between the pavilions and along the lakeside, while the complex branches around the Ferris wheel to connect the city with the waterfront. Seen from above, the interconnected buildings form a knot-like composition, making the continuous roof what BIG describes as the museum's ‘fifth facade’. At ground level, however, it is the combination of glass, landscape and movement that gives the museum its character. The glazing does more than enclose the galleries: it helps turn a collection of separate pavilions into a continuous architectural journey through a contemporary interpretation of the Suzhou garden.
HEADLINE NEWS ASIA Gerresheimer opens new China glass plant CHINA Gerresheimer has started production at a new pharmaceutical glass packaging plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, China, doubling its production capacity for primary packaging for injectable drugs in the country. The facility, located in the Zhenjiang Economic Development Zone in Jiangsu Province, covers around 40,000 sq m and was completed after approximately four years of construction. A further 33,000 sq m of land is available for future expansion. The plant produces borosilicate glass vials and ampoules, primarily for the Chinese market, using automated glass-forming, production and logistics systems. Gerresheimer said around 250 people currently work at the site, with approximately 50 additional jobs expected to be created over the coming years. “With our new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, we are
responding to the dynamic market growth in China, particularly in the field of injectable biologics,” said Mehran Nilchian, global senior vice president of tubular glass at Gerresheimer. “We are pleased that we can provide our pharma and biotech customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region with the best possible support through our expanded production capacity, excellent quality, and comprehensive service.” Production is carried out in accordance with China's Good Manufacturing Practices requirements for pharmaceutical packaging. The facility includes more than 2,700 sq m of ISO Class 8 cleanroom space, an ISO Class 7 microbiological laboratory and more than 700 sq m of ISO Class 8 space for silicone coating of ampoules and vials. The new facility is Gerresheimer's fourth tubular glass plant in China and marks
Gerresheimer’s new glass packaging plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, China
20 years of its joint venture with Chinese company Shuangfeng Glass. The partnership now operates two plants in Danyang and two in Zhenjiang, including the new Zhenjiang Dagang facility. The plant also has a 2-MWp rooftop photovoltaic system supplying electricity for onsite consumption. Rainwater and condensation from air-
conditioning systems are collected and recycled, while waste heat generated during production is used to heat other areas of the facility. Gerresheimer operates 39 production sites across Europe, America and Asia and manufactures pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging and drug-delivery products.
AGC turns demolition glass into float glass JAPAN AGC and Japanese construction group Obayashi have established a recycling system to use waste window glass from building demolition sites as part of the raw material for new architectural float glass. The companies said the initiative was the first in Japan to use discarded window glass from demolition sites as part of the raw materials for flat glass manufactured using the float process. The first project involves the demolition of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank’s headquarters in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Window glass recovered from the building is being collected and processed into cullet before being transported to AGC’s Kashima plant in Kamisu, Ibaraki Prefecture. At the plant, the cullet will be used as part of the raw material for the production of clear float glass. The resulting glass will be used for
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architectural applications, including construction projects undertaken by Obayashi. AGC said the process requires cullet of sufficient quality for float glass production. The company has been working with local authorities and private companies to develop a system covering the collection of waste window glass from demolition sites, intermediate processing and the supply of recycled cullet. According to the companies, conventional recycling routes have included processing waste glass into patterned or wired glass. The new system enables recovered window glass to be used as part of the raw material for clear float glass, widening its potential application across architectural flat glass. The Mitsubishi UFJ Bank headquarters project involves a building with a floor area of approximately 120,000 sq m.
AGC said the project is expected to recycle 149 tonnes of waste window glass, including material destined for glass wool production. Of this, 81 tonnes will be recycled into flat glass, with the horizontal recycling process estimated to reduce CO₂ emissions by 49 tonnes. Mitsubishi UFJ Bank began demolition of its existing
headquarters in February 2025 as part of plans for a new MUFG headquarters building scheduled for completion in October 2030. Obayashi and AGC said they intend to continue operating the recycling system established through the project and expand its application to other construction projects.
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Sisecam invests in India coating line INDIA Sisecam is investing in a new magnetron sputtering coating line in India as it expands its production of high-performance glass for the country's growing flat glass market. The glass and chemicals producer said the investment would allow it to manufacture a wider range of coated glass products for applications including residential and commercial buildings. The new facility will use magnetron sputtering technology capable of producing complex multilayer coatings. Sisecam said the line would support the production of energy-efficient glass designed to meet green
building requirements in India and other markets. The company did not disclose the value of the Indian investment or provide a timetable for commissioning the new line. Sisecam said India's flat glass market was expanding amid demand from the construction, automotive and white goods sectors, while greater emphasis on energy efficiency was supporting demand for higher-performance glass products. The investment is part of a wider expansion of Sisecam's coating operations. The company said it had invested in four new coating lines worldwide during the year.
Two have been commissioned, while another two, including the Indian facility, have yet to enter operation. Sisecam said the new Indian line would provide greater flexibility in the production of different coating configurations and enable it to offer a broader range of products for the domestic market. The investment also represents a further expansion of Sisecam's manufacturing activities in India, where the company sees opportunities arising from domestic consumption, urbanisation and growth in manufacturing. Sisecam said it was exploring
further investment opportunities in the country, although it provided no details of potential projects. The company operates 43 production facilities across 13 countries on four continents and employs more than 22,000 people. Its operations include flat glass, glass packaging, glassware, automotive glass, glass fibre and chemicals. Sisecam has manufacturing operations in countries including India, Türkiye, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Egypt and the United States, and supplies products to more than 150 countries.
Borosil signs automation agreement INDIA Borosil Renewables has entered into an automation partnership with Finland-based Elematic aimed at supporting material handling operations at the company’s solar glass manufacturing facilities in India. The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Borosil chairman and managing director Pradeep Kumar Kheruka and Elematic CEO Teppo Voutilainen in the presence of Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, the companies said. The partnership is focused on automation systems designed to support continuous operation at Borosil’s solar glass production facilities, where the handling and transportation of raw materials are considered critical to maintaining stable furnace conditions and uninterrupted manufacturing. Borosil Renewables is one of India’s largest producers of solar glass and supplies low-iron glass to photovoltaic module manufacturers across the country. Demand for solar glass in India has increased alongside expansion in domestic solar module production and renewable energy projects. Elematic said its delivery
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includes three automated shuttle systems intended to transport heavy raw materials feeding the solar glass production process. Under the arrangement, two shuttles are designed to operate simultaneously while a third remains available for maintenance support. The companies said the automation system would enable continuous operation throughout the year while allowing routine maintenance without interrupting production flow. “The automated solution improves the stability and continuity of Borosil’s manufacturing operations – critical for large furnaces,” the companies said in a joint statement. They added that the system is intended to reduce manual handling, improve operational safety and support Borosil’s planned production expansion. Continuous furnace operation remains a key requirement in glass manufacturing, where interruptions in material flow or temperature stability can affect productivity, energy consumption and product quality.
The agreement also reflects growing investment in automation technologies across the solar glass sector, particularly as manufacturers seek to increase capacity and improve operational efficiency in response to rising demand for photovoltaic materials. Elematic, which is primarily known for precast concrete technology and industrial automation systems, said the collaboration demonstrates how automation platforms developed for other industrial sectors can be adapted for solar glass manufacturing. Borosil has been expanding production capacity as India seeks
to strengthen domestic supply chains for solar energy materials. The company has positioned solar glass manufacturing as part of broader efforts to support local renewable energy production and reduce dependence on imports. For the glass sector, the partnership highlights increasing use of automated handling systems in high-volume solar glass manufacturing, where stable furnace operation and continuous production are central to plant efficiency. The companies did not disclose the value of the agreement or a timeline for commissioning the automation systems.
AG 26-4 asianglass
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News
JA expands tempering capacity SOUTH KOREA South Korean glass processor JA has ordered three ultra-sized glass tempering lines from LandGlass as part of plans to expand production capacity and develop what the companies describe as an intelligent glass processing facility focused on large-format architectural glass. The investment marks the latest stage in a long-standing relationship between the two companies, which began in 2006 and has involved multiple equipment installations over the past two decades. According to LandGlass, the new tempering lines are scheduled for delivery in July 2026 and will be installed at JA's manufacturing operations in South Korea. The equipment has been designed for the processing of ultra-sized architectural glass and is expected to support increased production volumes and broader manufacturing capabilities.
JA is a major producer of safety glass for the South Korean construction market and supplies products for a range of architectural applications. The latest investment follows the installation of a LandGlass Cyclone A2480U fire-rated glass tempering furnace in 2023. LandGlass said the equipment supported JA's development of fire-rated glass products that subsequently met the requirements of the KS F 2845:2013 standard following testing by the Fire Insurers Laboratories of Korea (FILK). The companies said growing demand for advanced architectural glazing products and larger glass formats had contributed to the decision to expand processing capacity. Commenting on the project, JA president Kim said the company had maintained confidence in LandGlass equipment through successive
investment programmes. “From our first LandGlass tempering machine in 2006 to this three-line investment in 2026, every step has been rooted in our unwavering trust in LandGlass’s technology and quality,” he said. “LandGlass’s convection technology is world-class. The quality of glass tempered by LandGlass Convection furnace far exceeds industry averages – particularly their processing of Triple Silver Low-E glass, which is highly competitive in the Korean market and has earned us the trust of countless clients.” LandGlass said the new tempering lines had been configured to meet JA's requirements for processing ultra-sized glass products. Once operational, the equipment is expected to support increased manufacturing efficiency and expand production capacity for architectural glazing applications.
The project reflects continuing investment in high-performance glass processing equipment as manufacturers respond to demand for larger and more technically advanced glazing products in commercial and residential construction. LandGlass supplies glass tempering technology to processors worldwide and said the latest order represents a further stage in its relationship with JA and its activities in the South Korean market. The three new production lines are expected to enter service following delivery and commissioning later this year.
Mana Glass expands tempering capacity SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Arabian glass processor Mana Glass has ordered three additional Glaston Jumbo series glass tempering production lines as part of an investment programme aimed at expanding capacity for oversized architectural glass products. The agreement was signed at the end of 2025, and the new lines are scheduled for delivery between the second and fourth quarters of 2026, according to information released by the companies. The equipment will be installed across Mana Glass production facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, increasing the company's capability to process large-format glass for architectural applications. Mana Glass, founded in 1952 and headquartered in Riyadh, specialises in glass processing and currently operates several tempering lines supplied by Glaston. The latest order follows the installation of the company's first Jumbo series tempering line in 2022. The investment comes amid growing demand for
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oversized glass products used in commercial buildings, façades and other large-scale architectural projects. According to Glaston, the new production lines will be equipped with its Chinook forcedconvection heating technology and intelligent AutoDrive control system. The company said the systems are designed to support automated operation and process management during glass tempering. The three lines will expand Mana Glass's existing processing capacity and support the production of larger and more technically demanding glazing products. Commenting on the agreement, Tuomo Nuottimäki of Glaston highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two companies. “As early as the late 1990s, we delivered our first production line to Manna, and this longterm partnership was extremely valuable at Glaston. We are honoured to participate in and support Manna's rapid development,” he said.
Mana Glass chairman Saeed Manna said the investment formed part of the company's broader manufacturing strategy. “This procurement marks our strategic upgrade to an automated and intelligent industrial model, aimed at comprehensively improving production efficiency and product quality,” he said. “We improve processing accuracy, optimise resource utilisation, and create a more sustainable production system by introducing cutting-edge technologies, helping Saudi Arabia achieve its 2030 vision goals.” The latest order reflects
continuing investment by glass processors in the Middle East as demand grows for advanced architectural glazing systems and larger glass formats. Glaston is a supplier of glass processing technologies and equipment to manufacturers worldwide. Its Jumbo series tempering lines are designed for the production of large glass panels used in modern building applications. Once commissioned, the three new lines are expected to strengthen Mana Glass's production capabilities and support its position in the regional architectural glass market.
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NorthGlass signs Wenxin smart factory deal CHINA NorthGlass Shanghai Automation has signed an agreement with Wenxin Group to develop an automated glass processing factory for the Chinese furniture manufacturer’s production base in Anhui province. The agreement, signed on 18 August, covers an integrated production system for glass used in whole-house custom furniture, according to NorthGlass. The planned line will automate operations from raw glass storage through processing to finishedproduct dispatch. NorthGlass said the system will cover raw and remnant glass storage, laser marking, cutting, edge grinding, vertical glass sorting, tempering and laminated glass production. The equipment will be linked with enterprise resource planning and manufacturing execution systems to coordinate production across the plant. The project will be installed at the aluminium and glass plant
operated by Anhui Wenxin, Wenxin Group’s newest production base. The site has a total floor area of 75,000 sq m and includes woodwork and painting operations, an aluminium and glass plant and a logistics centre. NorthGlass Automation said its smart factory system combines ERP and MES software with automated equipment and interconnected glass processing lines. The company has previously supplied interconnected production lines for architectural glass, home appliances, sanitaryware and photovoltaic applications. The Wenxin contract extends the use of the technology into glass processing for customised furniture production. Shanghai Wenxin Furniture manufactures furniture for office and commercial applications as well as cabinet components. Its parent group operates 10 production bases in China, including facilities in Shanghai,
Beijing, Wuhan, Guangdong, Chongqing and Anhui. The latest project comes as glass processors increasingly integrate individual production stages with factorylevel software to coordinate material handling, processing and production data. In the Wenxin installation, the system is intended to connect operations beginning with the receipt and storage of raw glass and continuing through cutting and finishing, heat treatment, lamination and final dispatch. NorthGlass has more than 30 years of experience in glass processing equipment and manufacturing technology. Its
NorthGlass and Wenxin Group sign the automated production line agreement
automation business develops production systems intended to connect processing machinery and material handling with digital factory management platforms. The companies did not disclose the value of the contract or a timetable for commissioning the new production line.
Hard Glass adds Glaston tempering furnace JAPAN Japanese glass processor Hard Glass Industry has installed a third Glaston RC Series tempering furnace and upgraded an existing laminating line as part of investment in its glass processing operations. The Itami, Hyogo Prefecturebased company took delivery of its latest RC Series furnace in 2026, following installations in 2018 and 2021, according to Glaston. Hard Glass Industry bought its first Glaston tempering furnace in 2004. Founded in 1970, Hard Glass Industry manufactures tempered glass doors for the Japanese market and handles activities ranging from design and frame manufacturing to glass processing. Its installed Glaston equipment includes tempering furnaces, laminating machinery and an autoclave. “The RC Series enables excellent flatness and optical performance,” said Takashi Shiotani, production manager at Hard Glass Industry. “It also allows us to easily process all types of temperable glass and meet even the highest
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production demands.” Glaston said the latest generation of the furnace incorporates improved heating accuracy and controllability, together with a user management function designed to support operator handovers and protect process settings. Hard Glass Industry has also modernised a laminating line originally installed in 2004 with Glaston’s ProL-zone upgrade. The work involved replacing ageing heating chambers while retaining other parts of the existing equipment. “Our existing machine was aging, but we wanted to continue utilizing the parts that were still in good condition,” Shiotani said. “The ProL-zone upgrade allowed us to modernize the line while maintaining the core equipment.” The upgraded line uses full convection technology for heat distribution and temperature control. Glaston said the system is designed to reduce heat loss and simplify process control across different types of glass. Hard Glass Industry said the
changes have enabled it to process a wider range of glass products while maintaining consistent production quality. “Both energy use and operating costs for all glass types have been reduced, resulting in more efficient production,” Shiotani said. The relationship between Hard Glass Industry and Glaston dates to the early 2000s, when the Finnish glass-processing equipment supplier operated under its former Tamglass business. Hard Glass Industry’s latest furnace continues a
series of investments in Glaston tempering equipment spanning more than two decades.
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NEG launches glass engineering brand JAPAN Japanese glassmaker Nippon Electric Glass has launched a new brand for its glass engineering business, bringing together technologies and services aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving efficiency in glass manufacturing. The company, known as NEG, said the 0-EFIQ brand will cover engineering technologies, equipment and services developed through its own glassmaking operations. The engineering business was established in 2024. NEG has more than 75 years of glass manufacturing experience and said its engineering expertise includes more than 60 years
working with electric melting technology and more than 30 years with oxy-fuel combustion. The company is seeking to make those technologies available more widely to glass manufacturers under the new brand, with a focus on reducing CO2 emissions, increasing production efficiency and improving the operational stability of glassmaking processes. The name 0-EFIQ (pronounced Zero-Effique) combines references to zero carbon, engineering and what NEG describes as ‘Focused Industrial Quality’. The company said the letter E also refers to efficiency and the Latin word effectus, meaning effect.
NEG showcased the engineering portfolio at Thermotec 2026, held at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan from 9–11 September. Technologies presented at the exhibition included the company's NOFC oxy-fuel combustion technology and NEMT electric melting technology, alongside a combustion control system and furnace monitoring equipment. Oxy-fuel combustion and electric melting are among the technologies being developed and deployed by glassmakers seeking to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with conventional furnace operations. NEG's new engineering brand is intended
to commercialise expertise developed through the company's own manufacturing activities. The company said the launch is also intended to increase international recognition of its glass engineering operations as it promotes the technologies and production solutions developed through its experience as a glass manufacturer. NEG, headquartered in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, produces glass products for applications including electronics, displays, energy, healthcare and construction. The company said it plans to launch a dedicated 0-EFIQ website around the middle of October 2026.
glass at its plant in Mainz, Germany, before further processing it into wafers in Asia. The company said the product is available for sampling and is ready for high-volume supply. RealView 2.0 lightweight is available in round wafer diameters of 150 mm, 200 mm and 300 mm, as well as rectangular formats measuring up to 310 mm × 310 mm. The company said the material has blue-light transmittance of more than 96% at 460 nm over a 10 mm optical path length. According to Schott, testing by certified laboratories has also assessed its resistance to scratching, impact and other mechanical stresses.
High-index glass wafers are used in waveguides that direct light through smart-glass lenses to display digital information within the wearer’s field of view. Increasing the refractive index can support more compact optical designs, although glassmakers also have to address factors including material density, transmission and mechanical durability. “Consumer smart glasses are entering a new phase. Users expect lightweight glasses that combine immersive visual experiences with everyday durability,” said Rüdiger Sprengard, vice president augmented reality at Schott. “With RealView® 2.0 lightweight, we are
providing optical designers with a material that combines excellent optical performance, light weight, and the robustness required for consumer products.” The new product extends Schott’s existing RealView lightweight high-index wafer portfolio, which includes materials with refractive indices starting at 1.9. Schott showcased RealView 2.0 lightweight at the China International Optoelectronic Exposition, held in Shenzhen from 9–11 September. The exhibition covered optoelectronic technologies and applications, including components used in augmented and virtual reality systems.
Schott launches lightweight AR glass wafer CHINA Schott has introduced a new lightweight optical glass wafer for augmented reality applications, which it showcased at CIOE 2026 in Shenzhen, China. The German specialty glass manufacturer said its RealView 2.0 lightweight product expands its existing range of high-index glass wafers used in waveguides for smart glasses. The material has a refractive index of 2.0 and a density of less than 4 g/cm³, a combination intended to reduce the weight of waveguides while maintaining their optical performance and mechanical properties. Schott produces the raw optical
SORG launches new batch charger INDIA SORG Polska has introduced a new batch charging system for glass furnaces, with 10 units already in production for customers in India, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Poland. The new system, known as the SPL-SCOOPA, has been developed for container glass and speciality glass manufacturing operations and expands the range of furnace charging equipment available through the SORG Group and EME. According to the company, six of the first 10 units currently under production are destined for customers in India, making the
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country the largest single market identified for the new technology. Additional units are scheduled for installation in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Poland. The SPL-SCOOPA, which stands for Swivelling Charger Oscillating Oscillating Pusher Automatic, is designed to provide controlled feeding of batch material into glass melting furnaces. The system handles both raw material mixtures and cullet, distributing the charge within the furnace doghouse before melting takes place. SORG said the equipment has been developed to support
consistent charging patterns and enable operators to regulate batch feed rates according to production requirements. In operation, batch material is transferred from the furnace silo either directly or through a vibrating chute into the charging system's hopper. An integrated level sensor monitors material flow and automatically interrupts feeding when required. The company said the oscillating pusher mechanism distributes material evenly across the glass surface inside the doghouse, helping maintain a uniform charging pattern. Feed
rates can be adjusted through the control system using a frequency inverter. SORG added that components exposed to elevated temperatures are water-cooled to support operation in the demanding environment surrounding glass melting furnaces. Batch charging systems play an important role in furnace operations by controlling the introduction of raw materials and recycled glass into the melting process. Consistent charging can influence furnace stability, melting efficiency and overall production performance.
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Global View
AGC, Saint-Gobain plan hybrid glass furnace SPAIN
AGC Glass Europe and SaintGobain are to install a largescale hybrid electric furnace at Saint-Gobain’s flat glass plant in Avilés, Spain, as the companies seek to reduce emissions from glass melting. Construction of the furnace is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with production expected to start in the second half of the year. The new furnace will replace the plant’s existing unit. The project follows collaboration between the two glassmakers on the VOLTA project, a smaller pilot electrified furnace operated in the Czech Republic. The companies have worked together on VOLTA since 2023 to assess the use of electrification technologies in flat glass production.
Saint-Gobain and AGC said the new furnace is expected to electrify 75% of the melting process. It will use lowcarbon electricity supported by renewable energy supply agreements contracted by SaintGobain in Spain. Once operational, the companies expect the project to avoid approximately 80,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually, representing a reduction of around 50% compared with a conventional gas-fired furnace. Natural gas consumption is expected to fall by approximately 265 GWh per year, or around 80% compared with a standard gas furnace. Davide Cappellino, president Architectural Glass Europe & Americas at AGC, said: “This new
step to deploy a large-scale hybrid furnace for flat glass production, that will be done jointly with SaintGobain at their flat glass plant in Avilés, Spain, represents a significant leap in electrification of flat glass melting.” The companies Saint-Gobain’s Avilés flat glass plant, where the describe the hybrid furnace will be installed part of its efforts to reduce the installation as environmental impact of its the largest electric furnace glass manufacturing operations. yet developed for flat glass The company has identified production. The project is cosustainability management as funded by the European Union one of the main strategies under Emissions Trading System its AGC plus-2026 medium-term Innovation Fund. management plan. AGC said the project forms
Glaston acquires coating technology IP FINLAND Glaston has acquired selected intellectual property (IP) rights from Finnish engineering startup Volframi Oy, expanding its technology portfolio in advanced glass coating applications. The transaction includes patented and patent-pending technologies related to a local area coating concept developed by Volframi. According to Glaston, the technology enables the deposition of multiple thin-film layers onto precisely defined areas of large glass substrates, offering new possibilities for functional and intelligent glass applications. The coating concept was first presented publicly at the Glass Performance Days conference in 2021 and has since been developed as a method for applying coatings only where specific functionality is required, rather than across the entire glass surface. As part of the agreement, ownership of the associated intellectual property has transferred to Glaston, which said it intends to use the technology as a foundation for future product development in collaboration with customers. The company stated that
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the technology has potential applications across architectural, mobility and appliance glass markets, where demand continues to grow for products incorporating enhanced functionality and integrated performance features. Glaston said the local area coating approach could support the development of glass products that combine multiple functions within a single pane while reducing the need for fullsurface coating processes. The company also said the technology may enable more targeted use of coating materials and simplify certain manufacturing processes. However, no commercial products based on the acquired intellectual property have yet been announced. Commenting on the acquisition, Glaston CEO Miika Appelqvist said the company viewed the transaction as part of its wider technology development strategy. “Glaston actively supports the development of new technologies that integrate intelligence into glass, and this acquisition is a concrete example of that approach,” he said. “This local area coating concept
lets our architectural, appliance, and mobility customers add functionality precisely where it’s needed, using less materials, less process steps and opening new design opportunities.” Volframi developed the technology in Finland and presented early research findings to the glass industry through the Glass Performance Days conference, which has served as a forum for technical exchange within the sector for more than three decades. Glaston supplies glass processing technologies and services to customers in the
architectural, mobility, display and solar sectors. The company said the acquisition strengthens its ability to develop future glass solutions incorporating advanced coating technologies and functional surface applications. No financial details of the transaction were disclosed.
Asian Glass: mobiles, ipads & androids
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Corning signs multi-billion-dollar Verizon fibre deal UNITED STATES Corning has signed a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar agreement to supply Verizon with more than 80 million miles of highdensity optical fibre and connectivity products for the expansion of broadband and data infrastructure in the United States. The agreement covers supplies from 2027 to 2032 and extends a relationship between the two US companies spanning about three decades. The precise financial value of the contract was not disclosed. Corning will supply optical fibre and connectivity systems for Verizon's expansion of fibre broadband for homes and businesses, as well as long-haul network infrastructure connecting
data centres. Verizon is seeking to increase its broadband coverage to 40–50 million premises. The supply agreement is also expected to support continued expansion of Corning's US manufacturing operations as the company increases production to meet demand from Verizon. Products covered by the agreement include Corning's Contour Flow Cable, a flexible ribbon cable designed to accommodate greater quantities of optical fibre within existing conduit infrastructure. Verizon said the network deployment would combine residential broadband, mobile connectivity, enterprise data centres and long-haul connections within a common
high-capacity fibre infrastructure. Part of the capacity will be used to support data centres handling artificial intelligence workloads. “Securing this volume of fibre allows us to continue building the network of the future at an unprecedented scale,” said Kyle Malady, CEO of Verizon Business. “We are deploying a single, converged architecture that unites mobile connectivity and broadband into one seamless experience for millions of families and businesses, while simultaneously building the highcapacity, low-latency backbone AI hyperscalers demand.” Corning Optical Communications senior vice president and general manager Mike O'Day said the agreement
would extend the companies' existing relationship. “Corning is thrilled to deepen our three-decade partnership with Verizon as we provide our latest optical innovations in fibre, cable, and connectivity to link AI data centres together while ensuring more Americans have access to AI with high-speed fibre connections at home,” O'Day said. Corning, headquartered in Corning, New York, develops glass, ceramics and optical technologies for industries including telecommunications, consumer electronics, automotive, displays and life sciences. The agreement was announced by Corning and Verizon on 8 September.
Glaston delivers 1,500th UNIT’ASSEMBLER CZECH REPUBLIC Glaston has delivered its 1,500th UNIT’ASSEMBLER insulating glass production system to AGC Glass Europe at a facility in the Czech Republic, marking a milestone for the company’s insulating glass technology business. The delivery was announced on 7 May and involves a ZPG-V UNIT’ASSEMBLER machine that will be used in the production of insulating glass units for AGC’s fire-resistant Pyrobel-T glass range. According to the companies, the equipment will process both standard rectangular formats and more complex shaped glass units. Glaston said the UNIT’ASSEMBLER system is designed for the automated assembly, gas filling and pressing of double, triple and quadruple insulating glass units. The technology has been used in insulating glass production lines for several years and is aimed at improving process consistency and production efficiency. “The delivery of the 1,500th UNIT’ASSEMBLER is a strong sign of our customers’ confidence in the quality and performance of this machine,” said Jens Mayr, executive vice president of solutions and operations at Glaston. “Especially in a highly
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competitive market such as insulating glass production, process reliability, productivity and consistently high quality are decisive factors.” The system supplied to AGC Glass Europe includes integrated gas-filling technology and is equipped with monitoring systems intended to maintain consistent gas concentration levels during production. Glaston said the equipment can also be configured to process triple glazing units at similar speeds to double glazing through synchronised gas-filling functions. According to the company, the modular design of the UNIT’ASSEMBLER allows it to process a range of spacer systems and large-format insulating glass units. Depending on configuration, the machine can handle glass units with working heights of up to 3.3 metres and lengths of up to five metres, or six metres in tandem versions. The equipment will support production of high-performance insulating glass products, including fire-resistant glazing applications. Demand for advanced insulating glass units has increased in recent years as building regulations and energy-efficiency requirements
continue to evolve across construction markets. The delivery to AGC Glass Europe also reflects continued investment in automated glass processing systems within the European flat glass sector. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on production flexibility, automation and quality control as demand grows for more complex glazing products. Finland-based Glaston supplies processing equipment and technologies for the architectural, mobility, solar and display glass industries. AGC Glass Europe is part of the AGC Group and manufactures flat glass products
for construction and industrial applications across Europe.
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Ardagh undertakes furnace repair at Limmared SWEDEN Ardagh Glass Packaging is carrying out a furnace cold repair programme at its Limmared facility in Sweden as part of ongoing efforts to maintain production performance and support long-term operations at the container glass plant. The project includes a complete furnace drain followed by a cold repair of the furnace before production is restarted. Furnace engineering specialist Forglass has been contracted to undertake the repair work and will also be responsible for the subsequent heat-up, batch charging and commissioning phases. According to information released by Forglass, the project is currently underway and forms part of the companies' continuing collaboration on glass manufacturing infrastructure projects. The furnace repair is expected
to return the unit to operation following refurbishment work designed to maintain furnace performance and support future production requirements. Cold repairs are a routine but significant undertaking within the glass industry, requiring the temporary shutdown of a furnace to allow inspection, refurbishment and replacement of key components. Following completion of repair work, the furnace must undergo a carefully controlled heat-up process before raw materials can be reintroduced and glass production resumed. Forglass said the project involves the full sequence of activities required to return the furnace to operation, including draining the furnace, carrying out the repair work, managing the heat-up programme and overseeing commissioning activities.
“Projects of this scale require careful planning, strict safety standards, and close cooperation between all teams involved,” the company said. Ardagh Glass Packaging operates container glass manufacturing facilities across Europe and supplies glass packaging to food and beverage markets. The Limmared plant is one of the company's production facilities in Sweden. The project highlights the importance of furnace maintenance and refurbishment programmes in sustaining glass manufacturing operations. Glass furnaces typically operate continuously for extended periods and require periodic repairs or rebuilds to maintain performance and extend campaign life. Forglass, which specialises in furnace engineering, repairs and commissioning services
and therefore on the ability to process recycled glass with the utmost precision,” said Jamie McBride, operations director at Dryden Aqua. During pre-processing, metal separators remove ferrous and
The resulting high-purity green and brown glass fraction, known internally as “Gramber”, provides the raw material for AFM. Dryden Aqua produces the filtration medium in different grain sizes, ranging from fine 0.25 mm
for the glass industry, said the refurbishment would also support operational efficiency following the restart of production. “By restoring the furnace to optimal working condition and implementing modern solutions, the refurbishment contributes to improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions, supporting Ardagh’s sustainability goals and responsible glass production,” the company said. Once the repair, heat-up and commissioning stages have been completed, production at the furnace is expected to resume, returning the unit to service within Ardagh's container glass manufacturing network. The project represents another example of ongoing investment in maintaining and upgrading production assets within the European glass packaging sector.
Recycled glass finds new role in water filtration UNITED KINGDOM Sorting technology is helping Dryden Aqua transform recovered green and brown container glass into a specialist filtration medium for drinking water, swimming pools and industrial applications. Recycled glass bottles collected across Scotland are being converted into a specialist water filtration medium through a sorting and processing operation developed by Dryden Aqua with STEINERT MSort. Dryden Aqua produces AFM (Activated Filter Media), a glassbased filtration material used in drinking water treatment, swimming pools, aquaculture and industrial and municipal water applications. Rather than being returned to conventional glass production, recovered green and brown container glass is processed into a higher-value material for water filtration. The quality and purity of the incoming cullet are central to the process. Green and brown glass are required because of their properties for the subsequent activation process, while flint glass, metals, ceramics, stones, porcelain and other contaminants must be removed. “The quality of the filter medium depends on the feedstock –
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“The quality and purity of the incoming cullet are central to the process.” non-ferrous materials including caps, lids and other metallic residues. An MSort AX Twin system then separates flint glass from the green and brown fraction. At Dryden Aqua, the MSort AX carries out wet sorting on material from a particle size of 6 mm. A second cleaning stage uses MSort AF systems to dry-sort material between 4 mm and 60 mm. Sensors analyse the material according to colour and shape, enabling contaminants including ceramics, stones and porcelain to be removed.
grades for demanding filtration applications to coarser grades of up to 6 mm. The relationship between Dryden Aqua and MSort, previously Mogensen, stretches back almost 30 years, during which sorting technology has been developed around the company's specific processing requirements. More recent MSort systems have been added alongside equipment that has been operating for decades. According to STEINERT, the sorting stage is particularly important because the recycled
Recovered green and brown glass used to produce Dryden Aqua’s AFM filtration medium
glass is ultimately destined for applications including drinking water treatment, requiring high levels of material purity. Dryden Aqua said it has combined technologies from different industries at its facilities in Scotland and at its headquarters in Switzerland to decontaminate the recovered glass and achieve the colour quality and purity required for AFM production. The process demonstrates an alternative value-added route for recovered container glass, combining cullet sorting technology with water treatment applications.
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Vitro glass used at Chicago life sciences hub UNITED STATES Vitro Architectural Glass products have been used for the glazed facade of a life sciences and office development built on the former Finkl Steel foundry site in Chicago. The eight-storey 1229 W. Concord building uses Solarban 90 Acuity and Solarban 60 Starphire glass across its facade, skylights, atriums, storefronts and entrances, according to Vitro. Completed in 2023, the 285,000 sq ft building is the first completed project within the 53acre Foundry Park redevelopment on the North Branch of the Chicago River. The building was designed by architecture firm Gensler to provide adaptable laboratory and workplace environments. The glazing was designed to increase daylight penetration and provide views towards the Chicago River while addressing the thermal requirements of the building. Solarban 90 Acuity glass was specified for most of the building’s wrap-around roundedcorner glass facade. Vitro said the glazing provides visible light transmittance of 53% and a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.23. Solarban 60 Starphire glass
was used for vision glazing as well as the building’s skylights, atriums, storefronts and entrances. The glass provides visible light transmittance of 74%
Bird-safe glazing has been installed in selected areas because the development is located along a migratory bird corridor. The glass incorporates a
“The glazing was designed to increase daylight penetration and provide views towards the Chicago River while addressing the thermal requirements of the building.” and a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.41, according to the manufacturer. Gensler positioned the office areas on the northern elevation, where floor-to-ceiling glazing provides views of the river. Laboratory spaces are located on the southern side of the building, where deep overhangs are used to limit glare and solar heat gain. The façade also incorporates balconies overlooking the waterfront.
silkscreened dot pattern spaced two by four inches, intended to reduce the risk of birds colliding with the windows. The building also incorporates natural ventilation, plants, wood furnishings and circadian artificial lighting alongside the glazed curtain wall. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, a member of the Vitro Certified Network, and Cristacurva fabricated glass for the project, while Mid-States Glass & Metal
was the glazing contractor. Power Construction served as general contractor. The development is pursuing LEED Silver, WELL HealthSafety and RESET Air Standard certification. Further development of Foundry Park is planned to include up to 3,000 homes alongside retail and commercial space, parks, green areas and riverfront amenities.
Vitro Glass at 1229 W. Concord, Chicago. Image: Tom Kessler
UK glass sector sets out industrial priorities UNITED KINGDOM The UK glass and glazing industry has set out five priorities for government action covering energy costs, investment, decarbonisation, packaging regulation and recycling as part of efforts to support domestic manufacturing. The UK Glass & Glazing Collective outlined the priorities at a parliamentary reception hosted by Lord Foster of Bath at the House of Lords, attended by industry representatives, p a r l i a m e n t a r i a n s and policymakers. The Collective brings together the British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation, Glass & Glazing Federation, Glass Futures, Society of Glass Technology and
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Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London. Its five priorities include enabling a competitive transition to net zero and addressing energy and investment conditions. The group is also seeking reform of Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility, or pEPR, to support glass packaging. Other proposals cover measures to increase demand for UK-manufactured glazing and insulation through energyefficient buildings and retrofit, and changes to recycling legislation aimed at maximising glass recovery and strengthening the circular economy. Blair McDougall, minister for reindustrialisation,
acknowledged the pressures facing the industry, including higher business costs, extended producer responsibility and global economic uncertainty. “I don’t underestimate the challenges that you face; the rising costs of doing business, new policy costs including extended producer responsibility and global uncertainty. My officials are working closely with you and with colleagues across government to understand these pressures and, more importantly, to consider what can be done. “I want all our foundation industries to survive, so it will be my pleasure to work with you openly and collaboratively on the
priorities that matter to you.” Energy costs were also highlighted at the event. Eligible glass businesses already receive support through the British Industry Supercharger, with network charging compensation increasing from 60% to 90% from April. From next April, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is expected to cut electricity costs for eligible businesses by around £35 to £45 per MWh used. The Collective said it would continue discussions with the government on its five priorities as part of its involvement in the UK's wider reindustrialisation programme.
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British Glass submits pEPR report UNITED KINGDOM British Glass has submitted an evidence report to the UK Government outlining concerns about the potential impact of packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) policy on glass manufacturing, recycling and material choice. The trade association said the report had been submitted to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), PackUK, HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade. The submission brings together evidence from across the glass supply chain and examines the implications of the current pEPR framework for manufacturers and packaging producers. British Glass said the report was intended to highlight what it described as unintended consequences arising from the current structure of pEPR fees. According to the organisation, the existing system could influence packaging producers to move away from glass in favour of alternative materials. The association argued that
the current fee structure risks distorting material choices and could affect demand for glass packaging, which it described as an important component of the circular economy. British Glass also said the report examined the potential impact of the policy on domestic manufacturing and supply chains. The organisation warned that the current framework could increase pressure on UK-based producers and contribute to greater reliance on imported packaged goods if businesses alter their packaging strategies in response to fee levels and compliance costs. The submission draws on evidence gathered from businesses operating throughout the glass value chain. British Glass said the information was intended to provide policymakers with a clearer understanding of how the policy is influencing commercial decisions, investment planning and material selection. Among the recommendations outlined in the report is a proposal that the introduction of pEPR fees should be paused while the
impacts of the current system are further assessed. British Glass said a temporary pause would allow industry and government to review the evidence and consider whether adjustments to the policy framework are required. The organisation said it remains supportive of environmental objectives linked to resource efficiency and recycling but believes the current arrangements should be reviewed to ensure they do not produce outcomes that differ from their original aims. Federation director Nick Kirk said the report reflected concerns raised by businesses across the sector.
“By submitting this report, British Glass is demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting both the environmental role of glass packaging and the future of UK manufacturing,” he said. “British Glass remains committed to working collaboratively with Government to ensure that EPR delivers meaningful environmental outcomes while maintaining a level playing field for all packaging materials.” The organisation said it would continue discussions with government departments and other stakeholders as consideration of the policy framework progresses.
Glass for Europe issues automotive glazing paper BELGIUM Glass for Europe has published a position paper calling for greater recognition of EU-made automotive glazing within a number of proposed European Union legislative measures affecting the automotive sector. The industry association said automotive glazing should be considered more prominently in ongoing discussions surrounding the Automotive Package, the Industrial Accelerator Act and regulations linked to vehicle emissions and corporate fleets. According to Glass for Europe, automotive glazing plays an important role in vehicle safety, visibility, energy efficiency and the integration of advanced driverassistance systems (ADAS). The organisation said the sector also contributes to circular economy objectives through the collection and recycling of automotive glass at the end of a vehicle's life.
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The paper argues that manufacturers of automotive glazing in Europe are facing increasing challenges from rising energy, carbon and production costs, alongside competition from imported products. Glass for Europe said these pressures could affect the long-term competitiveness of the European automotive glazing value chain and called on policymakers to consider measures that support domestic production. Among its recommendations, the association advocates linking certain public support measures and procurement schemes to vehicles manufactured within the European Union. It also proposes that glazing products manufactured in the EU should be recognised within legislative frameworks aimed at reducing emissions and supporting
industrial decarbonisation. The paper further suggests that critical glazing components, including windscreens, windows and glass canopies, should be considered when defining criteria for vehicles classified as ‘made in the EU’. Glass for Europe also supports efforts to harmonise rules across different legislative proposals and argues that origin requirements should reflect both manufacturing activity and environmental obligations. The association said automotive glazing remains an essential vehicle component because of its role in safety, visibility and the integration of technologies used in modern vehicles. It added that a strong European automotive glass supply chain could support industrial resilience, employment
and recycling activities within the region. The publication comes as European institutions continue to examine policies aimed at strengthening industrial competitiveness, accelerating decarbonisation and supporting strategic manufacturing sectors. Glass for Europe said a number of ongoing legislative initiatives provide an opportunity to reinforce the European automotive value chain and encourage the use of automotive glazing manufactured within the region. The organisation stated that support for EU-made automotive glazing would contribute to industrial resilience while helping manufacturers respond to changing regulatory, environmental and market requirements across the automotive sector.
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LiSEC to debut new IG systems at glasstec GERMANY Austria-based LiSEC will introduce a new thermoplastic spacer applicator and frame setting station as part of an automated insulating glass production line at glasstec 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The TPA-B applicator and FSI-A frame setting station will make their debut at the exhibition, which takes place from 20–23 October. The equipment will form part of a complete insulating glass line incorporating spacer application, frame placement, secondary sealing, process monitoring and automated handling. LiSEC said development of the TPA-B follows a wider redevelopment programme launched in 2024. The company introduced its first thermoplastic spacer applicator in 2015 and has since continued development of the technology. The new applicator is designed for the production of insulating glass units using thermoplastic spacers. LiSEC said the system
also addresses demand for spacer widths exceeding 20mm, which have presented processing challenges for thermoplastic spacer applications. The line will incorporate the company's FSI-A station for placing rigid spacer frames and its SRP-A secondary sealing system with CleanCorner technology. Automated process monitoring is also being integrated into the line. LiSEC said self-regulating processes and AI-supported camera systems will be used to monitor production and identify quality deviations during manufacturing. Finished insulating glass units will be unloaded by a robot and transferred to LiSEC's automated IG-Sort curing and sorting system. Albert Haider, head of product management insulating glass at LiSEC, said increasing automation was intended to reduce manual and repetitive
LiSEC FSI-A Frame Setting Station
operations while improving process stability. “The high degree of automation of this insulating glass line opens up prospects for unmanned production,” Haider said. “Manual and repetitive tasks are increasingly being automated to counter labour shortages and enhance process stability.” LiSEC said its process
monitoring systems are designed to detect deviations during production, allowing corrective action to be taken before units leave the line. The company will demonstrate the complete insulating glass line at its stand in Hall 17 during glasstec. The Düsseldorf exhibition runs from 20–23 October 2026.
Saint-Just marks 200 years FRANCE Verrerie Saint-Just, the French glassworks owned by SaintGobain, is marking its 200th anniversary in 2026. The company is one of only two manufacturers worldwide that continue to produce mouthblown flat glass using traditional artisanal techniques. Founded in 1826 in SaintJust-Saint-Rambert in France's Loire region, the glassworks has built a reputation in stained glass, heritage restoration and specialist architectural applications. Today, it supplies handcrafted glass products for restoration projects, contemporary architecture, interior design and luxury developments. The company produces more than 1,500 products in over 250 colours. According to Verrerie Saint-Just, the manufacture of each sheet of mouth-blown flat glass draws on the skills of 10 separate glassmaking trades, with several years of training required to master the process. Its glass has been used in the
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restoration of historic buildings including the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre in Paris. More recent projects have included the Baccarat showroom in Paris, the Louis Vuitton boutique in Shanghai and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The company has also collaborated with artists, designers and architects including Marc Chagall, Philippe Starck and Peter Marino. The anniversary highlights the continued survival of a specialised glassmaking technique that has become increasingly rare within the global glass industry. The handcrafted process creates variations in texture, colour and light transmission that are
sought after for both heritage and contemporary applications. “We celebrate the enduring legacy of a rare craft, practiced daily by artisans working on some of the most significant heritage and creative projects,” said Aurelie Kostka, CEO of Verrerie Saint-Just. “For two hundred years, the art of mouth-blown glass has been passed down and perfected. Our mission is not only to preserve this heritage but also to explore new avenues of expression to keep it alive.” Saint-Gobain first acquired a stake in the glassworks in 1921 and became its sole shareholder in 1961. The company said the site continues to occupy a
distinctive position within the group's wider glass operations through its focus on specialist products and traditional manufacturing methods. As it enters its third century, Verrerie Saint-Just plans to continue developing its presence in luxury, design and architectural markets while maintaining the glassmaking techniques that have formed the foundation of the business since the nineteenth century.
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GIMAV launches Italian glassWAYS ITALY GIMAV will launch a new initiative designed to coordinate the presence of Italian glass technology companies at international trade exhibitions when Italian glassWAYS makes its debut at glasstec 2026. The project will be introduced at the Düsseldorf exhibition, which takes place from 20–23 October, and is intended to make Italian companies exhibiting across different halls and stands more readily identifiable to visitors. At glasstec, the Italian glassWAYS route will begin in Hall 16, traditionally home to a strong Italian presence, before extending across the exhibition grounds to connect GIMAV member companies exhibiting in other areas of the show. The Italian association said the initiative is intended to bring individual exhibitors together
“Italian glassWAYS has been developed as an international project and will subsequently accompany Casa GIMAV at other overseas trade exhibitions.” within a recognisable industry presence, helping visitors identify Italian glass processing technologies, expertise and companies throughout the exhibition. Italian glassWAYS has been developed as an international project and will subsequently accompany Casa GIMAV at other overseas trade exhibitions.
GIMAV said the format will be adapted according to individual events and the participating Italian companies. The association plans to develop the initiative progressively, adding tools for networking and business matching alongside its exhibition visibility and company discovery functions. “With Italian glassWAYS,
we want to take a further step forward: not simply to be present at the leading international trade fairs, but to build a recognisable route that allows the market to find and discover Italian companies as part of a wider system,” said Lucia Masutti, general manager of GIMAV. “We are starting with glasstec, but Italian glassWAYS has been designed to travel alongside Casa GIMAV at international trade fairs such as China Glass and GlassBuild America, growing step by step as a tool for promoting and connecting the Italian glass industry.”
Onyx Solar expands Mexico project MEXICO Onyx Solar will develop a second phase of a photovoltaic glass installation for Avyna Cosmetics in Mexico, expanding the use of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology at the company’s industrial complex, the Spanish glass manufacturer said on 22 April. The project follows completion of an earlier phase at the site and forms part of Avyna Cosmetics’ plans to increase production capacity while integrating additional renewable energy systems into its facilities. Under the second phase, Onyx Solar will supply around 2,000 photovoltaic glass units for installation within the roof structure of the expanded industrial complex. The glazing system is designed to combine electricity generation with natural daylight transmission in production areas. The company said the photovoltaic glass will provide an installed generation capacity of more than 300 kWp and is expected to produce over 515,000 kWh of electricity annually once operational. Avyna Cosmetics, based in Mexico, manufactures haircare,
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skincare and beauty products for professional salon and cosmetics markets. Onyx Solar said the new installation will replicate the photovoltaic glass solution used during the first phase of the project. The company specialises in BIPV, which incorporates electricity-generating glass into building facades, roofs and other architectural elements. The glass units for the Avyna project will feature a transparency level of 38%, allowing daylight to enter indoor production areas while also generating electricity. The project will be carried out in partnership with Mexican company Vazquez Vela, which has previously collaborated with Onyx Solar on photovoltaic glazing installations in the country. The expansion reflects broader growth in the use of photovoltaic glass within industrial and commercial construction projects, where manufacturers and building operators are seeking to combine energy generation with architectural glazing systems. BIPV systems are increasingly being adopted in sectors requiring large roof and facade
surfaces, including logistics, manufacturing and commercial developments. The technology is intended to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources while maintaining the functional characteristics of architectural glass. “The decision to proceed with a second phase follows the strong technical and operational performance observed in phase I, confirming the suitability of photovoltaic glass as a scalable solution for industrial environments requiring both energy generation and architectural integration,” the
company said in a statement. Photovoltaic glass has become an expanding segment within the flat glass industry, particularly in projects linked to energy efficiency and sustainable building design. Manufacturers have continued to develop glazing systems that combine solar generation, transparency and thermal performance for use in commercial and industrial applications. Onyx Solar, headquartered in Avila, Spain, supplies photovoltaic glass systems for building-integrated solar projects in international markets.
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People and Places Appointment Wolf Lehmann, Achim Schalk Gerresheimer management board members Wolf Lehmann and Achim Schalk have assumed the duties of chief executive following the departure of interim CEO Uwe Röhrhoff. Röhrhoff stepped down at his own request several weeks before his term was due to end, the German pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery systems manufacturer said. Lehmann and Schalk will share his responsibilities until further notice. Röhrhoff had been appointed interim CEO with effect from 1 November 2025, at the request of Gerresheimer’s supervisory board. His appointment was originally intended to run no later than October 2026. Lehmann and Schalk were both appointed to the management board during 2025 and worked alongside Röhrhoff during his period as interim chief executive. The management change follows a period in which Gerresheimer has been addressing its financing and capital structure. At the end of July, the company signed an agreement to sell its US subsidiary Centor and its global Primary Packaging Plastics business, a transaction which Gerresheimer said would enable it to reduce leverage and strengthen its capital and financing structure. “After successfully navigating the complex challenges of the past few months together with his colleagues on the Management Board, Mr. Röhrhoff has decided to step down from his role as interim
From left: Uwe Röhrhoff, Wolf Lehmann and Achim Schalk
CEO a few weeks before the end of his term,” said Axel Herberg, chairman of the supervisory board of Gerresheimer AG. “We respect his decision and would like to express our sincere gratitude for his tremendous dedication over the past few months, which reflects his commitment to Gerresheimer. Over the past few months, he has played a key role in bringing Gerresheimer back on a sustainable path for the future.” Gerresheimer supplies primary packaging and drug delivery systems to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and cosmetics industries. Its glass packaging portfolio includes vials and ampoules used for pharmaceutical applications. The company has not announced a permanent successor to Röhrhoff. Lehmann and Schalk will continue to carry out the former interim CEO’s responsibilities alongside their existing management board roles.
Rebecca Koch Rebecca Koch has been appointed chief human resources officer at Surventis and has joined the coatings technology company’s executive committee, effective 1 September 2026. Koch will be responsible for the company’s global human resources organisation, with a particular focus on culture, leadership and workforce development. She brings more than 15 years of international human resources experience to the role, most recently through positions at software group
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Nemetschek and logistics company DB Schenker. At DB Schenker, she held responsibility for up to 50,000 employees across Europe. Earlier in her career, Koch
Christian Decker Christian Decker has been appointed CEO of the HEGLA Group, completing the glass processing equipment specialist’s transition to a new generation of management. Decker succeeds Bernhard Hötger, who has been associated with HEGLA for more than 42 years and will retire on 30 September 2026. Decker has already assumed responsibility for the group. He brings experience from the international mechanical engineering sector, including the management of customerspecific engineering projects and one-off production. “I was given a warm welcome by the team at HEGLA and am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and our customers,” Decker said. Hötger said the succession process had been planned well in advance as HEGLA expanded internationally and broadened its activities through companies including HEGLA-HANIC, HEGLA boraident and HEGLA RS technology. “With Christian Decker, we are continuing our development while ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition to the next generation,” Hötger said. “Christian Decker stands out for his longstanding held several human resources leadership positions at US medical technology company Becton Dickinson, including responsibility for talent and culture in the Greater Asia region while based in Singapore. She has also worked in people development and change management at airberlin and began her career at management consultancy Bain & Company. “Rebecca Koch is a highly accomplished HR leader, and we are fortunate to have won her for Surventis,” said Jens Luehring, CEO of Surventis. “She has run HR at scale, in several industries and on three continents. I look forward to working with her.” Koch said: “Surventis has a clear ambition, in-depth expertise, a strong customer base, and a team that is open to new ways of working. Building the culture and leadership
links to the mechanical engineering industry as well as his extensive experience managing an international mechanical engineering company.” Decker joins Toni Schön, chief sales officer, Peter Herrmann, chief operations officer, Thomas Schwabe, chief maintenance and services officer, and Heinrich Ostendarp, chief technology and development officer, as part of HEGLA’s new management team. “The course is set, and we will continue on our journey as a market and technology leader,” Decker said. Founded in 1976, the HEGLA Group develops equipment and systems for the storage, cutting and sorting of flat glass. Its activities also include glass laser processing, wet processing systems, vehicle attachments and software solutions. that turn this into results is exactly what I stand for. I look forward to getting started with the team.” Koch succeeds Markus Dinslacken, who led the human resources organisation through Surventis’ carve-out from BASF. She studied business mathematics, holds a doctorate in behavioural finance and completed the International Directors Programme at INSEAD.
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Andre Kenstowicz Andre Kenstowicz has been promoted to director, international sales and Vitro Certified Network, at Vitro Architectural Glass, expanding his responsibilities across the glassmaker’s international sales operations. Kenstowicz, who joined Vitro in 2012, will provide strategic leadership for the company’s international sales organisation while continuing to oversee development of the Vitro Certified Network, the company said. He was most recently manager of the Vitro Certified Network and Key Projects, a position he was appointed to in 2024. His previous roles at Vitro have included commercial account manager and national architectural manager. Kenstowicz began his career with the company as a customer service representative and has subsequently held positions covering commercial accounts, architectural markets and major projects. “Since joining Vitro more than a decade ago, Andre has consistently distinguished himself as one of our most trusted and valued team members,” said Mark Seeton, vice president of sales, Vitro Architectural Glass. “His ability to connect partners, clients and colleagues with the industry's best products and services, combined with his deep commercial knowledge, international perspective and exceptional relationship-building skills, make him uniquely qualified to lead both
Christopher Ede
our international sales efforts and the Vitro Certified Network.” The Vitro Certified Network comprises glass fabricators working with the company’s Solarban low-e architectural glass products. Vitro said the network has operated for more than 25 years and has supported the supply of more than 3.6 billion sq ft of Solarban glass for projects worldwide. The network has also been involved in the introduction of several products in Vitro’s low-e glass range, including Solarban 60, Solarban 70 and Solarban 90 glass, as well as the more recent Solarban Champane product. Pittsburgh-based Vitro Architectural Glass manufactures glass for construction, solar, transportation, defence and security applications. The company operates seven glass production facilities in North America, four residential glass fabrication plants in Canada and a glass research and development facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Vitro announced Kenstowicz’s appointment on 9 September.
Jonathan Culley Jonathan Culley has been appointed commercial director at Encirc, joining the glass, beverage and logistics company as it prepares for the retirement of sales and marketing director Rob Turvey at the end of 2026. Culley joined Encirc in July and will work alongside Turvey over the coming months as part of a planned transition of responsibilities ahead of his departure. He brings more than two decades of commercial leadership experience across the drinks, packaging and FMCG sectors. Culley joins Encirc from Rankin Brothers & Sons, where he led the commercial function and worked on developing growth across the business. His appointment comes as
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the packaging sector responds to changing market conditions, sustainability requirements and regulatory developments. Culley said Encirc's supply-chain operations, customer relationships and approach to sustainability were among the factors that attracted him to the company. “It was not an easy decision to leave Rankin Bros but the opportunity to join Encirc was
Christopher W. Ede has been appointed president of the architectural glass segment at Apogee Enterprises, moving into the role after four years with the US architectural products and coated materials group. Ede was previously vice president, business development, a position he had held since joining Apogee in 2022. In that role, he was involved in the company's strategy and corporate development activities, including identifying acquisition opportunities and developing relationships with potential businesses. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning strategy, global profit and loss management, mergers and acquisitions, finance and portfolio transformation. Since joining Apogee, Ede has played a role in developing the company's acquisition pipeline and leading merger and acquisition activities across the group. His work included overseeing the acquisitions of UW Solutions and Kalwall. “Chris has been an important contributor to Apogee's success through his leadership of our strategy and corporate development efforts,” said Don Nolan, Apogee executive chair and CEO. “He has demonstrated a strong ability to identify growth opportunities, build strategic relationships, and execute acquisitions that have strengthened our portfolio. His strategic perspective, business
acumen, and enterprise-wide experience position him well to lead our Architectural Glass segment and support its continued growth and operational performance.” In his new position, Ede will lead Apogee's architectural glass segment, moving from a grouplevel business development role into operational leadership of the company's architectural glass activities. The appointment gives Ede responsibility for a business operating within Apogee's wider portfolio of architectural building products and services. The company also supplies highperformance coated materials for a range of applications. Ede's move follows a period in which his responsibilities have included both corporate strategy and transactions intended to develop Apogee's portfolio. His new role shifts the emphasis towards the performance and development of the architectural glass segment while drawing on his previous experience in strategy, financial management and portfolio development.
incredibly compelling. Much of my career has been immersed in the glass industry,” he said. “Encirc partners with some of the world’s leading brands and serves a diverse and highly competitive customer base. What particularly stood out to me was the company’s commitment to sustainability and its ambition to create more sustainable glass while building a resilient business that supports the communities in which it operates.” Culley said sustainability, innovation and customer relationships would continue to influence the development of the packaging sector. “Glass remains the sustainable packaging material of choice and offers one of the strongest circular value propositions of any
packaging format,” he said. Since joining Encirc, Culley has been meeting colleagues across the business and engaging with customers as part of the transition programme with Turvey. Encirc managing director Sean Murphy said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jonathan to Encirc. He brings a wealth of commercial leadership experience, deep industry knowledge, and a strong track record of building lasting customer partnerships.” Murphy also acknowledged Turvey's contribution to the company and said the two would work together during the transition. Turvey will remain with Encirc until the end of the year, working alongside Culley to maintain continuity for customers and colleagues.
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Paul Curnow Paul Curnow, CEO of Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa (AGP-A), has been appointed chairman of The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC), the South African organisation focused on glass recycling. Curnow succeeds Mike Arnold in the TGRC role, having also succeeded him as CEO of AGP-A. His appointment strengthens the connection between the glass packaging manufacturer and TGRC, of which AGP-A is a founding member. The new chairman will focus on efforts to increase glass recovery and recycling rates in South Africa, including the greater
use of recycled glass, or cullet, in container production. AGP-A reported a recycled content rate of 49% in 2023. Alongside the TGRC chairmanship, Curnow will serve on the board of the Paper and Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) Alliance, which brings together organisations involved in recycling and producer responsibility in South Africa. “Taking responsibility for our impact on the environment and ensuring our glass returns for reuse as a new bottle has always been important to me personally and, of course, for our business
commercially. Having partnered with the TGRC over the years in my role to grow recycling rates in South Africa, I am both proud and excited to now move on and play a broader industry role and serve as its chairman,” said Curnow. “Leveraging the inherent benefit of the glass process which already allows bottle to bottle recycling in a very localised manner reusing the same feedstock over and over again is vital for both glass and our society in creating a more sustainable future. I am passionate about working with our customers and industry partners to increase glass
recovery rates, promote / inspire greater consumer awareness, and unlock the full potential of a circular economy.” AGP-A said Curnow's appointment would support continued collaboration between the company, TGRC, industry partners and local communities on glass collection and recycling. The company said increasing cullet use forms part of its efforts to reduce waste and improve resource use. Curnow's new industry role will therefore combine his responsibilities at AGP-A with wider work on glass recovery and recycling across South Africa.
said: “Our deep appreciation for Darrell’s leadership and his legacy cannot be overstated. His lifetime commitment to our industry and 30 years of leadership along with the shared vision of the Board have led to the strong foundation we have, which makes this transition possible.” Smith will be succeeded by Christina Horsley, who will serve as IWFA executive director representing AMR Management Services, a Kentucky-based association management company appointed by IWFA. Horsley has more than
two decades of association management experience, including operational leadership, member engagement and volunteer management. She will work with the IWFA board, committees and members during the transition. “Following a leader with Darrell’s long tenure is an honor and a responsibility,” Horsley said. “My priority is to listen and learn by talking with members, volunteer leaders and other industry professionals.” IWFA said Smith would remain accessible during the transition
as Horsley takes over leadership of the association.
Retirements Darrell Smith
Darrell Smith is preparing to retire as executive director of the International Window Film Association (IWFA) after 30 years leading the organisation and a combined 55 years in the window-film industry. Smith has headed the IWFA through three decades of development as an industry association and advocate for the window-film sector. He will remain available during the leadership transition to provide institutional knowledge to the association and his successor. IWFA president Steven Fricker
Milestones & Celebrations Corning Museum marks 75 years The Corning Museum of Glass is marking its 75th anniversary with an exhibition examining the institution's founding years and its development as a centre for glass art, history, science and research. More than a Museum: Gathering a Community, 1950–54 opened on 29 August at the museum in Corning, New York, and will run until 31 January 2027. Drawing on the museum's permanent collection and the Rakow Research Library, the exhibition brings together glass objects, photographs and archival material, including items that have not been publicly displayed for decades. The museum opened in 1951 as part of the Corning Glass Center, which brought together
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the museum, library, a working factory, educational programmes and research facilities. The exhibition title derives from remarks by Corning Glass Works chairman Amory Houghton, who described the institution as ‘more than a museum’ shortly before its opening. “The Corning Museum of Glass has always been a place where art, history, science, and community come together to encourage discovery and inspire each person who visits us to see glass in a new light,” said Jessica Levin Martinez, the museum's president and executive director. “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, More than a Museum reflects on the vision that built this institution while
looking ahead to its future. I am honoured and excited to lead the Museum during this extraordinary milestone year and help shape its next chapter.” The exhibition includes an ancient Egyptian amphoriskos displayed alongside imagery of the 200-inch telescope mirror disk, recreating a juxtaposition used when visitors entered the original Glass Center. Other exhibits include a Steuben crystal vase designed by Sidney Waugh for his “The United States in Crystal” series, an early example of Pyrex opalware and material associated with the former Steuben factory. The Rakow Research Library is also represented through rare books and manuscripts
documenting the history and development of glassmaking. These include a 1679 edition of Ars Vitraria Experimentalis, an early work devoted to glassmaking. “More than a Museum offers visitors an opportunity to experience rarely seen treasures from our collections while reflecting on the remarkable vision that launched this institution 75 years ago,” said exhibition curator Nicholas de Godoy Lopes. The museum's collections cover around 3,500 years of glassmaking, while its activities today include glassmaking demonstrations, education, research and studio programmes.
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Beatson Clark celebrates 275 years UK glass container manufacturer Beatson Clark has marked its 275th anniversary at its Rotherham site, where the company has manufactured glass since 1751. The company began as a small canalside glassworks and today produces glass bottles and jars for the food, beverage, healthcare, homeware and personal care sectors. The Beatson Clark name developed through partnerships between the Beatson and Clark families over more than two centuries. The company is now owned by Newship Group and remains an independent, familyrun business. Rotherham MP Sarah Champion joined employees and guests for the anniversary celebration, which included tours of the glassworks and spray decoration plant,
demonstrations of virtual reality training technology and traditional glass blowing, and a display documenting the company's history and products. Eddie Pickering, managing director of Beatson Clark, said the company's ability to adapt had been important to its longevity. “Beatson Clark has continued to evolve, embracing innovation and investing in new technologies, processes and skills to meet the changing needs of our customers. That willingness to adapt, while remaining true to our core values, has been fundamental to our success.” Champion highlighted the manufacturer's longstanding connection with Rotherham and its contribution to local employment. “Since the earliest days of the industrial revolution, Beatson
Clark has been manufacturing glass in Rotherham. Throughout this time, they have consistently provided generations of skilled, well-paid jobs.” Pickering said the anniversary was also intended to recognise employees who had
contributed to the business over successive generations. “As we celebrate this significant milestone, we do so with gratitude for those who have contributed to our success over the last 275 years and with confidence in what the future holds.”
reflects both the historical development of the Pilkington brand and its continued role in glass technology and product development. Over the decades, Pilkington has also been involved in the development of safety glass and coated glazing products designed for energy efficiency and solar control in buildings and vehicles. The company said more recent developments under the Pilkington brand include work linked to lowercarbon glass production and recycling initiatives, alongside technologies for automotive glazing applications. “Over two centuries, it has played a pivotal role in advancing glass technology – from early improvements in sheet glass production to the revolutionary float glass process introduced in 1959, which remains the global standard today,” NSG Group said in a statement. The group also referenced Pilkington Mirai, described as
a low embodied carbon glass product for facade applications, as well as the company’s renew:glass recycling initiative aimed at supporting circular production models within the glass sector. NSG Group said the Pilkington brand has also contributed to developments in advanced automotive glazing, including augmented reality head-up display systems designed to project driving information onto vehicle windscreens. The bicentenary celebrations form part of a wider programme of activities planned throughout 2026. For the glass industry, the anniversary highlights the longterm influence of the Pilkington name on modern flat glass manufacturing, particularly through the commercialisation of float glass technology and advances in architectural and automotive glazing systems. Today, NSG Group operates globally across architectural, automotive and specialty
glass markets. The company manufactures glass and glazing systems for applications including buildings, solar energy, transportation and industrial technologies. NSG Group said the anniversary events were intended to recognise the heritage of the Pilkington brand while reflecting ongoing developments in glass manufacturing, sustainability and product performance.
Pilkington marks 200 years Pilkington marked its 200th anniversary on 16 May with a series of events held across multiple regions during 2026, as parent company NSG Group highlighted the brand’s role in the development of modern flat glass manufacturing. Founded in the United Kingdom in 1826, Pilkington became one of the most widely recognised names in the international glass industry through its involvement in advances in sheet glass production, architectural glazing and automotive glass technologies. The company is closely associated with the development of the float glass process introduced in 1959, a manufacturing method that transformed flat glass production and remains the industry standard globally. The process enabled the large-scale manufacture of flat, uniform glass for architectural and automotive applications. NSG Group said the anniversary programme
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Events & Exhibitions glasstec to spotlight industry priorities Preparations are gathering pace for glasstec 2026, with organisers outlining a programme centred on decarbonisation, the circular economy and artificial intelligence as the international glass exhibition returns to Dusseldorf from 20–23 October. The biennial trade fair will bring together companies involved in glass production, processing, finishing and applications, alongside suppliers, researchers, architects and representatives from the glazing sector. Organisers said exhibitors from 48 countries had already confirmed their participation ahead of the event. The exhibition will once again feature glass technology live (gtl), developed in partnership with the Technical Universities of Delft, Darmstadt, Dresden and Bochum. The showcase will present
research projects, technology developments and applications intended to support the transition from laboratory research to industrial deployment. The accompanying glasstec conference will examine issues affecting the global glass industry through a series of technical sessions, forums and networking events. Planned topics include decarbonisation, digital technologies, circularity and developments in glass manufacturing and applications. Among the scheduled events are the glass trends sessions, CircuClarity Two, the architecture forum, GLASS MELTING POT, the Start-Up Sessions and Handwerk Live, organised by the Federal Association of Glazier Trades (BIV). New additions to the programme include the Women in Glass
networking event and a special exhibition, sicher – innovativ – nachhaltig (secure – innovative – sustainable), organised jointly with ift Rosenheim. The exhibition will focus on resilient and security-related glazing solutions for buildings and critical infrastructure. Daniel Feische, director of glasstec and the Glass Technologies Portfolio, said the event would provide an opportunity for companies to exchange knowledge and discuss future investment priorities. “glasstec brings the international glass sector together precisely at a point in time where orientation and personal exchange are in particular demand. Here innovations encounter concrete applications, research meets with practice and
international decision-makers with new business partners. It is this combination that makes the world-leading trade fair the platform for investment decisions and the further development of the industry.” glasstec covers the full glass value chain, from manufacturing equipment and production technologies to processing, finishing and enduse applications. Alongside the exhibition, the conference programme is intended to bring together representatives from industry, research and academia to discuss technological and market developments affecting the sector. The organisers have identified decarbonisation, circularity and AI and digital technologies as the principal themes for the 2026 edition.
complementary industries together under one roof.” GAFA said the Kuala Lumpur event will connect its regional glass, façade and fenestration community with Malaysia’s construction sector and the wider ASEAN market. Supporting associations include the Singapore Glass Association, Malaysia Glass Association, Safety Glass Processors Association of Malaysia and Pertubuhan Ikhtisas
Façade Malaysia, alongside organisations and partners from elsewhere in Asia. The three-day GAFA programme will also include conferences and networking covering sustainable and high-performance façades, tropical building design, BIM, energy efficiency and emerging building technologies. Visitor registration is now open. 10–12 November 2026 | Hall 4, MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The company said the project forms part of wider plans to expand its manufacturing footprint and strengthen its role in sustainable packaging supply chains. “As the largest new industrial investor in Belgium, Ciner Glass is now positioned to take a more active role within industry federations and consultation platforms,” the company said in a statement. Glass packaging manufacturers across Europe continue to invest in furnace technology, recycling systems and energy efficiency projects as the industry responds to environmental targets and demand for lower-carbon packaging materials. Belgium remains an important manufacturing and logistics hub within the European container glass market due to its transport
infrastructure and proximity to major consumer goods producers. “With the opening of its Lommel facility approaching, Ciner Glass is poised to make a significant contribution to the economy in Flanders and strengthen its role in developing a more sustainable European glass industry,” the company said. Ciner Glass operates within the wider Ciner Group and is active in glass packaging manufacturing and industrial investment projects linked to European markets.
GAFA 2026 joins Malaysia construction week Glasstech Asia & Fenestration Asia (GAFA) 2026 will be co-located with International Construction Week (ICW) and BuildXpo Malaysia for the first time when the events take place at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, from 10–12 November. The co-location was highlighted at a preview event held at MITEC in September, attended by representatives from government,
industry and trade associations. Now in its 22nd edition, Glasstech Asia will be staged alongside the ninth Fenestration Asia, bringing glass manufacturing and processing, architectural glass, façade systems, windows, doors, machinery and related technologies into the wider construction event. Richard Teo, executive chairman of Qube Integrated Malaysia, said: “For us, this collaboration is about creating more value from bringing
Ciner Glass hosts Belgian delegation Ciner Glass hosted representatives from a Belgian economic mission to Türkiye during a visit to the company’s headquarters in Istanbul, as discussions continued around the group’s investment in glass packaging production in Belgium. The visit included Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, Piet Demunter, CEO of Flanders Investment & Trade, and other officials involved in the Belgian trade delegation. Representatives from Ciner Glass, including chair Didem Ciner and CEO Gokhan Sen, met the delegation to discuss the company’s €600 million investment in Lommel, Belgium, where Ciner Glass is developing a container glass manufacturing facility. The project is expected to strengthen the company’s
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position within the European glass packaging sector as manufacturers continue to invest in production capacity and sustainability-focused operations. Ciner Glass said the discussions focused on the strategic importance of the Lommel investment and its role in supporting sustainable glass packaging production in Europe. The visit also brought together political representatives, diplomats and business stakeholders linked to trade and industrial cooperation between Belgium and Türkiye. Ciner Glass said the Lommel project represented a major industrial investment linked to glass packaging production in Belgium. The facility is expected to contribute to glass packaging production serving food and beverage markets in Europe.
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Awards & Honours Researchers share Otto Schott Award Professor Steve Martin of Iowa State University and Professor Kathleen Richardson FSGT of the University of Central Florida have been awarded the Otto Schott Research Award 2026 in recognition of their contributions to glass and materials research. The award was presented on 13 April during the annual meeting of the International Commission on Glass (ICG) in Lyon, France. Martin was recognised for his research into the structure of silicate and non-oxide glasses. According to the award announcement, his work has focused on understanding how atomic structure influences the properties of glass, including resistance to high temperatures, chemical exposure and
long-term stress. The announcement noted that this research has contributed to the development of specialty glasses for applications such as pharmaceutical packaging and industrial processes, while also supporting work in energy technologies including solid-state batteries. Richardson received the award for her work on optical glasses and infrared materials. Her research has examined how glass compositions can be engineered to control and transmit light, supporting applications in infrared optics and sensing technologies. According to the award announcement, the work of both researchers demonstrates the connection between fundamental
materials research and industrial application. Their research has contributed to the development of new material properties and expanded the potential range of glass applications in future technologies. SCHOTT said the award highlights the relationship between scientific research and industrial implementation. “The research of Steve Martin and Kathleen Richardson clearly shows how essential a deep understanding of material structures is for technological progress,” said Dr Matthias Muller, head of research and development at SCHOTT. “These insights form the basis for developing new glass solutions that perform reliably in real-world
applications and expand the boundaries of what is possible.” The Otto Schott Research Award is presented by the Ernst Abbe Fund and is named after Otto Schott, the German glass chemist and entrepreneur whose work contributed to the development of modern speciality glass. The award carries a prize of €25,000 and is presented every two years. The 2026 award recognised contributions in glass and materials science that, according to the organisers, have advanced understanding of glass properties and supported the development of new applications for glass-based materials.
technology and has established himself as a globally recognised researcher in the field of noncrystalline materials. The N. F. Mott Prize is awarded by the Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids and is named after Sir Nevill Francis Mott, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics. The award was presented during the International Commission on Glass Annual Meeting, held in Lyon.
Yue said he was honoured to receive the recognition and acknowledged the influence of previous researchers on his work. “I am honoured to receive this award, which means a lot to me, as I am a great admirer of N. F. Mott and the contribution he has made to the development of amorphous materials,” he said. “In my research, I have stood on the shoulders of Mott and other researchers and built on
their results.” The Society of Glass Technology announced the award following the meeting, noting Professor Yue's contribution to glass science and technology and his work in the field of non-crystalline materials. The N. F. Mott Prize recognises achievement in the field of non-crystalline materials and carries a monetary award of approximately £3,000.
Yue receives N. F. Mott Prize Professor Yuanzheng Yue has been awarded the N. F. Mott Prize at the International Commission on Glass (ICG) Annual Meeting in Lyon, France. Yue, a Fellow of the Society of Glass Technology (FSGT), received the award in recognition of his contributions to glass science and technology. According to the award citation, Yue has made a pioneering contribution to glass science and
Environment & Sustainability NGA launches environmental reporting initiative The National Glass Association (NGA) has launched an industry initiative aimed at developing a unified framework for environmental reporting across flat and processed glass products. The programme will focus on creating new Product Category Rules (PCRs), which are used to establish consistent methods for measuring and reporting the environmental impacts of products. According to the association, the project will combine two existing PCR frameworks covering float glass and fabricated glass into a single system intended to reflect the movement of glass through the value chain. NGA said the initiative is designed to address environmental reporting requirements associated with commonly used glass products and their applications within the built environment.
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The association has called on representatives from flat glass manufacturers, glass fabricators and related sectors, including fenestration, to participate in the development process. According to NGA, industry involvement will help ensure that the resulting framework reflects current manufacturing practices, product transformation processes and end-use requirements. “No single segment of the glass value chain can solve this alone, which is why NGA is convening manufacturers, fabricators, and end-use markets to build this framework together,” said Lakisha A. Woods, president and chief executive officer of the NGA. “The result will be something the entire industry can stand behind.” NGA will oversee development of the guidance document with technical support from
sustainability consultancy TrueNorth Collective. The association said the work will provide the basis for a formal PCR to be developed by an independent programme operator in accordance with ISO 14025 standards. The project is expected to proceed in two phases. The first will focus on establishing a framework capable of supporting industry-average environmental impact calculations for common flat and processed glass products. A second phase will expand the methodology to enable productspecific and manufacturer-specific environmental assessments. Alongside the PCR development process, TrueNorth Collective will create a calculation tool intended to support the collection and management of sustainability data across the glass industry.
Urmilla Jokhu-Sowell, NGA's vice president of advocacy and technical services, said the initiative was intended to provide manufacturers with practical tools for environmental reporting. “This is about creating a framework the industry can use,” she said. “By pairing PCR development with a practical calculation tool, we can help manufacturers move from intention to action and better meet growing demand for transparent and flexible environmental information.” The initiative reflects increasing attention across the construction sector on environmental product declarations and sustainability reporting, with manufacturers facing growing demand for transparent and consistent environmental performance data for building materials.
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Environment & Sustainability Glass recycling guide published Close the Glass Loop has published a new set of principles aimed at improving the collection of glass packaging across Europe as part of efforts to strengthen circular glass recycling and increase the use of recycled material in new container production. The document, Principles for Good Bottle Bank Collection of Glass Packaging, provides guidance for municipalities, collection operators and recycling stakeholders involved in bottle bank systems, which remain the most widely used method of collecting glass packaging in many European countries. According to Close the Glass Loop, bottle banks are the predominant collection model in 21 European Union member states and are widely regarded by
recycling facilities as an efficient means of collecting glass for remelting. The organisation said the quality of collected material plays an important role in determining how much recycled glass can be used in new packaging production. The guidance focuses on three stages of the collection chain: collection, transportation and storage. It outlines recommended practices intended to reduce breakage and contamination while maintaining the quality of collected glass. Among the recommendations are the provision of conveniently located collection points, clear signage identifying materials that should not be deposited, and regular maintenance of bottle banks. The document
also highlights the importance of handling collected glass in a manner that minimises unnecessary breakage during transportation. For storage, the guidance recommends dedicated areas that are appropriately sized and separated from other waste streams to reduce the risk of contamination from materials such as stones, soil and other debris. Close the Glass Loop said the principles were developed through consultation with national platforms, recycling facility operators and industry specialists. The organisation described the guidance as a reference framework rather than a prescriptive set of requirements, allowing local
authorities and operators to adapt the recommendations to regional circumstances. The publication forms part of wider industry efforts to improve glass recycling performance across Europe and support the closed-loop use of glass packaging. By improving collection quality and reducing contamination, the initiative aims to increase the amount of glass that can be returned to the manufacturing process and reduce dependence on virgin raw materials. Close the Glass Loop said the long-term objective remains the collection of 90% of all glass packaging for recycling by 2030, with bottle bank systems continuing to play a significant role in achieving that target.
Turkish Exporters’ Association for Cement, Glass, Ceramics and Soil Products. The company said such projects had demonstrated the potential for combining recycled glass with industrial design and educational collaboration. “With this philosophy, we set out to support the sustainable future vision of young people with our inter-university upcycling design competition YUDA (Yorglass Upcycle Design Award),” the company said. Glass recycling and reuse have become increasingly important themes across the glass industry as manufacturers seek to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and support circular economy targets. For the glass sector, projects involving reuse of production waste in design applications reflect broader efforts to
explore alternative uses for recycled glass materials beyond conventional remelting and cullet recovery systems. Yorglass operates across flat glass processing activities and supplies products for applications including architecture, household appliances and industrial use.
Yorglass supports glass upcycling project Turkish glass processor Yorglass has participated in a sustainability and design initiative involving the reuse of waste glass materials in collaboration with students from Middle East Technical University (METU). The project was presented during the ‘From Industry to Art’ event organised by the TAIDER Family Businesses Association at METU, where representatives from industry and academia discussed sustainability and design-focused collaboration. As part of the initiative, METU student Eren Karakoc developed the ‘Vetra Bench’, an upcycling design project created using waste glass generated from Yorglass production operations. The company said the project formed part of wider efforts to encourage reuse of industrial materials
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and support collaboration between manufacturers and university students working on sustainability-focused design concepts. Gulfem Yorgancilar Percin, deputy chair of Yorglass and chair of TAIDER, addressed the event and highlighted the role of cooperation between industry and younger generations in sustainability initiatives. Yorglass said its research and development team supported the project during the design process, including technical and production guidance linked to the use of recycled glass materials. The initiative also builds on previous projects undertaken by the company involving the reuse of glass waste. Yorglass referred to its earlier ‘Glass Skateboard’ project, which received recognition at the Xone Design Awards organised by the
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Asia arrives differently
Automation is reshaping the competitive landscape for glass manufacturing and processing
Asian companies will once again have a major presence when the glass industry gathers in Düsseldorf this October. But their place within the international market is changing. The exhibitor list itself offers a useful indication of how far that change has travelled, writes Isaac Hamza, editor, Asian Glass. Anyone wanting a quick measure of Asia’s place in the glass industry could do worse than look at the exhibitor list for glasstec 2026. As this issue goes to press, glasstec’s official exhibitor database lists 379 exhibitors from China. That compares with 260 from host country Germany and 148 from Italy. India has 14 exhibitors, while Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are also represented alongside companies from elsewhere in Asia. Exhibitor numbers need some care. They tell us nothing about the size of a company, the sophistication of its technology or its position in the market. But 379 Chinese exhibitors at the world’s leading glass trade fair are difficult to reconcile with the lingering idea of Asia as principally a market waiting for technology developed elsewhere. For many years, the relationship was easier to describe. Europe supplied much of the specialist machinery and engineering expertise, while Asia provided expanding markets, manufacturing scale and growing demand. That relationship has not disappeared. European glass technology remains deeply embedded across the region and Asia continues to be an important market for German, Italian and other international equipment suppliers. The traffic, however, increasingly runs both ways. International trade figures provide one indication. World Bank World Integrated Trade Solution data show that China exported around $219 million of machinery classified under HS 847520 – machinery for manufacturing or hot working glass – in 2024. Germany exported around $141
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million in the same category. India was the largest destination for Chinese exports, with Indonesia and Vietnam also among the leading Asian markets. The figures require some qualification. The customs category does not cover every type of glass processing equipment and trade values do not tell us whether machines from different countries are comparable in complexity, price or technological capability. They do show that China is a substantial exporter of machinery used in glass manufacture and hot working, supplying markets within Asia and further afield. China remains a significant buyer, too. World Bank trade data show that Germany exported almost $39 million of machinery in this category to China in 2024, while Italy supplied more than $22 million. The relationship is no longer adequately described as technology flowing from established manufacturing centres into Asia. Equipment, expertise and investment now move in several directions. That makes this year’s glasstec particularly interesting. Visitors walking the halls in Düsseldorf will still find the established European names that have shaped glass production and processing for decades. Asian manufacturers will be there to examine their latest equipment and discuss future investments. Alongside them, however, will be hundreds of Asian exhibitors looking for customers of their own. That does not mean the competitive gap has disappeared. Price remains an important part of the proposition for many Asian suppliers, while European manufacturers
ASIA IS NO LONGER REPRESENTED PRINCIPALLY IN THE VISITOR AISLES. IT IS ON THE STANDS, SELLING AS WELL AS BUYING AND MAKING ITS CASE DIRECTLY TO THE INTERNATIONAL GLASS INDUSTRY. retain formidable strengths in specialist engineering, process knowledge and highly developed technologies. Nor should China’s scale be casually applied to the rest of Asia. India, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia have very different industrial structures and capabilities. What the exhibitor list does show is how much harder it has become to assign fixed geographical roles to the industry. For Asian Glass, there is something fitting about taking this issue to Düsseldorf. We spend much of the year reporting on investment, technology and changing markets across a region that is still too often described simply in terms of its future potential. The exhibition floor provides its own evidence. Asia is no longer represented principally in the visitor aisles. It is on the stands, selling as well as buying and making its case directly to the international glass industry.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Tomorrow's glass manufacturing starts today
Glasstec is one of the most anticipated events in the glass industry, bringing together glassmakers, technology providers and experts from around the world. From innovative new developments to continuous improvements of established solutions, Heye International is excited to showcase its latest advancements at the show in Düsseldorf. Heye Fusion: Everything in One Place Heye Fusion is Heye’s new all-in-one user interface and a new generation of machine interaction for glass manufacturing. True to its name, Heye Fusion brings together machine controls and process information in one intuitive user environment. By fusing all essential production insights into a single platform, Heye Fusion creates greater transparency, simplifies daily operations and enables faster, more informed decision-making. The result is a seamless user experience that helps operators stay connected to every aspect of the production process. SIMATIC® Motion Control: Ready for the Next Generation Heye is introducing its latest Siemens-based motion control platform, demonstrated live on a takeout and invert mechanism. Built on SIMATIC® technology, the solution combines proven motion performance with a future-ready automation architecture. As Siemens' strategic platform for future motion control solutions,
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SIMATIC® brings control, drives, safety and diagnostics together in one integrated engineering environment. The result is greater flexibility, easier service, and a solid foundation for the connected production environments of tomorrow. Precision Starts at the Feeder A further highlight at Heye’s exhibition stand will be the next evolution of the Dual Motor Shears, featuring enhanced adjustment capabilities, improved process control and new closed loops. Redesigned Shear Arm A key enhancement is the redesigned shear arm concept with an innovative gob guide, providing greater precision in gob positioning during gob cutting. The gob guides can now be adjusted electrically via a dedicated operator panel instead of manual adjustment handles. This provides operators with a safer and more convenient solution by eliminating the need for manual adjustments directly at the shears.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Closed-loop Option In combination with Heye GobMaster, the Dual Motor Shears enable automatic closed-loop control of the gob form. GobMaster continuously monitors the gob form, calculates the required corrections and directly transmits the target positions of the gob guides to the control panel. This ensures stable gob positioning and form, contributing to improved container quality and greater stability throughout the forming process. Electrically actuated adjustment and automated angle correction further reduce the need for manual intervention on the working platform, contributing to safer operation and improved process stability.
The result is greater flexibility, easier service, and a solid foundation for the connected production environments of tomorrow. disruptions before they impact production performance. One of the key capabilities of the system is the reliable detection and removal of fallen containers. Containers that have tipped over on the conveyor can quickly lead to jams, production interruptions and increased waste. By automatically identifying and removing these containers, the Hot End Rejector helps maintain a smooth and uninterrupted production flow.
Heye SmartLink – Data and Closed-Loops Connecting sensors and managing large data volumes is becoming standard for the smart glass plant of the future. This was the motivation for Heye to develop the Heye SmartLink concept, consisting of different innovative sensors, compatible beyond Heye. On the one hand, external sensors such as cameras can be connected to the Heye infrastructure, while on the other hand, the SmartLink datastream module acts as a data gateway, enabling the rapid and secure transfer of data from the forming process. Versatile Applications As an open interface concept, SmartLink enables the integration of a wide range of camera-based applications. Examples include a fire camera solution supporting plant safety and Heye VisionLoop, a camera solution positioned directly behind the IS machine to provide early insights into container defects and production deviations. Flexible Hot End Rejection for Retrofit This technology is designed to improve line stability and prevent
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Monitoring Ware Spacing Another innovative feature is minimum ware spacing monitoring. Containers that are standing too closely together can create handling challenges and increase the risk of them sticking together. The system continuously monitors container spacing and automatically rejects containers when predefined minimum distances are not maintained, helping ensure stable transport conditions throughout the line. Retrofit Option for any IS Machine The system has been developed with maximum flexibility in mind and can be integrated into any IS machine configuration, also as a retrofit option. Unlocking Closed Blank Mould Swabbing At glasstec 2026, Heye will also highlight the latest development in automated blank mould lubrication: the new spray tool for swabbing in closed* blank moulds for the Heye BlankSideRobot. The new spray tool will be presented alongside the established spray tool for open blank mould swabbing.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
New Spray Tool The new spray tool provides an even more consistent spray pattern. It is equipped with extended spray nozzles, covering the vast majority of the article range and ensuring effective lubricant distribution even in deeper mould geometries. It retains the proven non-destructive magnetic coupling system of the open mould spray tool. Neck Ring Swabbing In addition, the new spray tool offers neck ring swabbing functionality, identical to the existing solution for open blank mould swabbing, providing a comprehensive approach to automated mould lubrication.
new possibilities for quality assurance and production efficiency. By continuously learning from real production data, they enable more consistent inspection results, faster decision-making and greater process transparency. One of the key benefits is the ability to reduce the effort and complexity associated with job changes and product changeovers. By automating tasks that previously required manual intervention and adjustment, manufacturers can shorten changeover times, minimise the risk of human error and achieve stable inspection performance more quickly after a product switch. What sets these solutions apart is their practical focus. They have been developed in close alignment with the needs of glass manufacturers and are designed to deliver tangible benefits on the production floor. The result is improved product quality, higher equipment availability, reduced manual intervention and greater operational efficiency. Retrofit: Extending Performance, Protecting Investment
New Safety Feature The design has been further optimised to match all movement profiles. The breakaway magnetic system ensures that, in the event of unintended contact between the invert and the swabbing tool, the front section of the spray tool safely disconnects. A safety tether prevents uncontrolled dropping into the machine, significantly reducing the risk of tool damage and robot downtime. Further optimisation of the internal piping design results in a cleaner and more compact layout with fewer connection points. This reduces the risk of sediment accumulation, simplifies maintenance and reduces connection complexity. With this development, the Heye BlankSideRobot can now perform both swabbing methods – in open or closed moulds – offering greater flexibility to meet individual customer production requirements. And what has happened in Inspection so far? Visitors to the Heye booth will experience how the latest advances in artificial intelligence are transforming container glass inspection. Heye will present several new developments for the first time, demonstrating how AI can solve long-standing production challenges in smarter, faster and more reliable ways than ever before. From accurate container identification and the interpretation of complex codes to intelligent defect detection and performance optimisation of existing equipment, these innovations open up
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From hot end to cold end, Heye's retrofit solutions help manufacturers modernise existing equipment without the need for a complete replacement. At the hot end, the Section Box Exchange upgrades IS machines with the latest technology to improve efficiency, productivity and operational reliability. Additional assessments of feeder and ware handling equipment can uncover further opportunities for automation and quality improvements. When it comes to inspection, Heye’s retrofit programmes offer a cost-effective alternative to buying an entire new machine. This enables manufacturers to bring existing inspection equipment up to modern standards while protecting previous investments. With upgraded control systems, enhanced safety features and certification-focused modernisation packages, retrofit solutions improve inspection performance, support HACCP compliance and help extend the service life of valuable equipment. Customers benefit from increased reliability, improved operational safety and reduced lifecycle costs without the need for a complete machine replacement.
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To meet growing market demand, Heye has recently expanded its retrofit portfolio to include CO and M1 machines. These upgrades provide access to the latest inspection technologies, improved fault detection capabilities and enhanced safety standards, allowing operators to achieve higher performance from equipment already in production. People Make the Difference Technology alone does not create results. People do. Through Technical Assistance, Heye experts work side by side with customers to improve processes, enhance performance and unlock production potential. At the same time, the HiSKILLS Campus provides practical training programmes for hot end and cold end applications, ensuring that operators, technicians and engineers have the knowledge needed to turn innovation into lasting success. WE ARE GLASS PEOPLE.
Technology alone does not create results. People do. At Heye, the future of glass manufacturing is not a vision. It's a reality. Stay curious and discover it at glasstec 2026, booth 14E03. ABOUT HEYE INTERNATIONAL Based at Obernkirchen, Germany, Heye International GmbH is one of the container glass industry’s foremost suppliers of production and inspection technology, high-performance equipment and production expertise. Our mechanical engineering has set industry standards for more than six decades, significantly contributing to our customers’ success. Heye’s vision is to ensure highly cost-effective, sustainable and safe operation of glassworks worldwide to further strengthen the position of glass as the packaging material of the future. We consider glass as the purest and most natural packaging on our planet. Our actions are driven by experience, courage and passion. Thus, we make a positive impact on the environment and health, fostering a sustainable future. Today. Tomorrow. Together.
Further information: Heye International GmbH, Obernkirchen, Germany Tel: +49 5724 26-0 email: marketing@heye-international.com web: www.heye-international.com
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ANALYSIS: Inspection Automated inspection technology monitors glass bottles on the production line
Asia raises the glass quality bar AI and automation are transforming glass inspection across Asia As glassmakers pursue higher speeds, lighter products and increasingly exacting quality standards, inspection is becoming an integral part of the production process rather than simply a final check. Yogender Singh Malik examines how automation, artificial intelligence and advanced vision technologies are changing quality control across Asia’s glass industry.
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igher production speeds, lighter glass products and increasingly exacting customer requirements are raising the stakes for quality control across the glass industry. In Asia, producers are investing in automated inspection, artificial intelligence and advanced vision systems to identify defects more accurately, reduce rejection rates and strengthen process control.
Why inspection matters
No manufacturing process is complete without inspection, and the glass industry is no exception. Carried out largely by visual and sampling methods until a couple of decades ago, inspection in the glass industry has entered a new era over the past 20 years with the emergence of new technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT).
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In today’s competitive market, where even a minor defect can cost both money and reputation, inspection of glass products is not just a qualitycontrol task – it has become a strategic pillar. Companies with rigorous inspection standards backed by automation and data analytics are better equipped to deliver safe, compliant and consistent products. Inspection helps to improve product quality, reduce labour requirements and decrease operational costs for glass producers. Inspection and quality control departments focus on traceability, throughput and business margins. To address concerns in these areas, emphasis is shifting towards modernising and automating quality-inspection processes. In the past, quality control relied heavily on human visual inspection to improve production, but relying solely on personnel can be time-consuming, costly and prone to human error.
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ANALYSIS: Inspection
With reliable automated visual systems, manufacturers and quality-control teams can monitor products at each stage of the process, helping to streamline and improve inspection. During the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have removed complexities from defect inspection. Technological advancements in lightweight glass production and energyefficient manufacturing have necessitated stringent inspection standards and equipment. Several beverage producers are increasingly adopting lightweight bottles, which require fewer raw materials and less energy; this is beneficial for the environment and leads to cost efficiency by lowering production and transportation expenses. The integration of AI and automation in manufacturing has also enhanced throughput and minimised rejection rates.
The complexity of inspecting glass
Glass defect detection is the process of identifying surface, internal and structural flaws in glass products before they reach downstream assembly or the end customer. It applies across container glass, flat glass, solar glass, automotive and other processed glasses. Glass is one of the most difficult materials to inspect owing to its transparency and reflectivity, which create optical effects that confuse both the human eye and traditional machine-vision systems. On an opaque material like metal or wood, machine vision for defect detection sees surface features directly. On glass, it sees through the surface, reflects off it, and refracts through it, all at once, which means cameras and human eyes alike can struggle to separate a real defect from a normal optical effect. More than 100 types of defects can develop during the container-glass production process, some beyond the control of the producers, for example stones, but by far the largest numbers occur either in the feeder or machine operation. When a glass container fails on the customer’s filling line because of a manufacturing defect, the reputation of the glass producer suffers, which results in a loss of customer goodwill.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN LIGHTWEIGHT GLASS PRODUCTION AND ENERGYEFFICIENT MANUFACTURING HAVE NECESSITATED STRINGENT INSPECTION STANDARDS AND EQUIPMENT
Challenges in manual inspection
Manual inspection, which was the only option for glass producers until a few decades ago, has made way for sophisticated machine-based and computeraided inspection. Manual quality inspection is a time-consuming, error-prone and costly process. Although it remains in use among some glass manufacturers, this type of quality control can struggle to match the speed and consistency required by throughput operations. Fatigue, subjectivity and slow throughput make it difficult to scale for high-volume glass production. An experienced inspector might catch most defects in a small batch, but consistency can fall over a full shift of examining transparent material under changing light. With continuous manufacturing and the large dimensions of glass sheets in the flat glass industry, the human eye can struggle to detect small defects (the smallest defect detectable by manual inspection is 0.5 mm). Furthermore, inspectors cannot maintain the same level of sensitivity when examining each glass sheet or pane over long periods. Thus, manual inspection cannot fulfil the quality-control requirements of a modern flat glass manufacturer, especially for non-clear glass.
AI-aided inspection systems
In the ever-evolving landscape of inspection, AI has emerged as one of the most notable developments in industrial inspection, particularly in visioninspection machines. Once reliant on rigid rule-based algorithms, today’s inspection systems are being redefined by deep learning, real-time data processing and intelligent
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Glass bottles move through a high-speed production line. Image by Keegan Checks via Pexels
defect classification. This revolution is not just about technology; it is about unlocking new levels of productivity, precision and process insight. AI-aided inspection in the glass industry replaces rigid legacy vision systems with deep learning, achieving a very high degree of accuracy in detecting microcracks, bubbles and surface scratches at high line speeds. It separates true structural flaws from light refraction on curved or reflective surfaces, reducing false rejections. Jean-Luc Logel, managing director of IRIS Inspection Machines, explains: “The future of AI-enabled glassmaking is already here. AI is already an operational reality in everything we do. We pioneered the technology in our product range which launched in 2018. We are now leaders in this technology with 10 operational lines in glass plants across the world. At its heart, this technology increases repeatability and inspection accuracy, while offering a detailed defect classification into more than 30 defect categories.”
Flat glass
The production of float glass is a complex process that involves several stages, from melting and refining to the float bath, coating, annealing and cutting.
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ANALYSIS: Inspection
At each stage, various issues can occur that can impair the quality of the final product. For instance, air bubbles or impurities in the raw materials used for melting and refining can lead to defects in the glass. Similarly, problems during the float bath stage, such as inclusions, bubbles and striations, can result in uneven thickness or surface irregularities. Defects in the production of flat glass panes can lead to optical distortion, reduced strength, increased vulnerability to breakage and compromised functionality. These defects range from edge defects, uneven flatness, variations in colour and coating. In addition to inspection at float glass production lines, inspection systems are used to detect defects at a multitude of downstream stages including cutting, fabrication, mirrors, tempering, laminating, insulating glass production, pyrolytic and specialist coatings.
Container glass
The company has more than 18 years’ experience in the international glass container market, having successfully created extensive capabilities to make an established portfolio of products in flint, high-flint and colour glass on its 12 production lines, primarily to satisfy the needs of local customers. Just 15 years ago, WGI’s manufacturing capabilities comprised a single melting furnace and five production lines but as local demand for its specialist output has steadily increased in the intervening period, the need for additional manufacturing capacity has also grown gradually. Since ordering its first two inspection machines in 2005, Wellgrow has worked closely with the technology supplier team to improve and maintain the quality of its output. Currently housing three furnaces and 12 production lines, the factory’s inspection equipment has been the subject of extensive investment and modernisation to support these investment initiatives.
Container glass involves one of the most Premium and speciality glass complex production processes among Increased production of premium and speciality glass in Asia is placing greater the various sub-segments of the glass industry. It is an exacting, high-volume emphasis on inspection. Premium glass refers to high value, customised and fast-paced operation, where a packaging tailored for premium small error can lead to high rejection segments such as spirits, wine, cosmetics, costs. The production process must perfumery and niche pharmaceuticals. therefore be well equipped and optimally adjusted to produce bottles that satisfy Unlike standard clear glass bottles, speciality glass is typically heavier, the requirements of some of the most uniquely shaped and enhanced with demanding industries while remaining competitive on production costs. features such as embossing, frosting, colouring or printing to strengthen Inspection systems in the container brand identity and shelf appeal. glass industry have witnessed significant Demand for these products in Asian positive changes in recent years. countries is rising steadily, supported Almost all the leading producers in Asian countries have made significant by the growth of premium alcoholic beverages, increasing exports of spirits investments in installing state-of-the-art and cosmetics and the growing need for inspection systems at their production plants to produce high-quality and product differentiation in competitive consumer markets. defect-free products. A few years back, leading Thai Leading container-glass manufacturers are strategically container glass producer Siam Glass prioritising this segment, investing Thailand installed French company in value-added products, stateTiama’s inspection system for the of-the-art inspection systems, upgrading of its cold end inspection in its advanced decoration capabilities and Samutprakarn factory. lightweighting innovations to expand Dedicated to the production of margins and reduce dependence on the iconic health drink bottle, the five A worker handles flat glass during the production process. commoditised mass glasses. production lines were equipped with Image by Hanna Alves via Pexels Vijay Shah, director of India-based the company’s sidewall and bottom speciality glass producer PGP Glass, inspection systems. The Thai producer says: “Our operations strive to deliver the highest quality of glass containers, opted for more comprehensive inspection, enhancing its capacity to detect both effectively and economically. Over half of the quality checks involve mouth defects. The contract awarded to the French company also included the expert visual validation to ensure the glass is in the correct locations, has upgrade of several M machines with multi-head thickness measurement. the right shape or colour or texture and is free from any defects. Around the same time, the French company installed and commissioned “Automating all types of visual checks is not always practical because of 15 inspection machines at Asia Pacific Glass’ three new production lines in the volume of inspections, product variety, and the possibility that defects Chacheongsao district. may occur anywhere on the bottle and could be of any size. “With our strong and experienced team of sorters, inspectors, and Pharmaceutical sub-segment controllers we ensure highly efficient manual inspection process and Few sub-segments of the glass industry have quality requirements as resorting process, especially for more critical designs. Additionally, we stringent as those of the pharmaceutical container glass industry. Producers do a regular SQC inspection for monitoring and maintaining the quality in this sub-segment use state-of-the-art inspection technology to produce of the bottles.” high-quality products. PGP Glass Limited is a global specialist in design, production and For example, Thailand-based Wellgrow Glass Industry (WGI), which is located decoration of glass packaging for cosmetics and perfumery, food and in Chacheongsao province, some 50 km east of Bangkok, has installed a topspeciality spirits and pharmaceutical industries. notch inspection system to detect minor defects in its products.
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ANALYSIS: Inspection
The company has production facilities in India and Sri Lanka with an overall capacity of 1,720 tonnes per day, with 12 furnaces and 70 production lines. It has a global presence, with offices and warehousing facilities in France, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Brazil, India, UAE, UK and Sri Lanka. Vikas Dhighe, a former production supervisor at HNGL’s Nashik-based plant in India, says: “A couple of decades back, container glass production involved a large number of manual operations. As the number of stages in the technological chain increases, the involvement of human operators at various points in the process multiplies. This heightened reliance on human input significantly raises the impact of human factors, which, in turn, can lead to an increased rate of defects in glass products. Additionally, the state and maintenance of production equipment represent another critical factor affecting defect rates. “Poorly maintained or outdated equipment can exacerbate production issues, and these problems are often indirectly tied to human factors, such as insufficient training of the engineering department. Consequently, the total number of defect variations can reach significant levels. Addressing these issues used to take a lot of time and involved huge costs. However, with modern inspection systems, number of defects has come down very significantly over the years.”
Exacting demands from end-use industries
End-use industries – including beverage and pharmaceutical producers in container glass as well as automotive, solar and architectural glass customers – have been among the key drivers of improvements in inspection systems. An instrumentation engineer at AGI Greenpac’s Bhongir plant, speaking on condition of anonymity, says: “In order to cater to the growing demand of container glass from the alcobev industry, we have invested in state-ofthe-art inspection machines, becoming the first company in India to use this technology.”
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A work in progress
Inspection systems and quality control in the glass industry are still a work in progress. As glass containers are formed into increasingly complex shapes, detecting minor defects that can compromise product quality remains challenging. Leading technology suppliers and container glass producers have been studying how to identify preliminary causes of defects at an earlier stage, when the glass is in a cylindrically shaped gob state. In the past few years, inspection technology suppliers have developed technologies to detect foreign particles and blisters in a gob by taking images of a gob emitting light at high temperatures using a line sensor camera. It is possible to manufacture high-quality glass containers by detecting defects when a glass container is at the gob stage before being formed. For example, leading Japanese container glass producer and technology supplier Toyo Glass has been developing non-contact automatic inspection devices that use the latest image-processing technologies to inspect container shape and appearance by analysing the characteristics of glass. The company has developed technology that detects multiple defects, such as foreign particles, blisters and poor bottle shapes, by measuring the finish, body and heel of a bottle using line-sensor and area-sensor cameras. The company is also developing another type of inspection device that identifies appearance defects by recognising patterns in a glass container.
The competitive edge
For Asia’s glassmakers, the direction of travel is therefore clear. Inspection is moving beyond identifying defective finished products towards detecting problems earlier, classifying them more accurately and feeding information back into the production process. As glass becomes lighter, more specialised and subject to tighter customer requirements, the ability to identify – and ultimately prevent – defects will become an increasingly important measure of manufacturing competitiveness.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Empowering performance in modern glass manufacturing
At glasstec 2026, Bucher Emhart Glass will demonstrate how advanced forming technologies, intelligent inspection systems and specialised services are helping glass manufacturers improve quality, productivity and performance while preparing for an increasingly autonomous future. Each bottle is born long before glass enters the furnace. It starts with an idea, a challenge or a manufacturer’s ambition to improve quality and performance. Behind every successful production line stands a combination of expertise and technology working together to transform those ambitions into reality. For more than a century, Bucher Emhart Glass has partnered with glass manufacturers around the world, helping shape the
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evolution of container glass production. Today, as the industry faces increasing pressure to improve productivity while preparing for an autonomous future, that spirit of collaboration remains at the heart of every innovation. At glasstec 2026, Bucher Emhart Glass will showcase how advanced forming technologies, intelligent inspection systems and specialised services work together to unlock new levels of performance in glass manufacturing.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Visitors will see the latest developments of the Bucher Emhart Glass Servo Electric Glass Forming Machine technology. Since being launched in 1999 as Bucher Emhart Glass’s ultimate Servo Electric forming solution, the NIS platform has continued to evolve and set the standard. The next step represents a significant advancement in precision, process control and machine performance. Designed to enhance process capability across all forming processes, the Servo Electric Plunger delivers precise, repeatable control that enables glassmakers to improve consistency, quality and overall manufacturing performance. The journey towards autonomous manufacturing also depends on the ability to transform data into actionable insight. This is where SmartInspectAI enters the picture. Combining advanced inspection capabilities with continuously learning artificial intelligence, the solution moves beyond traditional defect detection to deliver a more intelligent approach to quality control. By adapting to real production environments and continuously refining performance, SmartInspectAI demonstrates how artificial intelligence can help manufacturers achieve both higher quality standards and greater operational confidence. The company's expanded capabilities are further strengthened through the integration of cm.project.ing. As an independent partner specialising in holistic glass plant engineering, cm.project. ing brings extensive expertise across container, flat and fibre glass production. From the very beginning of an investment project, a holistic approach – covering idea, business plan and implementation – is an integral part of cm.project.ing GmbH’s work. While innovation often attracts the spotlight, long-term performance also depends on sustaining and enhancing production over time. For this reason, Lifecycle Solutions remain a cornerstone of the Bucher Emhart Glass offering. Through modernisation and upgrades, Long Term Service Agreements (LTSA), training and original parts support, manufacturers can extend equipment life, improve efficiency and enhance plant performance without major capital investments. In a rapidly evolving market, these solutions help ensure that existing operations remain competitive while preparing for future growth.
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Across every area of the business, the common thread remains the same: transforming customer challenges into measurable results.
Across every area of the business, the common thread remains the same: transforming customer challenges into measurable results. Whether through next-generation forming technology, AIpowered quality management, engineering expertise or lifecycle support, Bucher Emhart Glass continues to develop solutions designed around the realities of modern glass manufacturing, with a clear focus on empowering customer performance across the entire value chain. Bucher Emhart Glass will be exhibiting at glasstec 2026 in Hall 13, Booth 31.
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ANALYSIS: Tableware
ASEAN at the table
Regional demand and sourcing shifts offer growth despite rising cost pressures Southeast Asia has developed into one of Asia’s most important glass tableware production bases, supported by rising domestic consumption and growing international sourcing interest. Yet manufacturers face higher costs, uncertain demand and intensifying competition. Yogender Singh Malik assesses whether the balance for ASEAN’s tableware glass industry points towards sustained growth or a more challenging period ahead.
T
he Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become an increasingly important centre for glass tableware production and sourcing, led by established manufacturing bases in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Rising domestic consumption and the diversification of international supply chains are creating opportunities, but producers also face higher costs, uneven consumer demand and a challenging global trading environment.
A regional production powerhouse
Southeast Asia has emerged as a major powerhouse of glass tableware production over the last two decades. The region accounts for the second-largest production share of tableware glass in Asia, behind market leader China. ASEAN stands out as one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for tableware producers. Steady economic growth in many countries over the past decade has supported the industry. The region represents a sizeable market for regional and international glass tableware producers, while an expanding middle class across its population of more than 650 million has supported glass tableware consumption. In 2025, the glass tableware industry in ASEAN countries continued to operate under economic pressure and uncertainty in both the global and regional economies. Key factors included geopolitical tensions, regional political uncertainty in Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar, and US trade measures, all of which affected the business environment, cost structures and market demand. Recovery in the tourism sector, an important source of
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demand for glass tableware products, has also remained uneven. The region’s sizeable middle class and rising purchasing power have been pivotal in driving steady demand for glass tableware in recent years. In addition to domestic demand, ASEAN has become an important hub for glass tableware exports to Europe, the Americas and the rest of Asia. Several glass tableware producers have added sizeable production capacity in recent years to meet growing domestic and export demand. Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are the three largest producers of tableware glass in the region, accounting for 39%, 24% and 20% of the tableware glass produced in the region. In addition to catering to their domestic and export demand, these countries have become important hubs for glass tableware sourcing for a number of Western-based retailers and supermarkets. A few glass tableware producers in these countries also operate as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for established European and American glass tableware brands. Besides sizeable exports from the region, its growing middle class is making an important contribution to the growth of glass tableware industry. Rising purchasing power and improving per capita incomes have increased demand for glass tableware. Other factors, such as a shift towards glass over plastic and the growth of the retail industry, have also supported the industry and are likely to drive further growth. The China Plus One strategy has been an important driver of glass tableware production in the region in the post-Covid period. As businesses diversify sourcing beyond China to improve supply-chain resilience and reduce reliance on a single country, new opportunities are emerging across Southeast Asia.
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ANALYSIS: Tableware
Glass tableware takes shape on an automated production line
Indonesia
As ASEAN’s largest glass tableware-producing nation, Indonesia accounts for about 39% of the region’s total production. The country has more than a dozen large and medium-sized glass tableware producers and is also the region’s largest consumer. In addition to meeting domestic demand, Indonesia is an important sourcing hub for global glass tableware retailers. Around 15 years ago, much of Indonesia’s glass tableware exports were directed to other Asian countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and India. However, in the intervening years Indonesian tableware glass producers have made significant progress in producing higher quality products. Earlier confined to mass and economy segments, most of the large tableware companies produce top notch quality products, which can be spotted on the shelves of reputed global retailers. Indonesian tableware glass exporters have reaped significant dividends from anti-dumping duties on Chinese tableware glass exports to major Western markets in Europe and Americas. Currently, Chinese tableware glass imports face sizeable import duties in most of these countries, making Indonesian imports fairly competitive.
PT Cullet Prima Setia (BBC Glass)
PT Culletprima Setia has grown into one of the best known tableware glass producers in the South East Asian region. Operating in the tableware glass sector for the last 34 years, the company’s brand BBC Glass has strong brand recognition among consumers in the country. The company operates two state-of-the-art production facilities capable
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Leading glass tableware producers in Indonesia Company
Location
Production Capacity
Kedaung Industrial Group
Cikande
1650 tonnes per day
PT First National Glassware
Pulo Gudang Industrial Estate, Jakarta
325 tonnes per day
PT Culletprima Setia (BBC Glass)
Banten
200 tonnes per day
PT Kwarsa Indah Murni (KIM Glass)
Tangerang
180 tonnes per day
PT Pasir Sari Raya Industri
Tangerang
160 tonnes per day
PT Mega Indah (Migi Glass)
Banten
180 tonnes per day
PT Opal Indah
Dki Jakarta
120 tonnes per day
PT Kemasindo Ampuh
Gunung Putri Bogor
245 tonnes per day
PT Ishizuka Maspion
Surabaya
150 tonnes per day
Bali
80 tonnes per day
Gunung Putri Bogor
90 tonnes per day
Inti Bali Glass PT Global Sukses Jaya
of producing 200 tonnes of tableware glass per day. Located at Kawasan Industri Pasir Jaya, Tangerang, these facilities supply a large part of coloured tableware glass in the domestic market. The company claims: “One of the main selling points of our products is the uniqueness brought in the rich colours available for each glassware series. Currently, we hold 80% market share in coloured glassware in the market.”
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ANALYSIS: Tableware
PT Ishizuka Maspion Indonesia (IMG)
Established in 1996 as a joint venture (JV) between Japanese company Ishizuka and Indonesia’s consumer durable company, Mapison Group, PT. Ishizuka Maspion Indonesia (IMG) is one of the largest glass tableware producers in Indonesia. Maspion Group is among the world’s largest durable goods producers. The company has strong expertise in manufacturing a wide range of houseware products, from glassware, kitchenware and plastic houseware to electrical home appliances. It has an established and extensive distribution network both domestically and internationally through distributors, agents or retailers, as well as representatives in major cities in Indonesia and major glass tableware-consuming countries. The company has also established strategic alliances with major prominent foreign partners to strengthen its position in the global market. IMG production facility is located at Altap Industrial Estate in Gresik, East Java. It has an installed capacity of 150 tonnes per day of stemware and press ware tableware glass articles. Equipped with 10 automatic glass lines, the company exports its products to more than 50 countries.
PT Kedaung Industrial Group
The China Plus One strategy has encouraged a number of Western sourcing companies, retailers, and tableware producers to increase sourcing from Vietnam, supporting tableware production in the country. Vietnam is becoming an attractive manufacturing and sourcing hub because of its geographical position and engagement in numerous free trade agreements, which are supporting international trade and investment. This growing appeal is translating into exciting prospects and substantial investments by existing and new tableware glass producers, promising robust growth for tableware glass industry. Vietnam’s comparatively lower labour costs than China also provide a competitive advantage for labour-intensive glass tableware production. Truong Vinh, GNP, Hieu Trung Kien Glass and foreign firms like HAS Co. Ltd are the major glass tableware producers in the country.
Thailand
Thailand is the second-largest glass tableware producer in ASEAN, accounting for about 24% of regional production. The country’s industry comprises more than a dozen glass tableware producers. In addition to meeting domestic demand, Thai manufacturers export about 35% of their production to other ASEAN countries, the rest of Asia, Europe and North America.
PT. Kedaung Industrial Ltd (KIG group) is the largest tableware glass producer in Indonesia. In fact, the company is one of the largest global tableware producers. The Group, which is an unconsolidated federation of about 30 small and medium Ocean Glass, Thailand enterprises, has an installed capacity of 1,650 tonnes per day of tableware Ocean Glass is the largest and perhaps the most popular glass tableware products. The group produces about 6,000 different types of tableware products producer from Thailand. Located at Bangpoo Industrial Estate of Samut from its 120 lines. Prakarn province, the company operates three furnaces and 12 forming KIG Group exports about 60% of its output to its customers in North and South machines with a total production capacity of 160 million pieces of Americas, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific and Oceania regions. tableware products per year. The company claims that investment in state-of-the-art technology has Producing high-quality tableware glassware, quality drinking glasses allowed it to accommodate increasing demand for quality products from a for household use, and for the hotel and restaurant industry, the company number of clients such as Wal-Mart, Woolworth, IKEA, Carrefour, Dollar General, also provides custom glass production services for various companies and Hero, Matahari and Lotte Mart. stores, used as gifts and promotional items. The group’s main producing facilities are PT Kedaung Industrial Ltd, located Thailand accounted for 35% of the company’s total sales revenue (1702 in Langgeng Sahabat Industrial Estate in Cikande, Banten; PT Kedawung Subur, million Baht) in 2025, while the rest of ASEAN accounted for 13% of the located in Rungkut Industrial Estate, Surabaya, East Java; PT Kedawung Surya total sales. Industrial and PT Kedaung Medan Industrial Ltd, located in North Sumatra. “The operating environment for Ocean Glass Public Company Limited in In addition to its Indonesian production facilities, Kedaung Group 2025 remained challenging, as the company navigated a fragile economic established two manufacturing plants in Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt, which started operation in 2009. Tableware glass producers in Thailand Egypt was chosen because of its strategic location and Company Location Year of Establishment Production Capacity proximity to markets in the Middle East, Europe and the Ocean Glass Samut Prakarn 1982 220 tonnes per day United States. Lucky Glass Ratchburi province 1965 160 tonnes per day
PT First National Glassware
PT the First National Glassware (FNG) is one of the largest producers of glass tableware in Indonesia. Established in 1971, the company has two production facilities at Pulo Gadung Industrial Estate (eastern part of Jakarta). With three furnaces and 17 production lines, FNG has an installed capacity of 325 tonnes per day. The company produces approximately one million glass tableware products every day under the FNG brand and distributes them to more than 50 countries.
Vietnam
Vietnam is fast emerging as an important hub for glass tableware production in ASEAN. Accounting for about 20% of the total tableware glass produced in the ASEAN region, Vietnam’s glass tableware industry has rapidly expanded its installed capacity and output during the last 10 years.
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Eastern Glass Manufacturing Company Limited United Glass Company (Etna Glass) Kong Thavron Glassware Company Bangkok Modern Glassware Company (BMG) Union Victors Company Limited Thai Soojung Glass Company (Opal Glassware) Inter Product Glassware Company Limited United Glassware
Bang Khae, Bangkok
1955
90 tonnes per day
Nakornpathom
1973
70 tonnes per day
Sam Phran, Nakornpathom Bangkae, Bangkok
1975
60 tonnes per day
1999
60 tonnes per day
Bangkok
1980
70 tonnes per day
Sampran, Nakornpatom
1984
140 tonnes per day
Bangkok
2006
60 tonnes per day
Sampran
1973
80 tonnes per day
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)\TERHEFPI PMRI *YPP ƽI\MFM
ANALYSIS: Tableware
landscape and multiple external pressures, including global geopolitical tensions, US trade measures and the slowdown in domestic purchasing power. Despite these challenges, management demonstrated resilience and a proactive strategic approach. “The company focused on expanding its customer base while strengthening relationships with existing customers, alongside diversifying its sales channels. In particular, the domestic market showed encouraging growth, driven by expansion in the B2B segment and online channels, both of which will continue to serve as key drivers of revenue growth going forward,” Theeranee Kittitheeranont, managing director of Ocean Glass, wrote in a document filed with the stock exchange.
ASEAN’S OPPORTUNITY WILL DEPEND NOT SIMPLY ON ADDING TONNES, BUT ON COMPETING ON QUALITY, DESIGN, COST AND RELIABILITY IN DOMESTIC AND EXPORT MARKETS.
Lucky Glass
With an installed capacity of 160 tonnes per day of tableware glass, Lucky Glass is the second-largest glass tableware producer in Thailand. The company was established as Kaew Thai Charoen Part in 1965 at Pasricharoen in Bangkok, before expanding its output and changing its name to Thai Neutral Glass Co. Ltd in 1973. It discontinued the handmade blown glassware production and began using automatic equipment. The company underwent further expansion in 1988 and adopted its current name, Lucky Glass. In 2010, it moved to a new production plant on a 16.5-acre site at Ratchaburi Industrial Estate in Ratchaburi province.
United Glass Company
United Glass is a leading handmade glassware manufacturer based in Thailand. Established in 1973, the company is one of the oldest factories of its kind in Thailand. The main product lines are various fashion drinkware, stemware, carafe and decanter, flower vase and candle holder, all made from glass or crystal. United Glass produces its own designs and also accepts custom-made OEM orders from retailers, importers or wellestablished brands and manufacturers.
Kong Thavron Glassware Company
Established in 1975, Kong Thavron Glassware Company produces handmade and mouth-blown tableware glass products. The company claims to serve some of the most distinguished hotels in the region and European countries. Bangkok Modern Glassware Company, another leading tableware glass producer, is a subsidiary of Kong Thavron Glassware. Set up in 1999, Bangkok Modern Glassware has created a niche for itself by offering unique tableware glass products in domestic and export markets.
AGC Techno Glass
AGC Techno Glass Thailand, a subsidiary of Japanese glassmaker AGC, ceased production of tableware glass at its Chon Buri plant at the end of 2024. Since its establishment in 1995, the company had primarily manufactured and sold heat-resistant glass tableware products. A press release issued by the Japanese company stated: “In recent years, the market environment for this business has become increasingly challenging. Despite diligent efforts to improve operations, ATGT has been unable to improve its performance owing to rising manufacturing costs and other factors. Therefore, it is decided to terminate its production activities.”
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Hospitality demand remains an important market for glass tableware. Image by Alexa Soh on Unsplash
Rest of the region
Remaining countries of ASEAN region account for about 16% of the total glass tableware production. The Philippines and Malaysia collectively account for about 10% of the total glass tableware output in the region. Glass tableware production in these countries could grow from their current low base, as demand continues to outstrip local supply.
Growth, but not without pressure
The evidence points more towards growth than decline for ASEAN’s glass tableware industry, although the outlook is far from uniform across the region. Rising purchasing power, recovering hospitality demand and the diversification of international sourcing away from China are creating opportunities for established producers and potential new entrants alike. Yet higher manufacturing costs, pressure on consumer spending and the experience of producers that have withdrawn capacity demonstrate that growth cannot be taken for granted. ASEAN’s opportunity will depend not simply on adding tonnes, but on competing on quality, design, cost and reliability in domestic and export markets. If producers can meet those requirements, ASEAN has the potential to strengthen its position as one of the principal alternative production and sourcing centres in the global glass tableware industry.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
glasstec 2026: LiSEC LSP-A Two lasers, one system for flexible glass processing
With the LSP-A, LiSEC is presenting a laser solution at glasstec 2026 that combines two different laser processes in one system. In this interview, Elias Leichtfried explains how the combination of engraving and precise coating removal opens new fields of application, ranging from bird protection glass to functional hightech glazing. Mr Leichtfried, what approach is LiSEC pursuing with the LSP-A in the field of laser processing? Elias Leichtfried: The central idea behind the LSP-A is to combine two different laser beam sources in one system and to enable flexible use. The USP of our machine is that both laser processes are integrated into a single system and operate completely without additives or consumables. The goal was to create a solution that allows both the structuring of glass surfaces and the targeted removal of functional coatings. This allows applications that can only be realised to a limited extent – or not at all – using conventional processes.
defined pattern to make the glass visible to birds and prevent collisions. In addition, decorative designs such as lettering, logos or images can be realised. Another field of application is anti-slip glass. Here, very dense dot structures are created, enabling tested and certified slip resistance in classes R9 and R10.
Elias Leichtfried
What specific tasks do the two laser beam sources perform? Elias Leichtfried: The first laser beam source is a CO₂ laser that acts directly on the glass. This results in a very low level of material removal, which mattes or engraves the glass depending on the settings and creates a clear visual contrast. This process is suitable for a wide range of applications. A key product is bird protection glass, where dot-shaped structures are applied in a
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And what is the second laser beam source used for? Elias Leichtfried: The second laser beam source is a near-infrared laser (NIR), which is used for coating removal. The glass itself remains completely unaffected; only the coating is removed.
This type of laser coating removal is necessary where conventional mechanical processes reach their limits. A typical example is signal glass or heated glass. In these applications, extremely fine grid structures with a thickness of only 20 µm can be introduced into the coating. Since usually only a few percent of the coating is removed, its function remains fully intact. This allows glass, for example, to be made permeable to mobile communications signals or prepared for use as heated glass.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
The USP of our machine is that both laser processes are integrated into a single system and operate completely without additives or consumables. Another area of application is mirror coating removal. The laser enables targeted and complete removal of the mirror layer without matting the underlying glass – an important advantage compared to conventional processes. From your perspective, what distinguishes the LiSEC LSP-A within the current market landscape? Elias Leichtfried: At present, we are the only ones combining both laser processes – engraving and coating removal – in a single machine, while operating completely without additives or consumables. Another key point is productivity. Especially in bird protection glass, we achieve an output of approximately 55 to 60 square metres per hour using two simultaneously operating CO₂ laser beam sources. The lasers process the glass pane in parallel using a meander pattern, enabling these high throughput rates. How can the LSP-A be integrated into existing production environments? Elias Leichtfried:The system is designed to be highly flexible and can be integrated at almost any point in the process chain. Processing can take place both before and after tempering without affecting the glass strength – this has been verified through corresponding tests. The LiSEC LSP-A can be fully automated and integrated into existing lines, often as a bypass solution, or operated as a standalone machine. Multiple glass panes can be processed in batches, while the operator can simultaneously perform other tasks.
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Laser technology is often associated with increased safety requirements. How does LiSEC address this? Elias Leichtfried:Our systems are delivered as laser safety class 1 systems. This means that the operator does not require additional laser protection. Neither laser safety curtains nor special protective enclosures are necessary, as all safety features are already integrated into the system. Energy efficiency is also an important factor. The lasers used operate at only a few hundred watts, and the axes are very energy efficient. The main energy consumption comes from extraction and cooling, but it is significantly lower than that of upstream or downstream processes. Who is the LSP-A particularly suited for? Elias Leichtfried: Overall, the range of applications is very broad and spans various market segments. Typical areas include facade construction, for example in bird protection or signal glass. At the same time, the system is also attractive for interior applications, such as design or partition elements. In addition, combined applications such as mirror coating removal and engraving enable the realisation of backlit mirrors or integrated touch functions.
Key Takeaways • Two laser beam sources for engraving and coating removal in one system • Alternatively, two CO₂ sources for higher productivity • No additives or consumables required • High productivity, especially for bird protection glass • Flexible integration into production lines or as a standalone machine
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ANALYSIS: Solar Glass
Borosil Renewables: Solar glass production at Borosil Renewables
Sunrise industry Solar boom fuels glass manufacturing growth The rapid build-up of solar energy generation will require a corresponding expansion of ultra-clear, low-iron tempered solar glass production capacity, Rohan Gunasekera writes
S
ignificantly more solar glass production capacity will be needed to make enough solar panels to support the energy transition. Although in recent years some concern has emerged over global solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing overcapacity, including tempered glass, demand for solar power continues to grow, compelled by the energy transition requirement. Solar PV offers what’s called the ‘here-and-now’ opportunity – it already represents the lowest marginal cost of electricity generation globally, with overall prices continuing to decline. China’s dominance of the entire solar PV supply chain, including glass, through sheer scale and ultra-low cost, is seen as a formidable obstacle to potential competitors wanting to build their own solar energy industrial ecosystems. But the need for energy independence and to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains that could be disrupted, as the war on Iran shows, is driving more countries to encourage investments in PV module manufacturing, including ancillary components such as glass. This is particularly evident in big, fast-growing markets like India, as well as in countries like Australia which seeks to revive its lost float glass manufacturing capability. The shift to larger solar modules and to bifacial panels that use glass on both sides increases the need for solar glass cover material, while better solar cell efficiency and the shift to thinner glass panes decrease the glass requirement. Improved solar module efficiency reduces cost which will increase demand for solar power. Overall, studies show that to meet the need for the planned solar power capacity, the materials required to build the panels, such as specialised, ultra-clear, low-iron glass, will rise significantly.
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Supply and demand under pressure
Xinyi Solar, the world’s largest manufacturer of solar photovoltaic glass, believes the fundamental competitiveness of solar power, as compared with fossil fuels and other renewable sources, remains undiminished. Xinyi Solar chairman Dr. Lee Yin Yee attributes the potential decline in global PV installations in 2026, the first such year-on-year decline in nearly two decades, largely to policy shifts in several key countries, “As long as electricity demand continues to grow, solar energy retains substantial potential for future expansion,” he told shareholders in the company’s 2025 annual report. According to the International Energy Agency’s Electricity Mid-Year Update 2025, global power demand is expected to rise much faster over the 20252026 period than it did during the past decade and projected to increase by 3.7% in 2026. The upward trend in renewables is set to continue in 2026 with solar PV generation forecast to grow by 27%. Xinyi Solar’s Lee says that beyond traditional drivers such as industrial, commercial, and residential consumption, new trends in power usage are rapidly emerging. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles, coupled with surging energy needs from artificial intelligence and data centres, is injecting further momentum into the solar demand growth. With the significant decline in the solar power generation costs, advancements in energy storage technologies and the deployment of smart grids, solar energy’s share in the energy mix is expected to continue growing. “Solar power is projected to remain the most widely adopted and fastest-growing energy source for the foreseeable future,” Lee says.
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ANALYSIS: Solar Glass
In 2025, the solar glass industry operated against a backdrop of persistent volatility, managing challenges from dramatic supply-demand swings, rising trade protectionism and broader geopolitical and economic uncertainties. These highly volatile market conditions created significant capacity planning difficulties for the whole solar value chain including the solar glass segment. “As the decline in China’s PV installations showed no significant improvement, supply-demand imbalance in the solar glass market intensified,” Lee says. “The increasing level of inventories and the downward price pressure further accelerated the challenges, making operating conditions increasingly difficult.” The solar glass industry contracted in 2025, as growing operational pressure forced producers to suspend production. Anticipating a slowdown in the downstream demand and heightened market volatility, Xinyi Group itself suspended two solar glass production lines in China, with a total daily melting capacity of 1,800 tonnes in July 2025. But the group continues to expand production capacity overseas, to mitigate potential risks from geopolitical tensions and trade barriers, despite shrinking demand and falling prices. The construction of the solar glass production base in Indonesia is in progress as planned. As of 30 June 2026, Xinyi Solar’s total daily melting capacity was 22,600 tonnes a day, according to a statement on financial results in the six months ended 30 June 2026. It maintains certain excess capacity that can be reactivated in response to the changing market conditions. As part of the first phase of development of the production site in Indonesia, the group’s first solar glass production line in Indonesia commenced operation in January 2026. Xinyi earlier had announced plans to add two new solar glass production lines with an aggregate daily melting capacity of 2,400 tonnes in 2026. “Currently, the solar supply chain remains in an adjustment phase of overcapacity,” Xinyi’s Lee says. “While short-term challenges are unavoidable, the long-term fundamentals remain solid. Under the global carbon neutrality agenda, demand for solar energy will continue to expand.” In 2025, Xinyi Group’s overseas sales of solar glass increased 36% from the year before, and the proportion of overseas sales rose from 23.3% in 2024 to 33.5% in 2025. This growth was primarily driven by rising demand in the US and India, following the commissioning of new solar module capacity in these markets. Overseas-produced solar glass typically commands a price premium due to limited local supply, trade tariffs and logistical advantages. While China, the EU and the US remained the major markets, emerging regions, such as India, Pakistan, Brazil, Southeast Asia and Africa, grow at a faster pace, and their significance is expected to increase in future.
India’s localisation push
According to Borosil Renewables, which styles itself as the world’s largest nonChinese-owned solar glass producer, India’s solar energy sector has emerged as a critical pillar in the country’s broader strategy for sustainable development and energy security. However, imbalances created by large capacities in China and Vietnam weakened prices and placed domestic manufacturers in India and Europe under tremendous strain. For Borosil Renewables, this presented a dual challenge. “On one hand, we had to protect margins against volatile pricing. On the other, we had to ensure that we remained competitive and a reliable source of supply for customers who depended on us,” its chairman Pradeep Kumar Kheruka says. “India, however, provided a powerful counterweight to these headwinds. The country installed close to 24 Gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in FY 2024-25, the highest ever, reflecting the government’s resolve to accelerate the renewable energy transition.”
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CONCERN OVER CHINA’S DOMINANCE OF THE SOLAR PV SUPPLY CHAIN IS PROMPTING MAJOR COUNTRIES TO REDUCE THEIR DEPENDENCE ON CHINESE IMPORTS AND DIVERSIFY THEIR SUPPLY CHAINS FOR SOLAR COMPONENTS, INCLUDING GLASS. In July 2025, Borosil Renewables shut down its German subsidiary, Interfloat Group, Europe’s largest manufacturer of solar glass, which it bought in 2022. Interfloat Group, with a production of 300 tonnes per day (TPD), went bankrupt after it was severely impacted by a sharp drop in European demand due to the shutdown of solar module manufacturing capacity in the EU and in Türkiye as a result of imports of cheap solar modules from China and other Southeast Asian countries. Borosil management initially saw Interfloat’s shutdown as temporary with hopes to resume manufacturing if German government support for domestic production of solar modules was available as that would revive demand for solar glass. But such support was not available. In July 2026 Borosil said in an investor presentation the German unit had filed for insolvency. Shutting down its German unit enables Borosil Renewables to arrest recurring losses and reallocate resources and managerial focus to the fast-growing Indian market where long-term prospects remain robust. India Ratings expects the big increase in Borosil Renewables’ profit margins in the first half of FY 2026 to continue in the second half. Margins improved after India imposed a five-year anti-dumping duty on solar glass imports from China and Vietnam from December 2024, the closure of the loss-making German subsidiary, and cost-saving measures taken by the company. Indian demand for solar glass increased due to government initiatives to shift towards green energy and an increased focus on domestic manufacturing of solar modules. Borosil Renewables operating profit margin improved to 25% in 1HFY26 from four per cent in FY25, driven by an improvement in selling prices after the imposition of anti-dumping duty on the imports of solar glass. Margins are expected to remain at similar levels over 2HFY26 and FY27, led by a continued increase in prices of solar glass after the imposition of basic customs duty from 2HFY25. Borosil Renewables announced in July 2026 the government would continue duty on solar glass imports from Malaysia for five years.
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ANALYSIS: Solar Glass
To meet the rising demand for solar glass in the domestic market, the consumption worldwide, with demand in India primed for exponential company, which makes antimony-free solar glass, aims to add capacity of growth over the next five years,” Borosil Renewables says. 600 TPD to its installed capacity of 1,000 TPD by end-FY27. Other large Globally, a significant percentage of solar glass production is controlled capacities of competitors in the industry are likely to become operational by China-based players. The selling prices of solar glass depend upon the between FY27 and FY28. India’s solar module manufacturing capacity landed cost of imports, which restricts the ability of players to pass on has reached 203 GW compared to 11 GW five years back on the support any increases in costs. Thus, any adverse government policy or repeal of of government incentives. Borosil Renewables has the capacity to cater existing benefits could impact the demand for modules and solar glass. to more than 6.5 GW. Once the new plant is operational, the firm’s total installed capacity in India will rise to 1,600 TPD, sufficient to cater to about Processing technology adapts Glaston Corporation sees the growth of solar energy, smart glass and energy10.5 GW of solar module demand annually. efficient glass being supported by increasing environmental awareness “Domestic solar glass production capacity is expected to rise gradually to 7,700 TPD (51 GW) by March 2027 still leaving a supply gap,” Borosil and investments in renewable energy. Glaston’s offering includes products Renewables says. “A significant portion of these new capacities is for for the heat treatment of solar panel glass. It has delivered hundreds of captive consumption. As such the company has a ready demand for its glass processing lines to PV glass manufacturers around the world, with its experience in glass pre-processing and bending technologies useful ongoing expansion and the company does not see any challenges in in meeting the increasing demand for curved solar glass. “Photovoltaic selling the additional production in view of its customer relationships.” Borosil Renewables chairman Kheruka says they introduced a fully panels require thinner glass, while solar concentrators need more flexible tempered two-millimetre solar glass specifically designed for bifacial shapes,” Glaston says. “An emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient products is driving greater demand for glass in the solar energy market.” and glass-glass modules. “This product was quickly adopted by leading customers in the export markets,” he says. “Currently the two-millimetre Glaston CEO Miika Äppelqvist notes that the price competitiveness of solar is a result of cost optimisation in its production process, called the heat strengthened glass has become the main product as bifacial modules PV learning curve – as global cumulative photovoltaic capacity doubles, became popular while use of 3.2 mm has become marginal. We also expanded our product portfolio with anti-glare glass for installations near the price of modules decreases by about 20–25%. “This cost optimisation airports, matt-finished dual-sided glass for new-age applications, and stretches back to even cover the technology needed for solar power module advanced coated glass with anti-reflective and anti-soiling properties.” production – including the machinery used to process solar glass,” he says. Borosil Renewables is developing specialised glass for new segments Larger cell formats are increasing the module size, and the size of the such as greenhouses and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). front-side glass. “This has led solar glass processors in increasing numbers It increased the share of two-millimetre glass in production to 55%, to move from a 1.2 metre to a 1.35 metre width in their production, which necessitates a machinery fleet renewal to handle the larger glass sheets,” successfully introduced grid printed glass for use in bifacial modules and Äppelqvist says. is on course to raise this to 75–80% in the current financial year. The According to Glaston company sees its capacity expansion as helping make market intelligence, India self-reliant in solar changes in glass sizes are creating new opportunities glass manufacturing. for machinery providers to “The future looks the solar glass processing promising,” Borosil industry. The solar market Renewables says. “We are is still mainly using a 3.2 especially focusing on mm thickness for front-side expanding our footprint glass, but requirements for across the Americas by scaling 2.5 mm and even thinner our operations to meet the glass are growing. “While larger global demand. All this reduction in material the major customers have volume has a positive effect significantly expanded their on the solar industry in the capacity, which has made form of lower material costs, it easier for the company this creates new challenges to sell additional volumes. when processing the glass to Looking ahead, global solar achieve the required module installations are expected Borosil Renewables: Solar glass processing at mechanical stability with to grow significantly, as Borosil Renewables thinner glass,” Äppelqvist leading economies continue says. “This is driving new to prioritise renewables. This investments in machinery to produce thinner glass, larger panel widths – trend will, in turn, drive substantial demand across the solar value chain, and greater capacity. When glass gets thinner and larger, the importance particularly for solar glass.” of accurate heating increases.” Concern over China’s dominance of the solar PV supply chain is Some studies on the growth of solar energy draw attention to the huge prompting major countries to reduce their dependence on Chinese imports amount of resources, especially minerals and materials such as glass, and diversify their supply chains for solar components, including glass. needed to support the planned solar PV capacity growth. Also, the global demand for glass-glass bifacial modules, which replace “Glass demand might still exceed current float-glass production, traditional polymer backsheets with dual glass layers, is growing rapidly. requiring capacity expansion,” says a 2021 study by the Fraunhofer “This shift in technology is expected to significantly boost solar glass
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www.asianglass.com
ANALYSIS: Solar Glass
GIVEN THE SCALE AND SPEED AT WHICH SOLAR PV CAPACITY IS BEING INSTALLED AND PLANNED, PRODUCTION OF COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS, SUCH AS GLASS, REQUIRED TO MAKE THE MODULES WILL HAVE TO BE RAMPED UP AT MATCHING LEVELS, ELEVATING THE SOLAR GLASS INDUSTRY TO A POSITION OF GLOBAL STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE. AGC Solar: Final inspection of solar glass at AGC
Institute for Solar Energy Systems and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research published by Royal Society of Chemistry Energy & Environmental Science journal. It assessed demand for fundamental resources, including how much glass is needed, for terawatt-scale PV until the year 2100. Cost efficient climate change mitigation requires installing a total of 20–80 Terawatt-peak (TWp) photovoltaics until 2050 and 80–170 TWp until 2100, under two scenarios examined. TWp measures maximum power output under ideal ‘peak’ sunlight conditions. “The question is whether the projected growth is feasible from a resource point of view – and if so, under which conditions,” the study says. It notes that while the industry started with single-glass modules with front glass thickness of three millimetres, trends are in the direction of two-millimetre sheets on the one hand and double glass modules with glass back-sheets on the other hand. “For two-millimetre float glass, a fully double glass-based PV production will require amounts of float-glass exceeding todays overall annual glass,” the study says. It points out that from a resource perspective, the production requirement “is probably not critical since sand reserves for glass manufacturing are abundant and widespread, and glass can also be recycled. Only little change to thinner glass substrates and the trend to bifacial modules requiring double glass modules keep glass demand high. “The demand for float-glass for photovoltaics will be in the order of the entire current global float-glass production or more than double that amount if there is switch to glass–glass modules without a reduction in glass thickness. Therefore, a rapid expansion in float glass production capacity within the next 10 years is necessary.” The June 2026 International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics, 17th edition (ITRPV 17) says a thickness of between two and three millimetres is mainstream for glass-glass modules today. It is expected that glass with a thickness lower than two millimetres will gain some market share over the next few years. A thickness below two millimetres
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had a market share close to five per cent in 2025 and is expected to reach around 10% in 2036. The dominance of thicknesses between two and three millimetres will, however, remain, with around 86% in 10 years. The stability of glass cannot be compromised, particularly under heavy loads and hail conditions. “Antimony free glass is starting to gain market share over the next decade, reaching around 15% market share by 2036,” the ITRPV study says. “Rolled and structured glass is mainly used in today’s module manufacturing. The float glass market share of three per cent in 2025 will grow to about seven per cent within the next 10 years. Back side glass thickness is similar to front side glass; in some cases, it is thinner. Thickness below two millimetres has been in the market since 2022, and the market share is expected to marginally increase in the upcoming years to almost 13% in 2036.” Some market share will also be covered by relatively cost-effective architectural grade glass reaching around five per cent in 2036. The use of anti-reflective (AR) coatings has become standard to improve the transmission of the front cover glass. AR-coated glass will remain the dominant front cover material for crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV modules in the future. “Since AR-coated glass will be the most used front cover glass, it is important that the AR coating remains effective and stable under various outdoor conditions during the entire operational life of the module,” the ITRPV report says. All AR coatings on the market today meet an average lifetime of at least 15 years, and there is a clear trend indicating that the average service life of these coatings will improve to 26.5 years in 2036. Given the scale and speed at which solar PV capacity is being installed and planned, production of components and materials, such as glass, required to make the modules will have to be ramped up at matching levels, elevating the solar glass industry to a position of global strategic significance.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Nover starts new Algeria production line Falorni Group completes furnace, forehearth and forming-machine project at Chlef glassworkstrade and demand patterns
Falorni Group has completed the commissioning of a new glass production line for Nover in Algeria, combining a recuperative melting furnace, three forehearths, forming equipment and process-control technology to support production of more than 50 tonnes of glass per day. Falornitech's and Famoreng's positioning in the North African market continues firmly and determinedly thanks to the start-up operations of the new production line at the Nover group in Algeria. The Nover plant, located in north-central Algeria, has decided to invest, with ambition, in the construction of a new plant, with a totally new recuperative melting furnace and three forehearths, which will allow it to produce over 50 tonnes of glass per day, which will be transformed into finished products for the North African market. A subsidiary of the National Glass and Abrasives Enterprise (ENAVA), the Chlef glassworks was founded over 20 years ago to meet the strong national demand for glass packaging. This joint-stock company has become a privileged partner of large Algerian companies. In recent weeks, at the end of the preheating operations, the Falornitech team completed the commissioning of the new furnace and the entire distribution section, allowing the glass to flow
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into the forming machines, supplied by its subsidiary company Famorengineering, and into subsequent processing lines. The installation of this new production line in Nover, based, for Falornitech, on a complete engineering activity and the supply of all parts relating to the furnace and glass distribution forehearths, a new metal recuperator and all related equipment, together with new and other overhauled forming machines, designed and supplied by Famoreng, allowed the Falorni Group to set a milestone for its future presence in this country.
Nover Forming
Since its inception, the project has proven to be extremely ambitious and challenging for all the competitors involved, as Nover asked not only to build a new production line, but also to begin a journey of internal technological innovation, combined with a mature awareness of the need to improve energy consumption and reduce harmful gas emissions into the environment and CO2 production, while improving the quality of the finished product.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Nover Furnace
The successful completion of this project, and the level of technology and expertise introduced into it, confirm the Falorni Group's desire to position itself on global markets as a valid point of reference.
The Falorni Group, the winner of the project, was able, thanks to this preamble, to introduce the experience gained in the implementation of other high-level projects, completing this implementation with a technological approach, such as the innovative SCADA supervision and process control system, based on the latest state of the art, which gave Nover technicians a leap forward in the management of the plant and the collection of important process and production data. A remote network connection will allow Falorni Group technicians a quick and efficient search and analysis of any problems, intervening just in time. The design of all parts of the furnace, distribution channels and metal recuperator was carried out using the 3D technique, which allowed for a reduction in drawing and approval times, giving Nover a cutting-edge result. Of note is the commitment of Famorengineering, which supplied a new forming machine and worked with extreme flexibility, in the reconditioning of the other machines and parts to accompany the forming process. All equipment, such as gas supply skids, burners and cooling systems, was designed in compliance with international and local regulations using high-quality instrumentation. Thanks to all this, the two teams of Falorni Group technicians, assisted by the proactive collaboration of the Nover team, have completed, in full compliance with the times established by the installation programme, the first phases of the start of production which, since the first days of May, have highlighted the quality of the work performed thanks to the immediate quality of the finished product. “Let's look ahead,” commented general manager, Simone Scarselli, during the visit to the Nover plant completed in recent weeks, “aware of the importance of the success of this project, which, thanks to this, opens the doors to a concrete and rapid market development.”
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Nover Furnace
The successful completion of this project, and the level of technology and expertise introduced into it, confirm the Falorni Group's desire to position itself on global markets as a valid point of reference for all glass companies wishing to connect with a team that, from the sales department to the technical office, makes flexibility and reliability cornerstones.
AG 26-4 asianglass
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ANALYSIS: Soda Ash
Surplus pressure China’s expanding capacity reshapes Asia’s soda ash market
Shandong Haihua’s soda ash plant in Weifang, China. Credit - Courtesy of Shandong Haihua Co Ltd
Asia’s soda ash market has moved decisively into surplus, as expanding Chinese capacity, weaker downstream demand and rising exports put pressure on prices across the region. Yet glassmaking remains its most important demand base, while solar glass and industrial growth continue to reshape trade flows. Jahir Ahmed examines what the changing balance means for glassmakers and suppliers.
A
sia’s soda ash market is experiencing a period of macro oversupply masked by short-term, localised price swings. As of September 2026, the benchmark light soda ash futures on China’s commodity exchanges are trading relatively flat at around 1,050 CNY per tonne, down more than 11% year-on-year, according to US-based global economic and financial data provider Trading Economics. Consumption of soda ash, or disodium carbonate, in Asia remains high, driven by glass manufacturing and solar panel production. Manufacturers and suppliers across the region are managing inventory carefully and dealing with periodic maintenance turnarounds at major plants. Disodium carbonate (chemical name) and soda ash (common commodity name) are the same chemical substance (Na2CO3) used for glass; it lowers the melting point of silica (sand), saving energy during the glass-making process. According to the online global data visualisation and distribution
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platform Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), the global soda ash market size was valued at approximately $19.3 billion in 2025, while direct international trade figures for disodium carbonate (HS code 283620) sat around $4.76 billion leading into this period, based on previous annual tracked trade totals from OEC World. The Asia-Pacific region dominated with over 40.6% of the market share, valued at roughly $7.83 billion. Asia-Pacific retained a 43.12% share of global consumption in 2024, underpinned by China’s twin role as the largest producer and end-user at 36 million tonnes of annual output. The Asia-Pacific soda ash market also benefited from India’s apparent consumption in the industry, which grew 4.1% year-on-year to 4.14 million tonnes in financial year 2024, buoyed by real-estate starts and container-glass demand for food packaging. Japan and South Korea contribute steady high-margin offtake for specialty glass and electronics, stabilising regional average selling prices.
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ANALYSIS: Soda Ash
Building and construction end-users absorbed 37.78% of 2024 volumes The flat glass sector’s dependence on construction and automotive in the soda ash industry, riding urbanisation and infrastructure schemes activity has become its vulnerability in 2026. Construction sector across ASEAN and the Middle Eastern countries that demand architectural weakness, particularly in China’s real estate market, suppressed purchasing glass, according to India-based market researcher, Mordor Intelligence. activity throughout 2025 and has carried into 2026 without a definitive As consumer brands (especially in food, beverage and cosmetics) demand recovery signal. lower scope 3 emissions to meet their own climate targets, glassmakers who This depressed situation in downstream sectors, particularly flat glass cannot offer low-carbon or net-zero packaging risk losing market share to consumption and construction activity, has left Asian soda ash markets, alternative materials or more progressive competitors. including China, heavily oversupplied. Average domestic prices for light and Glass manufacturing is highly capital-intensive and relies heavily on steady dense soda ash have dropped significantly as producers slash prices to clear inputs of energy (primarily natural gas) and raw materials like silica sand, soda high inventories. Unable to sell unsold stock at home, Chinese producers have ash and limestone. Geopolitical shifts and volatile energy markets make supply aggressively targeted overseas markets, leading to double-digit year-overchain resilience the first line of defence. year increases in export volumes. UK-based market researcher Persistence Market Research forecasts The expected global glass capacity additions through 2028 total roughly that Asia Pacific is projected to lead the market (driven primarily by China), 18 million metric tonnes, with the majority located in China and the United accounting for over 39.8% of the market share in 2026. States, a trajectory that implies continued soda ash demand growth at the Synthetic soda ash is projected to lead the market, holding 57.6% of volume level, but not at a pace sufficient to absorb current supply in the market share in 2026, near term, according to supporting specialty Chemtradeasia, a glass, chemical Singapore-based intermediates and market intelligence industrial applications and chemical solutions in Asia and Europe, provider for industrial notes Persistence. To supply chain needs. clear out excessive The planned soda domestic inventory, ash capacity additions Chinese suppliers have for 2026 have slowed aggressively exported down. The capacity cheap synthetic changes in the first half material into South and of the year mainly come Southeast Asia. from the commissioning Southeast Asia of the second phase of is experiencing the Yuanxing Energy and sharpest year-on-year the Yingcheng Xindu price compression. CIF project at the end of Thailand was assessed 2025. In the second half India’s Tata Chemicals Ltd operated Kenya-based TCML soda ash plant. at approximately $185– Photocredit, Tata Chemicals of the year, the Jinshan 188 per tonne in midHubei Qianjiang and 2025, down 27% from the prior year, per global commodities data provider Hunan Xuetian Salt and Alkali projects are planned to come online, adding Intratec Solutions LLC, as Chinese exporters aggressively placed material into 2.5 million tonnes of capacity. the region following a reversal of China’s 2024 import near-balance back to a The total soda ash industry capacity in 2026 is expected to reach 47.5 traditional export surplus in 2026. million tonnes, with production increasing by over 10% year-on-year. Supplyside pressure remains high, and high inventory levels continue to limit the Capacity surplus extent of price rebounds, according to SunSirs, a China-based commodity The global soda ash market is oversupplied in 2026, and the global market is Data Group, which is a leading provider of bulk commodity information and currently engaged in price battles. The Chinese overcapacity cycle, which saw market prices. capacity additions run in parallel with a record 18% domestic demand growth Facing the landscape of continuously increasing production capacity in 2024, has reversed. Domestic Chinese demand for solar glass moderated in and shrinking corporate profits, 2026 will be a critical stage for capacity 2025, output normalisation followed, and the traditional Chinese trade surplus rationalisation and structural optimisation in the soda ash industry. Natural returned in 2026, flooding export markets with competitively priced material. soda ash production, with its advantages of low cost and low energy Glass is anticipated to remain the dominant end-user segment, accounting consumption, is continuously expanding its market share and becoming the for 51.4% of market share in 2026, with flat and container glass applications dominant force in the market, while the high-cost ammonia-soda process driving steady demand, says Persistence. faces increasing pressure to exit the market. However, the Chinese soda ash industry is faced with a severe structural In the long term, the oversupply situation is unlikely to change. A overcapacity as the Chinese and Asian region’s production boom collides with rebalancing of supply and demand will only be possible after a substantial cooling domestic demand, turning China into an aggressive exporter and exit of high-cost production capacity or a significant inventory reduction. igniting a global price war. As the world’s largest producer, China’s internal However, the continuous expansion of low-cost production capacity will also supply glut is directly depressing international benchmarks. drive down costs, meaning soda ash prices still face downward pressure. China accounts for approximately 50% of global soda ash production Overall, the supply-demand imbalance in the soda ash industry is unlikely and consumption, per Chemical Market Analytics, meaning that production to be reversed in 2026. Price pressure and widening losses will become the decisions in China’s Shandong, Sichuan and Jiangsu directly move the global norm, and industry restructuring and capacity reduction will be the main price index. themes throughout the year, says SunSirs.
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ANALYSIS: Soda Ash
India’s Tata Chemicals Ltd owned soda ash plant, TCML, in Magadi, Kenya. Photocredit, Tata Chemicals
Supply volatility
ASIA’S SODA ASH MARKET IS EXPERIENCING A PERIOD OF MACRO OVERSUPPLY MASKED BY SHORTTERM, LOCALISED PRICE SWINGS.
Asia’s soda ash market is experiencing price compression and volatility due to surplus capacity from China, fluctuating energy costs, and evolving regional demand. China’s soda ash industry, which suffers from severe domestic overcapacity, is driving a massive wave of exports that is lowering global prices and pressuring international competitors. The country’s large production capacity has outpaced domestic demand, leading to low-priced exports flooding South and Southeast Asia. In 2025, new soda ash plants of companies, such as Lianyungang Alkali Industry, Lianyungang Debang, Yingcheng Xindu Chemical and Hubei Shuanghuan successively came into operation, adding 5.5 million tonnes of capacity, representing a 14% increase in production capacity, bringing the total capacity to 45 million tonnes, according to SunSirs, a Asia’s main exporters of disodium carbonate (soda ash) under HS code 283620 by quantity. well-diversified market intelligence company based in China. 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 India-based market intelligence organisation Fortune Exporters of soda ash Business Insights says that in 2025, Asia Pacific held Exported Exported Exported Exported Exported 62% of the global market, reaching a valuation of $6.2 quantity, quantity, quantity, quantity, quantity, billion, and is projected to grow to $6.55 billion in 2026, Tonnes Tonnes Tonnes Tonnes Tonnes driven by rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and rising World NA NA NA NA NA consumer demand. Asia Aggregation NA NA 6,890,627 NA 7,378,500 Persistence Market Research forecasts that the global Türkiye 4,530,538 4,495,044 4,683,043 4,810,925 4,617,178 soda§automotive sectors. China 758,644 2,054,903 1,489,248 1,220,677 2,194,028 China remains the largest producer and consumer of India NA NA 409,878 358,299 195,047 soda ash globally, making it the single biggest influence United Arab NA 83,216 4,109 4,652 165,715 on regional and global pricing. The country’s large flat glass, container glass, photovoltaic glass, and detergent Emirates 69,500 55,692 160,836 176,343 76,486 industries generate sustained demand, while changes in Pakistan 35,199 61,054 48,273 72,453 75,694 domestic production and export policies frequently impact Uzbekistan international supply conditions. Continued investments in Iran 142,875 97,188 76,074 23,625 20,785 solar panel manufacturing under China’s renewable energy Indonesia 17,150 9,040 8,734 7,882 11,068 expansion are increasing demand for high-quality soda ash Saudi Arabia 540 2,633 97 1,608 7,399 used in photovoltaic glass production, Persistence says. Japan 2,535 2,288 2,431 3,435 4,846 Along with China, India is another major producer Thailand 4,015 5,851 2,230 3,561 3,736 and supplier of soda ash. India is one of the fastestRepublic of Korea 343 538 490 419 1,904 growing soda ash markets in Asia Pacific, supported Vietnam 2,432 1,482 1,344 2,386 1,477 by expanding construction activity, rising automobile Malaysia 2,043 1,943 2,085 973 1,457 production, increasing detergent consumption, and Source: International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva. government-backed renewable energy projects.
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ANALYSIS: Soda Ash
India’s Tata Chemicals owned soda ash plant, TCML, in Kenya’s Magadi. Photocredit, Tata Chemicals
Stronger footprint
Asia’s main importers of disodium carbonate (soda ash) under HS code 283620 by quantity. Importers of soda 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 ash Imported Imported Imported Imported Imported quantity, quantity, quantity, quantity, quantity, Tonnes Tonnes Tonnes Tonnes Tonnes World NA NA NA NA NA Asia Aggregation NA NA NA NA NA Indonesia 821,456 916,829 801,627 839,007 1,051,939 India NA 532,762 968,788 966,989 1,046,537 Malaysia 515,334 585,547 539,164 718,817 781,787 Thailand 690,561 726,139 634,654 733,721 692,399 Vietnam 555,732 613,608 437,333 351,543 562,952 Korea, Republic of 454,739 445,111 462,141 481,547 448,569 Bangladesh 376,001 322,227 378,345 411,388 380,852 Kazakhstan 353,671 NA 347,662 341,514 371,824 Saudi Arabia 282,766 353,391 289,044 300,859 276,672 Türkiye 177,651 221,004 212,471 284,033 236,025 Chinese Taipei 220,756 244,004 197,736 205,707 219,846 Japan 252,688 243,640 232,317 206,430 208,309 Philippines 194,176 239,824 185,761 230,624 201,728 United Arab NA 198,799 157,984 37,729 118,474 Emirates Korea, Dem Peop 27,638 32,136 37,268 65,905 66,011 Rep Singapore 28,334 34,890 31,794 35,403 37,989 Oman NA 69,528 44,050 31,814 35,062 Sri Lanka NA 39,727 40,240 40,911 31,038 Israel 30,840 32,532 24,726 20,282 28,994 Kuwait 21,966 22,623 26,683 25,917 26,163 Kyrgyzstan 37,350 34,367 28,185 19,337 26,098 China 237,451 113,775 683,176 973,669 25,301 Syrian Arab Republic 30,173 26,389 15,019 13,732 21,991 Myanmar 13,022 16,131 12,592 7,727 18,298 Nepal 16,788 11,936 16,207 17,585 18,160 Georgia 12,885 15,413 9,523 15,855 17,149 Jordan 11,394 14,072 11,829 NA 16,595 Qatar 3,369 4,956 5,693 8,145 11,226 Yemen 7,900 8,293 6,420 112 6,574 Cambodia 3,965 14,793 1,357 4,333 5,030 Afghanistan 5,705 5,878 6,528 2,915 3,844 Uzbekistan 13,265 5,171 NA NA 3,400 Bahrain 3,328 2,086 2,878 3,254 3,245 Pakistan 5,559 52 375 390 3,176 Lebanon 3,121 1,586 1,476 1,940 1,733 Lao Peop Dem Rep 364 367 683 1,283 1,458
Indian soda ash major, Tata Chemicals Ltd, continues to strengthen its manufacturing footprint through investments in both synthetic and natural soda ash production, enabling the company to meet growing domestic requirements while expanding exports. Rising investments in solar power infrastructure and affordable housing are further driving demand for flat glass, supporting long-term soda ash consumption, Persistence adds. Despite wider global fluctuations, Asia has maintained a relatively narrow pricing band in East and Southeast Asian countries, ranging from $240–250 per metric tonne, according to global market researchers IMARC Group. The global soda ash market is moderately concentrated, with leading players controlling significant low-cost and exportable capacity. Competition is based on feedstock type, production cost, logistics footprint and environmental performance. Top companies collectively influence pricing, innovation and market trends. Key strategies include cost leadership through trona access, technological differentiation with low-carbon production, and market expansion via long-term contracts with glass OEMs. Vertical integration into specialty chemicals and sustainability-linked supply agreements are emerging trends, Persistence says. The glass segment holds the major share in the dense soda ash industry as it is a vital raw material, where it acts as a flux to decrease the melting temperature of silica. Source: ITC, Geneva.
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ANALYSIS: Soda Ash
This reduces energy consumption during production and enhances the glass’ durability and clarity. The demand for dense sodium carbonate in this sector is driven by growth in the construction, automotive and packaging industries, which rely heavily on various glass products. High-quality soda ash ensures uniform glass composition and prevents defects, making it an essential ingredient for container and flat glass production. Asia-Pacific accounts for over 55% of global soda ash demand, functioning as the world’s primary consumption and manufacturing centre. China accounts for over 44% of global consumption and produces more than 28 million tonnes annually. China exports significant volumes of synthetic soda ash to South Korea, Southeast Asia and South Asia. Asia-Pacific is the world’s most dominant hub for the soda ash industry. The region accounts for more than 50% of global production capacity and over 55% of global demand. The absolute heavyweight of the market, China holds over 80% of the production capacity in the Asia-Pacific region. While a vast amount is consumed domestically, China routinely exports massive volumes to neighbouring countries, primarily using synthetic manufacturing methods like the Solvay and Hou processes. Major industrial hubs include major producers like the Shandong Haihua Group.
compressed prices across Southeast Asia (e.g., CIF Thailand trading at steep discounts). It has squeezed any local regional mills that lack captive raw materials. Unlike the stagnation seen in the West, Southeast Asia’s demand remains structurally healthy. Offtake is fuelled by a booming solar photovoltaic (PV) glass sector, lithium processing and infrastructure sprees requiring flat glass. China and India make up over 95% of the total production capacity in the Asia-Pacific region. Most production relies on the synthetic Solvay and Hou chemical processes, alongside major natural trona imports coming from Turkey and the United States. The market dynamics are heavily split between massive, export-driven manufacturing giants (primarily China and India) and rapidly developing South and Southeast Asian economies that rely entirely on imports to fuel their industrial growth. India is the other heavyweight in the region, consuming roughly 4.6 million tonnes annually. As one of the world’s major producers of soda ash, Tata Chemicals and other domestic players have steadily expanded capacity. India holds a structural freight advantage over US and Turkish competitors.
Cheap cargo
China’s domestic soda ash inventories have risen to approximately 1.92 million tonnes. Due to weak demand in downstream sectors, like glass and construction, the national average spot price has dropped heavily to around RMB1,065.6 per tonne. This is significantly below average production costs, which range from RMB1,258 per tonne (combined alkali method) to RMB1,370 per tonne (ammonia-alkali method), putting immense financial pressure on manufacturing plants. In the global soda ash market, Asia does not face a squeeze on its capacity; rather, Asia is the primary driver of a massive global supply overhang. Led by unprecedented structural expansions in mainland China, Asia-Pacific controls over 52% of global soda ash capacity and more than Soda ash logistics of Shandong Haihua Co Ltd in Weifang. 60% of worldwide demand. Photo, courtesy of Haihua Co Ltd While high energy costs and environmental regulations have squeezed and permanently shuttered synthetic Asia’s main exporters of disodium carbonate (soda ash) under HS code 283620. capacity in Europe, Asia is moving in the opposite direction. Unit: US Dollar thousand The region is seeing aggressive capacity additions that are Exporters of soda Exported Exported Exported Exported Exported outpacing local demand and forcing consolidation among ash value in 2021 value in 2022 value in 2023 value in 2024 value in 2025 high-cost operators. World 3,433,142 5,296,780 5,200,593 4,211,883 3,964,561 Huge natural soda ash projects in Inner Mongolia Asia Aggregation 1,045,369 2,360,762 2,012,306 1,408,810 1,449,293 (such as Berun Chemical and upcoming mega-projects by Türkiye 711,549 1,383,998 1,296,180 934,919 906,535 Zhongyan Chemical) have completely reshaped the market. China 196,415 804,561 484,823 293,752 398,407 In recent years, China added over seven million metric 67,200 63,327 131,553 94,704 45,414 tonnes of net capacity, pushing its total domestic effective India United Arab 3,388 31,613 1,602 1,367 38,252 capacity past 37 million tonnes per year. This influx of cheap natural soda ash has triggered a Emirates 6,283 15,331 13,645 18,680 20,258 collapse in Chinese domestic prices. The ‘squeeze’ in China Uzbekistan 18,146 23,021 49,487 47,010 18,733 is felt by its own traditional, energy-intensive synthetic Pakistan 28,986 21,978 24,199 6,556 6,432 (Solvay/Hou process) plants, which are facing immense Iran margin pressure and consolidation. Indonesia 6,889 3,984 3,711 3,746 5,338 As of late 2026, Chinese soda ash inventories sit at high Japan 1,919 3,001 3,135 3,528 4,151 levels after accumulating for months, keeping domestic Saudi Arabia 182 2,612 35 545 1,639 prices heavily depressed. Because Chinese domestic prices Thailand 1,799 3,329 1,131 1,309 1,273 sit far below international averages, producers have Republic of Korea 263 367 459 579 778 aggressively pushed material into neighbouring markets. Vietnam 474 543 471 837 732 Chinese dense soda ash exports surged dramatically Malaysia 781 941 853 419 650 (up over 58% year-over-year in early 2026), with major Chinese Taipei 217 449 225 292 221 volumes flooding into Malaysia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Singapore 492 441 326 257 211 Indonesia and India. This heavy influx of cheap Chinese cargo has severely Source: ITC, Geneva.
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ANALYSIS: Soda Ash
India’s Tata Chemicals Ltd operated soda ash plant, TCML, in Magadi, Kenya. Photocredit, Tata Chemicals
Asia’s main importers of disodium carbonate (soda ash) under HS code 283620.
Shipping from India to major manufacturing points in Unit: US Dollar thousand Southeast Asia is highly cost-effective, translating into Importers of soda Imported Imported Imported Imported Imported superior export margins. ash value in 2021 value in 2022 value in 2023 value in 2024 value in 2025 India utilises a structural freight advantage to efficiently World 3,933,422 6,128,517 6,143,661 4,955,722 4,524,459 supply neighbouring South and Southeast Asian markets Asia Aggregation 1,462,657 2,387,078 2,354,923 2,014,597 1,606,688 like Indonesia and Bangladesh. Rapidly industrialising India 134,362 206,070 316,065 220,822 249,345 nations like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand Indonesia 188,397 343,973 281,016 214,815 225,569 drive regional import demand for glass, detergents and Malaysia 133,210 209,398 190,534 232,586 176,100 solar panel manufacturing. Thailand 146,001 273,963 220,037 181,478 157,822 Domestic soda ash majors like Nirma Ltd. (expanding 69,919 84,793 96,966 96,924 105,305 capacity by 32%) and GHCL (commissioning new facilities Kazakhstan 137,166 249,711 191,353 153,816 99,586 in Gujarat) are ramping up domestic production to insulate Vietnam the market from imports. Republic of Korea 108,819 162,048 159,386 121,365 96,263 While India has absorbed some of China’s excess Bangladesh 86,078 122,137 117,590 106,451 74,878 supply, domestic capacity expansions are carefully timed Saudi Arabia 64,104 144,884 111,513 83,370 67,692 to match massive local growth in the construction and Türkiye 37,533 54,623 70,609 82,556 63,745 detergent sectors. Chinese Taipei 50,240 98,735 72,657 57,579 52,445
Pressure and opportunity
For Asian glassmakers, the immediate soda ash challenge is therefore less one of physical availability than of navigating a market being reshaped by surplus capacity, aggressive export competition and uneven regional demand. Lower prices can benefit glass producers, but prolonged pressure on soda ash margins also raises questions over the viability of higher-cost capacity and the longer-term diversity of supply. China will remain central to that balance, while India’s expanding production base and the import requirements of Southeast Asia will continue to influence regional trade flows. At the same time, demand from solar, container and flat glass means that soda ash consumption remains closely tied to the development of Asia’s wider glass industry. For glass manufacturers, price alone will not determine the value of supply. Reliability, freight costs, production route and increasingly the carbon intensity of soda ash will all influence procurement decisions. Asia may have no shortage of soda ash today, but the changing structure of its supply base means raw-material strategy remains as important as ever.
Soda ash plant of China’s Shandong Haihua Co Ltd in Weifang. Photo, courtesy of Haihua Co Ltd
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Japan Philippines United Arab Emirates Korea, Dem Peop Rep Sri Lanka Israel Oman Singapore Kyrgyzstan Azerbaijan Pakistan China Kuwait Armenia Georgia Myanmar Syrian Arab Republic Nepal Jordan Qatar Cambodia Yemen Bahrain Afghanistan Uzbekistan Lebanon Lao Peop Dem Rep Source: ITC, Geneva.
60,787 39,467 32,201
85,340 69,922 80,884
96,224 47,705 58,072
64,721 53,495 10,252
51,857 42,630 21,850
8,124
11,902
11,737
17,689
13,138
11,268 7,612 13,505 8,223 6,679 4,322 11,652 56,941 5,620 4,118 2,745 4,008 5,604 4,955 2,812 1,113 1,179 1,949 1,260 1,423 3,713 674 156
19,442 13,239 28,295 8,356 6,974 6,738 90 35,748 10,575 4,744 4,421 6,726 9,126 5,726 5,727 2,787 7,275 3,178 1,230 1,539 1,428 643 270
15,656 10,639 17,839 7,569 6,657 8,331 254 181,641 9,770 7,062 3,089 4,484 4,600 5,388 5,176 2,491 552 894 1,463 1,743 6,639 646 323
11,780 6,897 9,793 8,294 4,700 7,538 788 218,454 8,182 3,034 4,715 2,401 2,999 4,917 5,574 2,446 1,433 40 1,310 821 5,111 660 461
10,190 9,519 9,304 9,202 8,436 7,235 7,173 6,137 5,297 4,986 4,789 4,436 4,396 4,325 4,084 2,525 1,405 1,357 1,056 962 534 395 294
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ANALYSIS: Vacuum Insulated Glass
Quiet by design LandVac VIG in a residential glazing application
Vacuum insulated glass is attracting growing attention for its ability to combine thermal efficiency with acoustic performance in a relatively thin glazing unit. LandVac looks at the principles behind the technology and its potential in buildings exposed to persistent urban noise.
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oise from road traffic, railways, aircraft and construction is an everyday feature of densely populated cities. Keeping that noise out of homes and other buildings is not always straightforward, particularly at lower frequencies such as those generated by vehicle engines and rail traffic. Glazing inevitably forms part of the solution. Increasing glass thickness, introducing insulating cavities and using laminated glass can all improve acoustic performance. Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) takes a different approach, replacing the gas-filled cavity found in a conventional insulating glass unit with a very narrow evacuated space between two panes. LandVac, the vacuum insulated glass business of China-based LandGlass, has developed tempered VIG for applications where both thermal and acoustic performance are important.
How the vacuum works
LandVac’s VIG construction consists of two tempered glass panes separated by a vacuum cavity of approximately 0.3 mm. Small support pillars positioned between the panes maintain the separation needed to withstand atmospheric pressure, while an edge seal maintains the vacuum. The principle is relatively straightforward. Conventional
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insulating glass relies on an air or gas-filled cavity to restrict heat transfer. In VIG, removing almost all of the gas from that cavity substantially reduces heat transfer through conduction and convection. The structure also influences acoustic performance. With little air present in the cavity, one route for airborne sound transmission between the panes is restricted, although sound can still travel through the glass, edge construction and support pillars. According to LandVac, its standard VIG configurations can achieve a weighted sound reduction index (Rw) of around 39 dB. The company says the technology performs particularly well against penetrating mediumand low-frequency noise, including that associated with road traffic. LandVac uses titanium-based flexible sealing technology together with a getter material designed to help maintain the vacuum over the life of the unit. Small support pillars distributed across the cavity keep the two glass panes apart.
Two jobs in one
Acoustic performance is only part of the VIG proposition. The same vacuum that restricts sound transmission also provides a highly effective thermal barrier.
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ANALYSIS: Vacuum Insulated Glass
LandVac reports centre-pane U-values as low as approximately 0.4 W/ m²K for some configurations. Conventional double glazing typically records higher values, although any direct comparison depends on glass composition, coatings and cavity construction. There is an important distinction here. A centre-pane U-value is not the same as the thermal performance of the complete installed window. Frames, edge conditions, seals and installation all play their part. The same applies to acoustics. LandVac says its standard VIG achieves an Rw of approximately 39 dB, while composite constructions incorporating additional laminated or insulating elements can deliver higher levels of sound reduction. Another advantage is thickness. VIG can achieve high levels of thermal insulation without the wider cavities normally associated with conventional double- and triple-glazed units. That can be particularly useful in refurbishment projects where existing frames cannot readily accommodate much thicker replacement glazing.
VIG IS PARTICULARLY WELL SUITED TO APPLICATIONS WHERE SPACE IS RESTRICTED AND THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER, MAKING IT AN INCREASINGLY INTERESTING PART OF THE GLAZING TOOLKIT.
Where VIG fits
The combination of acoustic and thermal performance has obvious applications in noisy urban locations – homes beside busy roads, buildings close to railway lines and developments around airports. Residential buildings are an important market, but the same considerations apply to hospitals, schools, hotels and offices, where controlling external noise can be just as important as improving energy efficiency. Refurbishment presents another opportunity. Upgrading existing buildings can be difficult when original window frames cannot accommodate substantially thicker insulating glass units. The relatively slim profile of VIG can potentially improve thermal performance without requiring wholesale changes to the existing window assembly, provided the frames themselves are suitable. There is no single glazing solution for every noisy building, however. Acoustic performance depends on glass thickness, pane configuration, laminates, framing, seals and the quality of installation. A laboratory sound reduction figure for the glazing should therefore not be confused with the performance of the complete window or façade. Where a building is exposed to particular frequencies or unusually high noise levels, project-specific acoustic assessment remains important.
Moving into the mainstream
Vacuum glazing is not a new idea. What has changed is the technology around it. Advances in manufacturing, glass tempering, edge sealing and Low-E coatings are steadily widening the range of applications in which VIG can be considered. Cost remains one of the barriers. VIG generally commands a premium
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over conventional insulating glass, so the case for using it is strongest where high thermal performance, limited glazing thickness or demanding acoustic requirements justify the additional expenditure. As production volumes increase and manufacturing processes develop, that cost differential may narrow. At the same time, tighter building-energy requirements are increasing demand for glazing capable of reducing heat loss without substantially increasing overall unit thickness. For glass manufacturers, architects and façade specialists, that combination is where much of VIG’s appeal lies. It offers another way of addressing two increasingly important building-performance requirements – energy efficiency and noise control – within a relatively slim glazing system. And in Asia’s increasingly dense cities, those requirements are unlikely to diminish. More people, more buildings and expanding transport infrastructure will keep both energy consumption and environmental noise firmly on the agenda. VIG is particularly well suited to applications where space is restricted and thermal and acoustic performance have to work together, making it an increasingly interesting part of the glazing toolkit.
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ANALYSIS: Glass Logistics
Handle with care Efficiency, precision and changing trade flows reshape glass transport across Asia Moving glass safely and efficiently demands specialist handling at every stage of the supply chain. As trade patterns shift and costs rise, Jahir Ahmed examines how logistics providers and glass manufacturers are using dedicated equipment, regional hubs and digital technology to protect cargo and improve delivery.
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sia is leading the global glass logistics market, which is experiencAsian glass logistics markets, particularly in the major glass-producing and exporting countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South ing steady growth driven by increasing demand for high-quality Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand, are among the major hubs, glass products across construction, automotive, container and supported by the countries’ large manufacturing bases, rapid urbanisation consumer electronics sectors. In the Asian region, glass logistics and infrastructure development. is a highly specialised sector driven by major regional glass manufacturers that operate their own dedicated logistics subsidiaries, alongside In addition to major glass manufacturers’ own logistics operations and major global logistics operators, there are several other dedicated niche third-party logistics (3PL) freight forwarders. Due to the fragile, glass logistics providers in Asia with heavy and often oversized nature of flat, sizeable businesses. “We provide mature architectural and container glass, these logistics solutions for large-size float operators utilise specialised lashing, open-top containers and internal loading glass, window glass, curtain wall and glass bottles and other glasses, and or inloader systems. our solutions include reinforcement, The growth trajectory underscores lashing, protection, handling, stowage the importance of robust logistics of glass streams, and bulk cargo,” infrastructure for supporting global supply chains and meeting escalating says an official of the Singapore-based customer expectations. Strategic logistics company, Vasco Oriental Development Pte Ltd. investments in automation, cold chain The leading global logistics operators logistics and regional distribution hubs active in Asia include C.H. Robinson, are enhancing operational efficiency DB Schenker, DHL Supply Chain, GEFCO, and reducing lead times. As industries seek scalable and cost-effective logistics Kuehne + Nagel, Schneider National, solutions, market players are focusing on XPO Logistics and Yusen Logistics, Canada-based Glassique provides specialised glass logistics. providing customised logistics services innovation and strategic partnerships to Photocredit, Glassique emphasising safety, efficiency, precision capture emerging opportunities.
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ANALYSIS: Glass Logistics
Canada-based Glassique’s glass logistics handling. Photocredit, Glassique
and sustainability for glass shipments. Leading companies are investing in automation, digital tracking and sustainable practices to enhance service quality and operational efficiency. Market rivalry is intensifying as players expand geographically and diversify service offerings to meet evolving customer needs, according to US-based global market intelligence operator, Market Research Intellect. Glass suppliers and manufacturers face intense structural logistics pressures due to a combination of high product fragility, extreme weight and energy requirements and volatile macroeconomic factors. Unlike lighter or more durable commodities, transporting glass requires specialised infrastructure, making its supply chain highly sensitive to unexpected disruptions, emissions mandates, and rising freight costs. The glass suppliers and manufacturers face unique structural pressures ranging from severe product fragility to sudden regulatory changes. Market researchers say that navigating diverse cross-border tariff structures, safety labelling and customs documentation prevents costly delays.
Stringent safety
The glass logistics market demonstrates robust regional and global growth patterns, with North America currently leading due to its advanced logistics infrastructure, stringent safety regulations, and high investment in technology-driven transportation solutions. Europe follows closely, supported by a mature construction industry and the presence of specialised glass logistics service providers.
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MOVING GLASS SAFELY REQUIRES CUSTOM A-FRAME RACKS, VIBRATIONDAMPENING SUSPENSION VEHICLES AND ROBOTIC HANDLING SYSTEMS TO ELIMINATE MICRO-CRACKS AND BREAKAGE. Automated palletising, stretch wrapping, and open-glass shipments reduce packaging waste and structural stress during long-haul ocean or road transit. Unlike lighter or more durable commodities, transporting glass requires specialised infrastructure, making its supply chain highly sensitive to unexpected disruptions, emissions mandates, and rising freight costs.
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ANALYSIS: Glass Logistics
Navigating logistics in the Asian glass industry requires managing high material fragility, rising fuel costs, and major regulatory shifts, such as China’s April 2026 abolition of its export valueadded tax (VAT) rebate. As the world’s leading hub for glass production, the Asia-Pacific region drives global supply chains for flat glass, container glass, and specialty pharmaceutical glassware; the AsiaPacific sector is undergoing rapid supply chain restructuring. Companies must balance highprecision handling requirements with shifting cross-border trade economics. The glass logistics market was valued at $1.69 billion in 2025 and continues to grow as supply chains prioritise advanced handling and efficiency. It is projected to reach $2.91 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2027 to 2035, according to Market Research Intellect. Market estimates vary by source, reflecting differences in regional coverage and segmentation, but overall, the market is on a trajectory of steady growth with significant opportunities for technological integration and regional expansion, says Market Research Intellect.
10 largest Asian importers for glass of HS code 7006: Sheets or profiles of glass, whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, bent, edge-worked, engraved, enamelled or otherwise worked, but not framed or fitted with other materials (excluding safety glass, multiple-walled insulating units of glass, glass in the form of a mirror) Unit: US Dollar thousand Importers World Asia Aggregation China Korea, Republic of Japan Singapore Hong Kong, China Chinese Taipei Malaysia Vietnam Türkiye Thailand
Another market research report, by India-based Wiseguy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd, valued the glass logistics market at $7.08 billion in 2025 and projects it to grow to $10.8 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 4.3%. Global glass logistics is the specialised process of moving fragile architectural, industrial, and container glass across international supply chains with zero-damage precision. Moving glass safely requires custom A-frame racks, vibration-dampening suspension vehicles and robotic handling systems to eliminate microcracks and breakage. It needs to balance immense physical vulnerability against a rapidly changing macroeconomic landscape. However, suppliers face unique structural pressures ranging from severe product fragility to sudden regulatory changes. Glass requires specialised individual wrapping, corner guards, and shock-absorbing padding to withstand vibration during transit. It is exceptionally heavy, which dramatically spikes freight costs and carbon emissions compared to plastic alternatives.
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Imported value in 2022 3,960,772 3,194,680 1,086,905 443,893 315,594 511,098 94,663 425,394 90,454 31,097 51,854 32,636
Imported value in 2023 2,871,501 2,146,088 768,293 447,185 221,485 154,708 37,874 242,441 68,015 50,753 55,795 28,864
Imported value in 2024 2,884,016 2,176,333 725,966 551,697 239,500 174,137 57,143 159,895 82,334 32,442 65,634 33,242
Imported value in 2025 3,471,832 2,774,277 1,047,067 548,596 245,376 216,622 200,976 170,161 103,982 80,351 74,410 36,231
Source: ITC, Geneva.
10 largest Asian exporters for glass of HS code 7006: Sheets or profiles of glass Unit: US Dollar thousand Exporters
Canada’s glass logistics service provider Glassique’s glass handling. Photocredit, Glassique
Imported value in 2021 4,818,089 4,099,329 1,372,979 444,639 477,775 653,897 432,019 421,679 121,020 28,585 51,260 34,389
World Asia Aggregation Japan China Singapore Korea, Republic of Chinese Taipei Hong Kong, China Malaysia Vietnam Türkiye Thailand
Exported value in 2021 4,444,697 3,817,245 618,138 944,164 394,400 708,008 677,612 274,185 155,962 6,742 22,374 2,354
Exported value in 2022 3,879,900 3,202,261 590,045 817,109 380,345 483,267 457,418 277,606 138,904 3,770 15,315 1,844
Exported value in 2023 3,446,827 2,833,851 525,791 794,816 384,337 411,005 404,365 97,201 167,712 6,586 15,140 1,688
Exported value in 2024 3,344,145 2,848,555 622,148 680,665 492,032 455,992 311,392 109,981 150,607 2,182 16,916 1,531
Exported value in 2025 3,907,621 3,443,189 727,822 699,760 617,438 546,922 324,721 268,362 161,997 74,071 16,075 2,426
Source: ITC, Geneva.
10 largest Asian exporters for glass of HS code 7004: Sheets of glass, drawn or blown, whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked Unit: US Dollar thousand Exporters World Asia Aggregation Japan Korea, Republic of Hong Kong, China China Saudi Arabia Vietnam Thailand India Türkiye Philippines
Exported value in 2021 927,141 695,088 470,058 2,047 5,359 38,315 158,619 189 2,110 2,650 1,031 3,693
Exported value in 2022 714,737 451,951 334,955 4,115 5,100 67,821 13,371 59 1,955 2,256 1,476 2,423
Exported value in 2023 787,188 636,849 304,254 158,478 53,952 89,109 15,638 1,175 2,786 1,706 1,221 2,688
Exported value in 2024 1,830,849 1,745,869 322,996 385,052 656,678 350,295 17,505 782 2,616 1,199 752 2,303
Exported value in 2025 1,515,615 1,449,627 438,479 352,105 316,211 315,543 13,156 5,631 3,604 1,261 649 643
Source: ITC, Geneva.
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ANALYSIS: Glass Logistics
Industry sources say the glass logistics market is experiencing significant development, propelled by increasing demand for safe, efficient, and technologically advanced transportation solutions for fragile glass products.
Global network
Canada-based global glass logistics provider Glassique Canada functions as a vital component of its global supply network, which spans three continents, including Asia. It says that when global glass logistics is managed correctly, the complexity behind each shipment becomes less visible to the Singapore-based Vasco Oriental Development Pte Ltd’s integrated glass project team. What remains is a more reliable flow logistics operation. Photo credit, Vasco Oriental of material, clearer coordination, and greater confidence in the supply chain. Glassique bridges long international distances 10 largest Asian importers for glass of HS code 7004: Sheets of glass, drawn or blown with precision, helping architectural glass Unit: US Dollar thousand Imported Imported Imported Imported Imported move from global manufacturers to a controlled Importers value in 2021 value in 2022 value in 2023 value in 2024 value in 2025 warehouse destination. This allows architectural 484,631 440,665 977,251 2,102,127 1,949,858 projects to progress with stronger material clarity World Asia Aggregation 385,712 321,156 866,448 1,966,128 1,868,042 and better operational readiness. Its delivery point China 11,796 27,975 551,675 1,296,458 1,237,522 is a highly automated, purpose-built warehouse 900 1,152 7,260 326,162 253,635 environment designed specifically for architectural Hong Kong, China glass. At this stage, glass moves from international Korea, Republic of 160,764 108,273 94,751 164,342 174,177 transport into structured availability for processing Chinese Taipei 147,606 105,020 121,644 101,665 113,901 and fabrication, states Glassique. Vietnam 1,330 1,658 6,747 14,944 24,246 Glassique’s partnerships are strategically Thailand 10,699 21,623 35,519 31,570 13,236 chosen to leverage Asia’s rapid advancements in India 5,699 11,716 11,329 9,150 9,606 high-performance glass technology, particularly in Kuwait 2,876 7,119 3,063 333 8,712 cutting-edge lamination, structural integrity, and Malaysia 7,634 6,594 3,218 4,283 8,197 architectural performance standards. Japan 18,171 9,262 3,781 4,857 4,568 Because moving heavy architectural glass across oceans presents significant risks, Source: ITC, Geneva. Glassique coordinates inbound flows directly 15 largest Asian importers for glass of HS code 7005: Float glass and surface ground or from its Asian suppliers to its centralised, polished glass, in sheets, whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting climate-controlled warehouse in Canada. It uses layer, but not otherwise worked vibration-resistant packaging and GPS-tracked Unit: US Dollar thousand routes to help ensure the materials arrive ready Importers Imported Imported Imported Imported Imported for fabricators and glaziers. value in 2021 value in 2022 value in 2023 value in 2024 value in 2025
Rising costs
A year-on-year drop of over 23% in China’s housing completions has lowered local architectural glass demand, forcing a pivot towards high-value customised solutions. Effective April 1, 2026, China eliminated its export VAT rebate for bulk items such as float and architectural glass. This has caused a sharp rise in export costs and severe inventory pressure for single-channel exporters. Rising regional prices for diesel and liquid LPG continue to compress logistics profit margins across Asian networks. Pharmaceutical and electronics sectors are actively diversifying their sourcing, driving logistics expansions into Southeast Asian hubs such as Vietnam and South Asian hubs such as India. The expansion continues to push suppliers towards regional distribution hubs to drastically shorten transit lead times.
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World Asia Aggregation China India Türkiye Korea, Republic of Hong Kong, China Vietnam United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Philippines Malaysia Chinese Taipei Japan Kazakhstan Thailand Israel
6,795,050 2,798,172 768,471 147,774 185,637 291,325 229,898 100,676 110,290
7,476,052 2,948,121 661,089 269,542 217,533 310,680 123,255 157,038 112,208
6,608,270 2,748,188 678,663 305,320 216,707 217,397 138,754 107,518 112,645
6,061,133 2,382,012 601,919 285,436 128,703 167,614 121,824 125,373 129,492
6,291,724 2,307,700 517,825 307,311 157,197 148,650 147,435 145,432 96,014
43,139 41,532 139,537 95,670 66,254 78,847 37,172 32,103
60,498 65,486 151,183 83,930 73,207 78,604 26,136 41,742
98,981 56,027 157,453 66,597 67,745 41,968 35,791 31,774
89,792 54,584 82,917 54,992 49,509 33,247 33,620 23,973
93,755 58,106 55,210 49,774 46,275 44,071 34,277 32,593
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ANALYSIS: Glass Logistics 15 largest Asian exporters for glass of HS code 7005: Float glass and surface ground or polished glass Unit: US Dollar thousand Exporters
Exported value in 2021 6,735,531 3,278,712 984,559 446,388 155,717 351,409 104,303 203,724 108,649 156,687 83,348 137,312 81,708 58,305 113,328
Exported value in 2022 8,153,542 4,290,962 2,090,213 525,057 163,798 265,059 70,310 111,408 127,761 170,881 129,926 153,431 57,582 53,958 100,395
Exported value in 2023 6,616,426 3,095,940 987,910 440,771 179,342 225,805 81,381 160,711 152,753 146,236 103,039 149,750 68,118 50,697 101,702
Exported value in 2024 5,736,689 2,529,863 502,611 401,642 190,878 247,066 71,999 143,098 123,882 143,931 117,813 154,009 78,272 61,377 85,831
Exported value in 2025 6,005,200 2,644,841 531,635 347,283 284,613 213,374 182,202 180,324 145,237 128,110 122,515 94,961 91,862 75,773 65,534
8,300,977 4,120,931 3,237,259 244,798 87,219 82,941 79,267 90,906 59,516 84,596 28,965 18,147
8,291,551 4,122,531 3,259,625 226,129 96,998 70,736 80,981 84,614 65,959 72,794 32,065 20,575
8,846,903 4,218,011 3,433,437 209,946 86,429 74,370 82,417 73,594 69,152 68,469 25,601 21,662
9,053,878 4,353,771 3,510,433 216,823 110,158 81,095 105,856 77,487 69,100 70,103 24,846 26,052
8,770,253 3,964,840 3,099,655 209,215 132,955 102,310 100,596 75,843 69,757 66,279 36,634 30,921
According to the Dubai-based Clarion Shipping World Services LLC, which provides integrated global Asia Aggregation logistics solutions, operators rely on a strict multi- China step protocol outlined by logistics specialists Malaysia to safely export glass across the region. Such Indonesia operators utilise powder or paper sheets between Japan glass panels to prevent friction and surface defects. Vietnam “While shipping architectural glass, decorative Hong Kong, China items, or industrial glassware, the challenge lies in ensuring cargo reaches its destination intact and on Chinese Taipei time,” says Clarion, which has extensive experience Thailand in handling fragile, high-value shipments across Türkiye Korea, Republic of international borders. “Exporting glass is a delicate operation in Saudi Arabia global logistics; from packaging and loading to India customs clearance, every stage requires efficiency United Arab and precision, care, and professional coordination. Emirates Upon arrival at the warehouse or port, careful Iran 95,960 103,962 85,944 57,189 62,572 offloading is critical to preserve the cargo’s Philippines 30,578 24,790 46,090 41,593 44,068 integrity,” says Clarion. Source: ITC, Geneva. Logistics service providers deploy sealed plastic liners and desiccant packs to prevent condensation 10 largest Asian exporters of glass of HS code 7009: Glass mirrors, whether or not damage during sea freight, and secure shipments in framed, incl. rear-view mirrors (excl. optical mirrors, optically worked, mirrors > 100 International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures years old) No.15 (ISPM 15)-certified wooden crates reinforced Unit: US Dollar thousand Exported Exported Exported Exported Exported with metal straps, which minimise transit friction, Exporters value in 2021 value in 2022 value in 2023 value in 2024 value in 2025 chipping, and condensation. World Asia Aggregation China Chinese Taipei Vietnam Thailand Korea, Republic of India Türkiye Japan Indonesia Malaysia
Source: ITC, Geneva.
10 largest Asian importers of glass of HS code 7009: Glass mirrors Unit: US Dollar thousand Importers
Canada’s glass logistics operator Glassique’s specialised handling. Photocredit, Glassique
www.asianglass.com
World Asia Aggregation China Japan Korea, Republic of United Arab Emirates Vietnam Türkiye Thailand India Saudi Arabia Malaysia
Imported value in 2021 7,541,103 1,705,541 485,993 366,030 185,739 60,299
Imported value in 2022 7,394,343 1,721,256 427,086 368,381 184,969 63,321
Imported value in 2023 7,354,389 1,646,835 402,378 336,156 202,735 68,063
Imported value in 2024 7,714,248 1,592,211 352,363 289,615 186,752 68,566
Imported value in 2025 7,876,406 1,630,560 321,316 290,032 138,941 97,143
54,526 53,743 80,146 61,793 41,723 33,809
68,013 54,265 79,867 77,009 44,735 38,331
55,261 67,966 65,818 80,179 45,781 39,084
68,884 73,839 64,438 83,375 50,191 45,005
93,609 85,520 83,393 81,128 55,288 51,340
Source: ITC, Geneva.
AG 26-4 asianglass
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ANALYSIS: Glass Logistics
Rubber-padded forklifts or cranes with fabric slings are used to prevent scratches or cracks. For high-value glass cargo, air-ride suspension trucks are used to minimise vibration, while the truck bed is cleaned, dried and lined with foam padding or anti-slip mats, says Clarion.
Growth opportunities
Asia’s manufacturing and logistics networks rely heavily on major producers such as AGC Inc and Singapore-based Vasco Oriental Development Pte Ltd’s integrated glass logistics Nippon Sheet Glass Co Ltd (NSG) of Japan, and shipment. Photo credit, Vasco Oriental Fuyao Glass Industry Group and Xinyi Glass Holdings of China to supply the automotive, construction, 10 largest Asian importers for glass of HS code 7008: Multiple-walled insulating units of packaging, and electronics sectors. glass Asia-Pacific leads due to manufacturing hubs, Unit: US Dollar thousand followed by North America and Europe, driven Importers Imported Imported Imported Imported Imported by construction, automotive and technological value in 2021 value in 2022 value in 2023 value in 2024 value in 2025 adoption trends. World 2,107,219 2,313,949 2,481,021 2,304,083 2,341,347 Regional expansion, sustainable logistics Asia Aggregation 305,956 393,542 371,896 364,887 351,888 solutions, digital transformation, and high-value Israel 47,660 47,753 64,552 78,004 65,801 specialty glass transportation offer significant United Arab 10,003 19,683 29,254 34,433 41,070 growth opportunities. Emirates India-based logistics service provider MPRS Jordan 329 737 237 581 33,242 Group of Companies says that it manages glass Vietnam 12,920 19,001 24,233 18,484 26,448 logistics with a zero-damage mindset. “Our freight Korea, Republic of Malaysia Saudi Arabia India Cambodia Chinese Taipei
7,931 8,129 8,116 7,925 12,638 13,453
11,409 13,452 8,987 5,768 10,504 11,147
8,892 20,047 10,668 6,007 16,198 4,596
14,816 12,751 25,002 8,340 15,543 10,929
17,255 16,079 13,397 13,032 10,760 10,646
Source: ITC, Geneva.
10 largest Asian exporters for glass of HS code 7008: multiple-walled insulating units of glass Unit: US Dollar thousand Exporters
Regional ports play a central role in Asia’s increasingly complex glass supply chains. Image by Shuaizhi Tian via Pexels
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World Asia Aggregation China Türkiye India United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Malaysia Kazakhstan Singapore Vietnam
Exported value in 2021 2,315,603 539,979 276,730 101,421 7,709 28,049
Exported value in 2022 2,699,229 694,747 316,915 128,265 9,215 58,019
Exported value in 2023 2,667,290 583,680 276,578 150,177 12,887 33,210
Exported value in 2024 2,410,840 561,339 311,544 143,816 18,645 27,521
Exported value in 2025 2,387,466 474,246 249,823 132,643 18,018 16,853
9,232 5,383 2,332 3,803 4,763 70
22,401 9,281 6,687 2,837 5,180 797
26,382 9,551 6,244 3,944 9,773 27
21,408 8,747 4,663 4,159 6,150 199
14,571 12,110 9,511 3,585 3,465 3,003
Source: ITC, Geneva.
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ANALYSIS: Glass Logistics
solutions are engineered to protect fragile cargo 15 largest Asian exporters for glass of HS code 7007: Safety glass, toughened “tempered”, through custom A-frame racking, vibration- laminated safety glass (excl. multiple-walled insulating units of glass, glasses for dampening systems, and high-spec suspension spectacles and clock or watch glasses) vehicles designed to absorb road and handling Unit: US Dollar thousand shocks. Each shipment is planned with careful Exporters Exported Exported Exported Exported Exported attention to load distribution, route conditions, value in 2021 value in 2022 value in 2023 value in 2024 value in 2025 and transfer points,” says MPRS. World 11,956,628 12,003,730 13,141,202 12,930,784 13,520,496 Recent Asian developments include strategic Asia Aggregation 5,214,031 5,373,080 6,025,147 5,995,135 6,477,368 partnerships, investments in automation, ecoChina 3,783,718 3,945,098 4,461,355 4,353,013 4,302,352 friendly transportation, and digital platform launches Malaysia 252,117 324,392 307,964 408,466 789,997 to improve supply chain resilience. The industry Türkiye 341,534 391,115 408,224 412,039 426,887 is witnessing rapid expansion driven by rising Vietnam 147,878 129,170 160,675 223,628 379,542 construction activities, automotive manufacturing, Korea, Republic of 161,098 131,431 130,438 132,473 128,950 and increasing demand for consumer electronics. 70,769 65,147 55,653 65,535 85,945 Smart logistics approaches integrate Radio Thailand Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking, real-time Japan 134,296 77,503 83,911 84,289 84,283 monitoring, and supply chain automation, improving India 57,761 69,452 71,238 69,239 70,494 communication and allowing early intervention Indonesia 18,902 23,089 30,615 26,004 42,942 for delayed or damaged cargo, according to Market Hong Kong, China 78,103 72,012 153,611 59,750 42,328 Research Intellect. Chinese Taipei 69,198 39,570 35,090 39,618 33,618 Key regions such as Asia-Pacific, North America, Israel 10,204 11,714 17,544 18,123 22,593 and Europe dominate the market, with Asia-Pacific United Arab 44,091 46,487 58,843 39,538 18,690 leading due to its booming manufacturing sector. Emirates Innovations in packaging, transportation safety 12,791 13,223 18,110 22,352 17,436 standards, and digital supply chain management are Singapore Iran 15,759 18,335 17,430 13,641 12,830 transforming the industry. Market Research Intellect notes that the glass Source: ITC, Geneva. logistics market encompasses the specialised 15 largest Asian importers for glass of HS code 7007: Safety glass, toughened transportation, storage, and handling of glass “tempered”, laminated safety glass products across manufacturing, construction, and Unit: US Dollar thousand automotive sectors. Efficient logistics solutions are Importers Imported Imported Imported Imported Imported critical due to the fragility, weight, and size of glass, value in 2021 value in 2022 value in 2023 value in 2024 value in 2025 making the industry essential for maintaining supply World 12,118,639 11,599,578 12,446,782 12,345,838 13,178,550 chain integrity. Asia Aggregation 3,085,562 3,014,905 3,496,410 3,318,853 3,770,586 Global industrial datasets from the World Bank India 232,653 244,387 372,744 582,555 1,278,947 and Statista highlight the increasing demand for 749,726 710,756 773,009 619,406 370,873 customised, secure transport systems, warehouse Vietnam Türkiye 220,630 329,757 435,848 378,642 325,486 optimisation, and real-time tracking technologies. Korea, Republic of 441,507 400,904 312,768 233,646 240,405 The global glass logistics market size underlines its Thailand 241,173 232,553 399,848 367,677 236,864 role in industry overview and the projected growth 171,270 148,011 146,173 157,204 215,439 forecast for sectors requiring high-quality, damage- Japan free glass supply chains with a high level of efficiency Indonesia 28,231 41,328 48,798 85,935 211,122 and precision. Chinese Taipei 117,395 105,973 82,846 109,965 154,969
Balancing priorities
China Malaysia United Arab Emirates Hong Kong, China Israel Singapore Kazakhstan
For glass manufacturers and logistics providers, the challenge is increasingly to combine physical protection with speed, cost control and visibility. As Asian glass trade evolves, specialist handling will remain fundamental, while digital tracking, regional distribution and closer supply-chain coordination will play a growing role in moving glass efficiently Source: ITC, Geneva. and with minimal damage.
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259,605 118,970 48,391
142,387 112,831 51,450
99,294 171,066 49,180
106,515 95,746 60,184
97,757 87,222 85,571
103,793 56,359 63,432 10,610
76,093 70,823 61,992 10,943
130,687 56,571 65,643 21,636
83,156 51,375 54,536 18,827
75,739 54,274 44,970 31,129
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ANALYSIS: Glass Logistics
15 largest Asian exporters for container glass of HS code 7010: Carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials, ampoules and other containers, of glass, of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods, preserving jars, stoppers, lids and other closures, of glass (excl. glass envelopes and containers, with vacuum insulation, perfume atomisers, flasks, bottles etc. for atomisers) Unit: US Dollar thousand Exporters World Asia Aggregation China India Türkiye Chinese Taipei United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Thailand Japan Indonesia Korea, Republic of Oman Vietnam Armenia Sri Lanka Malaysia
Exported Exported Exported Exported Exported value in 2021 value in 2022 value in 2023 value in 2024 value in 2025 13,897,103 15,646,066 16,260,901 14,808,210 14,790,192 4,140,537 4,775,085 4,702,727 4,458,327 4,398,574 2,688,867 3,160,863 3,063,037 3,078,477 3,035,591 305,800 362,980 407,566 431,024 453,850 193,782 243,650 303,676 215,081 229,938 160,634 135,723 115,191 118,446 108,908 192,478 207,444 195,242 61,846 84,894 107,066 70,262 70,298 42,443 60,514 48,911 20,270 14,239 19,425 17,851
121,505 92,829 62,764 52,224 66,750 50,498 22,693 16,943 21,792 17,569
82,545 82,606 61,815 38,223 56,749 49,274 21,474 18,682 16,805 24,852
68,554 82,144 62,550 48,517 59,670 40,589 21,413 20,559 24,054 21,026
83,815 58,763 53,169 51,506 48,046 36,777 34,063 27,057 20,099 15,185
Source: ITC, Geneva.
15 largest Asian importers for container glass of HS code 7010: Carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials, ampoules and other containers of glass Unit: US Dollar thousand Importers
Glass logistics increasingly depends on coordination across road, rail and maritime freight networks. Image by Louis Le Pessot via Unsplash
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World Asia Aggregation United Arab Emirates Philippines Vietnam India Korea, Republic of Türkiye Indonesia Israel Saudi Arabia Japan Georgia Thailand Iraq China Kazakhstan
Imported value in 2021 13,070,700 1,699,472 107,838
Imported value in 2022 15,294,047 1,993,621 147,696
Imported value in 2023 15,996,333 2,007,397 197,940
Imported value in 2024 14,747,245 2,091,762 292,311
Imported value in 2025 14,741,376 2,213,085 301,035
84,424 78,945 95,103 93,472 74,711 96,470 82,081 47,516 64,864 42,323 62,740 95,471 79,540 56,022
126,425 109,071 79,765 95,300 105,498 119,244 90,463 61,639 65,114 69,737 60,758 98,917 68,844 65,066
117,197 89,340 97,833 93,595 113,032 97,703 105,903 66,444 71,112 74,818 59,245 120,965 63,689 49,031
137,054 100,481 114,969 107,115 106,118 99,772 90,779 72,040 66,693 69,168 64,423 85,696 63,272 36,998
155,388 151,125 134,554 123,522 98,146 94,236 92,582 84,242 82,777 77,220 67,880 64,890 58,094 53,006
Source: ITC, Geneva.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Value-added solutions in live operation
Thin triple TPS IG Unit
As HEGLA marks its 50th anniversary, the company will use glasstec 2026 to showcase modular production systems alongside developments in software, laser applications and glass processing. This will be a special glasstec for HEGLA, as the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary almost at the same time as the trade fair. “A welcome overlap in the dates,” says HEGLA’s managing director, Toni Schön. “Glasstec is one of the most important events in our industry. That gives us two good reasons to get together in Düsseldorf. In keeping with our long-standing tradition, HEGLA will be looking to the future and showcasing modular systems and production lines that deliver high added value for our customers in a live demonstration.” Further innovations in the fields of software, laser applications and glass processing will be on display at HEGLA-HANIC, HEGLA boraident and HEGLA RS technology, which are represented at the stand as part of the partner network. Greater value creation in new markets “We are seeing two trends among our customers,” explains Toni Schön. “On the one hand, existing solutions are being optimised. On the other hand, the focus is shifting towards market niches in order to generate additional value.”
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Both strategies are combined in triple insulated glass units (IGUs) with thin glass as the middle pane. Their slim profile and low weight make it possible to replace energy-inefficient doubleglazed units with better-insulating triple-glazed units in existing windows. New buildings, which no longer need to be designed to accommodate heavy glazing, offer further market potential. With the Galactic TG, HEGLA will demonstrate cutting technology for glass as thin as 0.5 mm. An automatic floor loader, the SingleCut TG special cutting head and a harp rack transfer system ensure a reliable machining process for very thin glass. For example, the insulated glass can be produced on a Glaston line. LSG cutting in line with the machine’s autonomous cycle The ProLam Neo LSR is designed to deliver maximum automation and high throughput. The system cuts laminated safety glass fully automatically in line with the machine’s autonomous cycle. The patented laser diode heating system achieves at least twenty percent higher productivity compared with conventional heating technology.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
As a further benefit, the focused heating consistently produces perfect glass edge quality. The film is heated with pinpoint accuracy and separated without delamination. At glasstec, a robot will automatically remove the glass and sort it into harp racks without the need for an operator. User-friendly ERP with AI integration glass365 is HEGLA-HANIC’s new ERP system. Completely reprogrammed based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, it combines the intuitive user experience of the Microsoft environment with the Bochum-based software company’s many years of glass expertise. With its modular design, it covers all typical areas of application for flat-glass-processing businesses: all processes can be managed, from order entry with price calculation through to stock management, finance, production and data management in the CRM system. AI functions are available to ensure a high level of convenience, to help prevent errors and to support automated processes. For example, orders can be extracted from file attachments or emails and imported into the system once the user has approved them. It is even possible to generate quotations automatically or carry out an AI-based stock check, for example, including a recommendation for ordering raw glass. The browser-based ERP system glass365 is available on any digital device. It also offers a great deal of installation flexibility. This can be done locally on a server, in the cloud or using a hybrid approach. In addition, it offers access to the Microsoft Marketplace, where further apps with pre-defined data integration are available for download.
Sustainable bird protection and RF-transparent glass as a source of added value Bird protection glass or RF-transparent panes – both can be retrofitted using RetroWinGuard. “Requirements often only become apparent after new windows have been fitted,” explains Dr Thomas Rainer, head of organisation and development at HEGLA boraident. “Once they’ve been fitted, there's no reception.” The integrated thermal insulation coating then blocks the penetration of mobile phone signals. Using a hair-fine, barely visible pattern, RetroWinGuard can still structure the metallic layer, even after the window is fitted, thereby restoring full reception. It is usually only years later that the need for bird protection glass becomes apparent. “Once the newly planted bushes and trees have grown taller and are reflected in the windows, they become a deadly trap,” says the laser expert. To prevent collisions, a protective pattern can also be applied to the assembled units using laser printing. Its effectiveness has been tested in the USA and certified by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC).
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The patented laser diode heating system achieves at least twenty percent higher productivity compared with conventional heating technology.
Edging, grinding, polishing, drilling and milling with no set-up time The RS 8.14 VSS machining centre from HEGLA RS technology cost-effectively handles all types of wet processing, whether for one-off items or in series production. Whether edging, grinding, polishing, drilling, milling, internal grinding or step grinding – all glass thicknesses between 1.1 mm and 19 mm can be finished to a high standard of quality and with precision. The glass is positioned on the alignment table outside the machine’s working area. Loading and unloading then take place simultaneously. One of the system’s key advantages is the VarioSaugerSystem. The appropriate suction cups are activated to match the format and contour, and the workpiece is secured – eliminating any set-up time. In conjunction with the automatic tool-changing magazine, this means that even special types of glass can be processed at high throughput and without the need for manual intervention. The system is complemented by the patented multi-channel cooling system, which reliably dissipates process heat, even at high speeds, and ensures consistent edge quality at very high feed rates. For series production, the system can be operated in dual-head mode, which allows capacity to be doubled, depending on the glass format. For maximum automation, the system can be expanded to include an automatic feeding system and an additional conveyor line that connects directly to downstream processes. “We are looking forward to Glasstec in Düsseldorf, along with its many innovations and the latest industry trends,” says Schön. “At the same time, the trade fair is a welcome opportunity to meet up with long-standing customers and friends who have stood by the HEGLA Group for many years.” HEGLA, HEGLA boraident, HEGLA-HANIC and HEGLA RS technology will exhibit at Stand A62 in Hall 14 at glasstec 2026.
AG 26-4 asianglass
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Country Focus
Industry revival
US glass manufacturing enters new era American glass manufacturing is being revived through government incentives and import tariff protection, writes Rohan Gunasekera. America is seeking to revive its glass industry, through government support for modernisation and expansion, alongside increased tariff protection. After decades of factory closures, including glass plants, lost jobs and declining market share, the US is finally acting to reverse deindustrialisation. It is doing so in a hurry, using a combination of domestic industrial policy, including subsidies, anti-dumping and countervailing duties and pressure on trading partners. The manufacturing revival comes in response to pressure from government as well as companies, keen to reduce supply-chain and geopolitical risks. While America’s industry reshoring initiative, which involves companies relocating manufacturing back to the country, has had some success, obstacles remain, key among them the availability of skilled labour. Rising inflation, consumer and corporate debt and slower economic growth or even recession stemming partly from trade disruption and geopolitical uncertainty could slow sales in conventional mass-market applications such as glazing for buildings and automobiles. But the long-term trend is clear. The US remains one of the largest glass markets in the world, with tight rules on safety, energy efficiency and emissions supporting demand for more and better glass – in architecture, automobiles, solar energy, packaging for food and beverages and pharmaceuticals, fibreglass and optical communications. It is also one of the most innovative glass industries. Despite recent government actions to relax the regulatory burden on mining and manufacturing, consumer and corporate awareness and concern about efficiency and emissions remains strong enough to support investment and technological change in the US glass industry. Manufacturers are going for modern, more energyefficient furnaces, newer fuels and firing systems, electric melting, digitalisation and automation of manufacturing and increasing use of cullet in circular production processes.
Innovation drive
Corning Inc. is upbeat about its Springboard plan to grow sales and enhance profitability. Optical communications represented 38% of total segment net sales in 2025, ahead of display at 23%. In first-quarter 2026 results, Corning reported that robust demand for Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) products and the ramp-up of new solar products drove growth. Optical communications sales grew 36% and solar sales 80% yearon-year. Two additional hyperscale customers also entered large, long-term agreements with Corning, similar in size and duration to its multiyear, upto-$6 billion agreement with Meta. Corning says accelerating AI and video usage are driving demand for fibre and connectivity products inside and between data centres, as telecommunications networks migrate from copper to optical-based systems capable of delivering the required capacity. Its Springboard sales target has been upgraded to $4 billion, with a core operating margin target of 20% by the end of 2026. By the fourth quarter of 2025, Corning had achieved both growth and profitability targets a year ahead of plan. Its wider
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portfolio includes optical fibre and connectivity solutions, precision glass for advanced displays, pharmaceutical technologies, clean-air technologies and technical glass for vehicles.
Container pressures
O-I Glass, Inc. has experienced declining glass-container sales but believes a turnaround is possible in 2027. Under its Fit to Win restructuring initiative it has closed and plans to close several plants and furnaces in the Americas and Europe. It has also ended development of its MAGMA modular glassmelting technology after concluding that the programme had not met the required operational and financial thresholds. MAGMA had sought to reduce the capital required to install, rebuild and operate manufacturing lines and improve flexibility. O-I is now focusing on ULTRA, its proprietary technology designed to reduce the weight of glass containers by up to 30%. O-I expects full-year 2026 sales volumes to be flat to slightly lower than 2025, followed by 1–2% annual sales growth post-2027 as markets stabilise and strategic initiatives improve its cost position. Volume trends improved sequentially through the first quarter, with March volumes down approximately two per cent from March 2025, and the company anticipates low- to mid-single-digit growth in the second half of 2026. North American shipments to alcoholic-beverage customers have been affected by inventory destocking and weak consumer demand, particularly among wine, spirits and beer customers. In the first quarter of 2026, Americas segment profit was stable at $142 million, while margins improved to 16.3%, although performance in Europe remained weak. Glass-container shipments were down approximately nine per cent.
Automotive investment
China’s auto glassmaker Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. began production at a new plant next to its existing facility in Moraine, Ohio, in July 2025. Group subsidiary Fuyao Glass America is the largest automotive glass supplier in the US, serving leading American and international automakers. Fuyao has factories in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and South Carolina, while its Moraine site is known as the world’s largest single automotive glass-making facility. The new plant, built with an investment of $300 million, produces advanced glass technologies for electric vehicles, head-up displays, driverassistance systems and other smart-glass applications. Fuyao sees growing demand for high value-added products as automotive glass develops from weather protection into part of the intelligent cockpit, incorporating external perception and interaction functions. The company says intelligent, networking and digital elements will play key roles in the automobile industry and plans to increase the added value of products including smart and panoramic skylight glass, dimmable glass, head-up display glass and ultra-insulation glass. It is also extending its industrial chain into precision aluminium components, intelligent decorative parts and equipment and mould technology. A major fire at Fuyao Glass America’s Moraine site in March 2026 raised concerns about supply-chain concentration. The blaze started on the roof of a newer 600,000-square-foot expansion building where additional manufacturing lines were being installed. AI supply-chain company Exiger
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News Country Focus
described the facility as a high-risk single point of failure and estimated that Fuyao Glass America produces approximately 30% of automotive glass in the US. Major automakers said there was no impact or declined to comment. Exiger noted that OEM automotive glass is highly engineered, with laminated windshields incorporating safety interlayers and driverassistance sensors, and that qualification of alternative suppliers typically takes 6–12 months. French industrial engineering group Fives also finds the US reindustrialisation effort encouraging. It says tariffs and Made in America policies are creating opportunities in process industries, while labour shortages are accelerating the need for automation. New US investment in aerospace, general industry, steel and intralogistics has contributed to a positive outlook. The Americas account for Fives’ largest order book and the US remains its leading country across most segments, although it identifies labour availability as the main constraint on faster investment.
Furnace transition
The Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC) expects one of the most significant shifts to be the rapid deployment of hybrid and electric melting technologies. Libbey is replacing four regenerative furnaces with two hybrid electric furnaces at its Toledo, Ohio plant, a move expected to reduce carbon emissions by roughly 60% and use up to 80% renewable electricity. Ardagh Glass Packaging’s NextGen hybrid furnace in Germany uses about 60% electric heating and has achieved a 64% reduction in carbon emissions per bottle. GMIC expects 2026 to mark a tipping point as decarbonisation technologies move from pilot projects to commercial scale. It expects hybrid furnaces to be installed at more plants, electric-melting research to mature and AI to become a standard tool for optimising energy use and quality. Fully electric furnaces are also emerging, although grid capacity and infrastructure remain challenges. The US Department of Energy (DOE) and GMIC are collaborating on Advanced Electric Melting to Decarbonise Commercial Glass, which aims to demonstrate processes capable of reducing Scope 1 greenhouse-gas emissions by more than 85%. Early results show that high cullet levels – around 70% of the batch – can reduce emissions and energy use, while creating technical challenges such as foaming during cold-top electric melting. Computational fluid-dynamics modelling is being used to optimise furnace designs. GMIC says plants can also cut emissions through better process control before new furnaces come online. Energy costs can represent up to 14% of total glass production expenses, making incremental savings significant. CelSian, a GMIC member, offers furnace modelling and training programmes to help operators identify inefficiencies, optimise combustion and reduce fuel consumption. Furnace modelling and operator training can help identify inefficiencies, optimise combustion and reduce fuel consumption. Longmoor
Smarter production
AI is also poised to transform glassmaking, GMIC says, as machine-learning systems can optimise furnace controls, adjust parameters in real time and predict maintenance needs to reduce fuel waste. Machine-vision tools can inspect glass for bubbles or scratches and adjust production conditions to minimise scrap, while AI-enabled sorters can improve recycling by identifying glass colour and composition.
Recycling challenge
Although glass’s key sustainability advantage is its infinite recyclability, US recovery rates hover around 30%. Gallo Glass diverts nearly 175,000 tonnes of glass from landfills each year and buys more than 20% of all recycled glass in California. Bottles produced at its Modesto plant contain up to 75% recycled glass, while its lightweight 14-ounce wine bottles reduce material use, shipping emissions and energy consumption. The DOE’s Better Plants programme provides technical assistance, peer learning and recognition for companies committed to reducing energy intensity, with GMIC members including Acuity Brands, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, Vitro Architectural Glass, Imerys and Siemens participating. GMIC
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The US remains one of the largest glass markets in the world, with tight rules on safety, energy efficiency and emissions supporting demand for more and better glass. says these partnerships help prepare the workforce for modern, digitalised glass plants while guiding investment in furnaces, recycling infrastructure and workforce skills. Product design is also evolving. Guardian Glass’s low-carbon float glass line, Nexa, uses more cullet and reduces embodied carbon by over 30% compared with standard float glass, while smart coatings, energy-saving insulated units and dynamically tinting architectural glass are expected to gain prominence.
Skills for the future
Workforce development is central to GMIC’s mission as glass manufacturing undergoes major technological change. Average annual salaries in the industry increased from about $47,410 in 2015 to $72,516 in 2024, reflecting demand for specialised skills and workers able to operate increasingly advanced manufacturing systems. The US glass manufacturing workforce numbers roughly 139,000, with an average worker age in the early forties, increasing the focus on recruiting and training a new generation as experienced operators approach retirement. Workers increasingly need knowledge of precision manufacturing, advanced materials, automation, artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance and digital modelling alongside traditional forming processes. Production lines increasingly rely on robotics, data analytics and digital monitoring tools to improve efficiency and safety. GMIC says the result is a workforce smaller in number but higher in skill level as manufacturers invest in smarter and more efficient production technologies. This combination of mechanical, digital and analytical skills is becoming essential across modern glass plants.
Container concerns
While there is broad government support for reviving American manufacturing and reshoring industry, the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) argues that the container sector has been neglected. It is lobbying the government to overturn a decision to terminate funding for several industrial decarbonisation projects, including shovel-ready initiatives from US glass manufacturers, while projects in sectors such as steel and aluminium move forward. GPI says the affected projects would improve operational efficiency and reduce energy use and plant emissions. It notes that glass can be recycled endlessly but argues that inefficient collection and high contamination levels limit its potential. The association is calling for investment in kerbside and deposit recycling systems to increase recovery rates, advanced sorting technologies to improve material purity and lower-emission melting technologies to strengthen recycled-glass supply and reduce production costs. With proven innovation ability, as shown by the development of glass mirrors for space telescopes, pioneering fibre-optic systems, thinner glazing and containers and advanced coatings, along with government support and corporate commitment, the US glass industry is positioning itself to regain competitiveness.
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Gerresheimer upgrades batch plant BELGIUM Gerresheimer has completed a batch plant modernisation project at its glass packaging facility in Momignies, Belgium, upgrading raw material handling, weighing and mixing systems used in glass production. The project was carried out with engineering company ZIPPE and forms part of a wider programme to modernise production infrastructure at the site, which manufactures Type III glass primary packaging for cosmetic applications, including flacons, jars and bottles. According to ZIPPE, the work involved rebuilding and upgrading the existing weighing and dosing system, together with modifications to parts of the silo discharge equipment. The project also included electrical installation works, cabling and mechanical and electrical supervision. A key element of the modernisation was the installation of two new mixers, each with a capacity of 1,875 litres. The project also included refurbishment and modification of the batch transport system, together with the installation of new cold-top batch chargers,
scraper conveyors and downpipes. Batch preparation and handling systems play a critical role in glass manufacturing by ensuring that raw materials are accurately weighed, mixed and delivered to the furnace. Consistent batch quality is essential for maintaining stable melting conditions and achieving the required glass properties. ZIPPE said one of the main challenges of the project was replacing control technology while maintaining ongoing production operations at the facility. The transition from the existing control system to the upgraded platform was carried out in stages in coordination with Gerresheimer in order to minimise disruption to manufacturing activities. According to the company, the phased approach enabled installation and commissioning activities to be completed while production continued at the site. The project concluded with the successful completion of final acceptance procedures. Gerresheimer is a manufacturer of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and speciality glass
packaging, supplying customers across a range of international markets. The Momignies facility produces glass containers in a variety of shapes and sizes for cosmetic applications. The modernisation reflects continuing investment by glass manufacturers in upgrading batch house operations and raw material handling systems to support production efficiency and operational reliability. While furnace technology often attracts significant attention
within glass manufacturing, batch preparation systems remain a fundamental part of the production process, influencing raw material consistency, material flow and furnace charging operations. The completion of the project provides Gerresheimer with upgraded infrastructure for managing and processing raw materials at the Belgian facility and supports the continued operation of its cosmetic glass packaging production activities.
BRE plans bauxite demerger AUSTRALIA Brazilian Rare Earths (BRE) plans to separate its Amargosa Bauxite-Gallium Project into a new publicly listed company, Alurion Resources, as the Australian-listed miner seeks to advance development of the Brazilian asset through a dedicated management and funding structure. The proposed demerger would see Amargosa transferred into Alurion, which is expected to seek a listing on the Australian Securities Exchange. BRE said the move would allow the project to pursue its own development strategy while enabling the company to focus on advancing its rare earth and critical minerals portfolio. Located in Bahia, Brazil, the Amargosa project hosts a JORC-
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compliant mineral resource of 568 million tonnes, including 98 million tonnes of directshipping bauxite grading 41.9% total available alumina and 2.5% reactive silica. Bauxite is the primary raw material used in the production of alumina, which is subsequently refined into aluminium. Alumina is also an important material in the manufacture of refractories and industrial ceramics used in high-temperature applications, including glass production. According to BRE, the project's initial development strategy is based on direct shipment of bauxite ore without the need for beneficiation facilities, tailings infrastructure or major processing plants. The company said this approach is
intended to minimise upfront capital requirements and accelerate development. The project is located approximately 160 kilometres by road from the Port of Enseada, an established bulk-export facility that offers access to international markets. Beyond bauxite production, BRE said the project contains potential exposure to other critical minerals including gallium, titanium, zircon and rare earth elements. These opportunities remain subject to further technical, economic and market evaluation. Commenting on the proposal, managing director and chief executive officer Bernardo da Veiga said: “The proposed demerger and public listing of
Alurion Resources is a disciplined value-unlocking transaction for BRE shareholders and the right structure for the leading Amargosa Bauxite-Gallium Project.” “Amargosa is a large-scale bauxite-gallium province, with the resource base, grade, logistics and low-capex firststage development pathway to support a compelling standalone investment proposition.” BRE intends to retain a strategic shareholding in Alurion following the proposed transaction, while existing shareholders are expected to receive shares in the new company through an inspecie distribution, subject to completion of the demerger and associated approvals.
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Sibelco sees weaker quartz demand BELGIUM Sibelco reported lower firsthalf revenue and earnings as challenging market conditions, including in high-purity quartz for solar PV, affected the Belgian industrial minerals group's performance. Revenue reached €1.09 billion in the first six months of 2026, down 4% organically from the same period last year, while EBITDA fell 3.5% organically to €220 million, Sibelco said. The company attributed much of the revenue decline to an unfavourable comparison with the
strong high-purity quartz market for solar PV in the first quarter of 2025. It also cited subdued demand in some other market segments, higher energy and transportation costs and continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Sibelco said its EBITDA margin for the first half was 20.2%. Adjusted free operating cash flow improved to a negative €29 million from a negative €121 million a year earlier. Cost reductions contributed to the improvement, with the company reporting €14 million
in structural savings compared with the first half of 2025, largely through lower selling, general and administrative expenditure. CEO Hilmar Rode said: “Our first-half performance demonstrates the resilience of Sibelco’s diversified portfolio and the strength of our business. While market conditions remained challenging in several sectors, including high purity quartz for solar PV, we continued to execute with discipline, protecting profitability and improving cash flow.”
“We are encouraged by the progress we have made across all areas within our control as our Build 2030 strategy continues to shape the way we operate, helping us build a more efficient, resilient business with a clear focus on long-term value creation.” Sibelco said it continued to restrict capital allocation while pursuing selected investments under its Build 2030 strategy. The company also noted that in July it and Saint-Gobain announced plans to separate their Jundu joint venture in Brazil.
Greece backs gallium investment GREECE The Greek government has approved a strategic investment by METLEN Energy & Metals to develop gallium production capacity in Greece alongside the expansion of existing bauxite mining and alumina refining operations. The project, valued at approximately €300 million, was approved by the Interministerial Committee for Strategic Investments and has been designated as a project of strategic importance in the field of critical raw materials. METLEN said the investment will be integrated into its existing Aluminium of Greece operations, combining new gallium production facilities with the expansion of
nearby bauxite mines and the company's alumina refinery. Gallium is classified by the European Union as a critical raw material and is used in a range of advanced technologies, including semiconductors, defence systems, artificial intelligence applications and photovoltaic technologies. Demand for the metal has increased in recent years as governments and manufacturers seek to strengthen domestic supply chains for strategic industrial materials. The project forms part of wider European efforts to reduce dependence on imported critical raw materials and improve the resilience of industrial supply networks.
For the glass industry, gallium's importance lies primarily in its role in advanced photovoltaic technologies, a market that continues to drive investment in solar glass production and other renewable energy applications worldwide. As manufacturers seek higher-performance photovoltaic systems, demand for critical materials used in solar technologies has become an increasingly important consideration across the broader renewable energy supply chain. METLEN said the investment has been approved under Greece's Strategic Investments framework and is the first project to be included under the CISAF 6.1 aid scheme, which received
approval from the European Commission in February 2025. According to the company, the project is expected to benefit from a package of grants and tax incentives worth approximately €118 million. METLEN said the new production capability will be integrated within its established mining and refining operations, allowing gallium recovery to be incorporated into existing industrial processes. The company has not disclosed a timetable for commissioning the new facility but described the project as an important contribution to European raw material security and industrial development.
Solvay sees soda ash pricing pressure BELGIUM Solvay reported lower secondquarter sales from its Soda Ash & Derivatives business as pricing weakened, particularly in seaborne markets, and volumes declined from a year earlier. Sales from the business fell 8.6% year on year to €404 million in the second quarter of 2026, or 8.4% on an organic basis, the Belgiumbased chemicals group said. Solvay said soda ash prices were marginally lower in domestic markets but decreased more significantly in the seaborne market. Volumes also declined, partly because some shipments were delayed until July, while bicarbonate
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volumes and prices remained broadly stable year on year. For the first half, Soda Ash & Derivatives sales reached €801 million, down 9% from €880 million in the corresponding period of 2025. On an organic basis, the decline was 7.8%. Pricing pressure in soda ash also contributed to weaker performance across Solvay's wider Basic Chemicals segment. Secondquarter sales for the segment fell 6.8% to €622 million, with volumes down 3.5% and prices 3.8% lower, mainly as a result of soda ash. Basic Chemicals EBITDA declined 5.5% to €134 million, or
6.1% organically. Solvay said lower volumes following the temporary shutdown of its peroxides operation in Saudi Arabia and soda ash pricing pressure weighed on earnings, although improved operational performance helped offset inflation. At group level, underlying net sales declined 6.4% to €1.03 billion, or 7.4% organically, while underlying EBITDA fell 18.8% to €187 million. Solvay said continued weakness in soda ash pricing and the impact of conflict in the Middle East affected its quarterly performance. CEO Philippe Kehren said: “Our second quarter results reflect the continued challenging economic
environment. The conflict in the Middle East had a negative impact on our performance, mainly due to the temporary shutdown since mid-March of our peroxides plant in the region.” Solvay maintained its full-year guidance, forecasting underlying EBITDA of between €770 million and €850 million and free cash flow from continuing operations of at least €200 million. Silica sales, reported separately within Performance Chemicals, fell 2.7% to €130 million during the quarter, with Solvay attributing the decline to an unfavourable regional mix.
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SRA targets first Asian silica exports AUSTRALIA Silica Resources Australia (SRA) expects to begin exporting silica sand from Far North Queensland to customers across Asia later this year following a A$30 million investment backed by the Queensland Critical Minerals Fund. The company's first shipment is expected to leave the Port of Mourilyan, with the investment supporting plant, equipment and land acquisitions at its Mourilyan Silica Sands Project, the Queensland government said. SRA plans to increase annual production from 360,000 tonnes to more than 750,000 tonnes within five years. The project has
access to more than 50 million tonnes of silica sand, according to the government. Mining and domestic sales have already started, while the port infrastructure will enable SRA to expand into international markets. The project is expected to support 180 jobs in regional Queensland. SRA has secured a long-term lease at the Port of Mourilyan as it develops its export operations. CEO and managing director Rob Tindall said the company had made progress since receiving investment from Queensland Investment Corporation. “We have made strong progress
at our Mourilyan Silica Sands Project since QIC’s investment with mining and domestic sales established – and the Port gives us the opportunity to expand to international exporting later this year,” Tindall said. “We are excited to see the first shipment leave Mourilyan later this year and to continue building a long-term export industry that delivers benefits for the Cassowary Coast and Far North Queensland.” The company has also signed a memorandum of understanding with MSF Sugar to examine the feasibility of using an existing cane rail network to transport
silica sand to the port in future. The A$30 million investment was made through Queensland Investment Corporation's Queensland Critical Minerals Fund, which has A$250 million available to support projects in the state. Queensland's government has allocated a further A$100 million to the fund in its latest budget as part of its critical minerals strategy for 2026–2030. SRA's planned first international shipment would establish Mourilyan as an export point for the company's silica sand and provide access to customers across Asian markets.
Tata Chemicals wins soda ash contracts INDIA/UNITED STATES Tata Chemicals North America has secured customer contracts covering more than 500,000 tonnes of soda ash following a successful bid in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of US producer Searles Valley Minerals. The contracts will run from September 2026 until December 2028 and are expected to generate more than $110 million in revenue over the period, parent company Tata Chemicals said. Tata Chemicals North America, a wholly owned subsidiary of India-based Tata Chemicals, has entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement with Searles Valley Minerals covering the soda ash contracts and associated commercial rights. The transaction involves cash consideration of $21.16 million and has been approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court
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for the District of Delaware. Completion remains subject to customary closing conditions under the agreement. The contracts cover customers in North America and will expand Tata Chemicals North America's domestic customer base. Tata Chemicals said the additional volumes would also provide greater visibility over demand during the contract period. Soda ash, or sodium carbonate, is a major raw material for the glass industry, with Tata Chemicals supplying the glass, detergent, industrial and chemical sectors. R. Mukundan, CEO and managing director of Tata Chemicals, said: “This acquisition represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen our presence in the North American soda ash market and expand
our customer base. The acquired contracts secure over 500,000 metric tonnes of demand and are expected to generate revenues exceeding USD 110 million through December 2028.” “The transaction enhances our portfolio of long-term customer relationships, improves demand visibility, and reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable supply and superior service. It is aligned with our strategy of driving profitable growth and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.” The acquisition comes through the bankruptcy proceedings of Searles Valley Minerals rather than through the purchase of the company itself. Tata Chemicals' announcement refers specifically to the acquisition of certain customer contracts and related commercial rights.
Tata Chemicals is headquartered in India and operates as part of the Tata Group. Its businesses supply materials to a range of industrial markets, with soda ash forming part of its portfolio serving glass manufacturers and other largevolume consumers.
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WE Soda flags pressure on soda ash market TÜRKIYE WE Soda said weaker pricing in parts of Asia and Europe and higher energy and transport costs weighed on its first-half performance as the soda ash producer faced challenging global trading conditions. The company, which operates production facilities in Türkiye and the United States, reported consolidated sales volumes of 4.43 million tonnes for the six months to 30 June, down 3.3% from a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA fell 32% to $245 million, while free cash flow declined 41% to $168 million. WE Soda attributed the performance partly to weaker pricing and higher costs, including transportation expenses linked
to conflict in the Middle East. Production disruptions at its Westvaco operation in the United States during the first quarter also affected volumes but have since been resolved. Second-quarter consolidated sales volumes were 2.34 million tonnes, broadly unchanged year on year. WE Soda maintained its full-year sales guidance of approximately 9.3 million tonnes. Soda ash is a principal raw material in glassmaking, making changes in its price, availability and associated carbon costs important to flat, container and other glass producers. WE Soda also highlighted a European Commission proposal published on 17 July to reform
the EU Emissions Trading System beyond 2030. Under current arrangements described by WE Soda, a glassmaker using imported soda ash must purchase and surrender allowances for process CO2 released when the material is used in its furnace. The company estimated this cost at approximately $35 per tonne of soda ash at prevailing carbon prices. By contrast, WE Soda said glassmakers using synthetic soda ash produced at an EU installation receive relief because those process emissions are treated as already accounted for under the ETS. CEO Alasdair Warren said:
“We were also encouraged by the European Commission's July proposal to reform the EU Emissions Trading System, which reflects the principle we have long argued for: that carbon pricing should encourage industries to decarbonise, as we have done, and that carbon should be accounted for where it is released.” WE Soda said the proposed changes would attribute process CO2 to the installation where it is released, meaning competing soda ash products would be treated according to their carbon footprint rather than their origin. The company said it expects trading conditions to remain challenging for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.
Homerun advances high-purity silica BRAZIL Homerun Resources is expanding development of high-purity silica from its Santa Maria Eterna project in Brazil for use in fused silica, silicon and silicon carbide applications, including semiconductor and photonics technologies. The Canadian company said it has worked with the University of California, Davis to process high-purity, low-iron silica sand from its Santa Maria Eterna Silica Valley resources in Belmonte, Bahia, into fused silica, silicon and silicon carbide suitable for semiconductor feedstocks and substrates. The work includes a patentpending laser purification process developed by researchers at UC Davis. According to Homerun, the process uses its Brazilian silica sand as the raw material and
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subjects pre-treated material to pulsed laser irradiation without chemical inputs. Homerun said the process has achieved silica purity above 99.99%, or 4N, as it seeks to develop higher-value applications for the Brazilian resource. The company is examining a broader processing chain that would convert silica into materials for semiconductor and photonics applications. Its development programme includes technologies for producing and processing silicon carbide as well as fused silica. Homerun said high-purity raw material is required to reduce impurities in advanced silicon and silicon carbide applications, placing greater emphasis on the quality of silica used at the start of the production process.
CEO Brian Leeners said: “Our vision since the first discovery of the SME Silica Sand District has been to take that material into its highest use in the Energy and Technology Value Chains. We are on path in Solar Glass, Energy Storage, Silicon, Silicon Carbide and Photonics working with Professor Risbud and his incredible team at UC Davis.” “High purity feedstock and technical disruption are the key to the Critical Materials Value Chain Transition and that is the path we have followed and will continue. Our efforts are now attracting strategic global attention as are the key materials sectors within which we are focused.” Homerun's Santa Maria Eterna resources form the raw-material base for its silicarelated activities, which include
high-purity silica and advanced materials, solar glass, energy storage and semiconductor and photonics applications. The company said its programme is intended to establish a supply pathway from Brazilian silica sand through to higher-purity feedstocks and processed materials for advanced industrial applications.
Asian Glass: mobiles, ipads & androids
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EPO upholds Solvay soda ash patent BELGIUM The European Patent Office (EPO) has upheld a Solvay patent covering a process for recycling and treating purge streams generated during soda ash and sodium bicarbonate production, marking a further development in an ongoing legal dispute between the chemicals group and rival producer WE Soda. The decision follows opposition proceedings initiated by WE Soda in February 2025 against European patent EP 3 971 138 B1, which was granted to Solvay in May 2024. Following oral hearings held in May 2026, the EPO maintained the validity of the patent subject to limited amendments. The ruling may still be appealed. The patent relates to a proprietary process used in the treatment and recycling of purge streams generated during the manufacture of sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, and sodium bicarbonate. Soda ash is one of the principal raw materials used in glass manufacturing and is consumed in large volumes by flat glass, container glass and specialty glass producers worldwide. According to Solvay, the patent also protects manufacturing processes incorporating the recycling technology as well as products directly obtained through those methods. The decision represents the latest stage in a wider dispute between Solvay and WE Soda concerning intellectual property rights linked to soda ash production technologies. “This outcome represents an important step in protecting Solvay’s innovation,” the company said in a statement.
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Solvay noted that the upheld patent forms part of a broader patent family that includes European patent EP 2 878 579 B1, which remains the subject of separate legal proceedings between the two companies. In 2021, Solvay initiated patent infringement proceedings in the Netherlands against WE Soda and several affiliated entities, including Turkish subsidiaries, alleging infringement of the Dutch designation of EP 2 878 579 B1 through sodium carbonate treatment processes used at the Kazan Soda facility in Türkiye. In December 2025, a Dutch court ruled in favour of Solvay, upholding the patent and issuing an injunction covering imports and supply of the disputed products within the Netherlands. WE Soda and the relevant entities have appealed that decision. The latest EPO ruling concerns a unitary patent, meaning enforcement actions can be pursued through the Unified Patent Court across multiple participating European countries. Solvay said intellectual property protection remains important to maintaining innovation and competition within the chemicals sector. “Solvay believes that respecting patents and intellectual property is essential for fair competition,” the company said. “Solvay remains firmly committed to defending its innovations and will continue to take rigorous, decisive legal action to enforce its rights against infringers globally.” For the glass industry, the decision highlights the growing importance of process innovation and intellectual property protection in the production of key raw materials such as soda ash.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Recovering pressure exergy from natural gas distribution networks An integrated solution for glass manufacturing plants
In this technical contribution, Stara Glass examines how pressure energy from natural gas distribution networks, combined with waste heat recovery, could provide an additional source of useful energy for glass manufacturing plants. The glass industry is among the most energy-intensive manufacturing sectors, requiring large quantities of natural gas to sustain continuous melting operations. Although considerable effort has been devoted to improving furnace efficiency and recovering waste heat, one source of recoverable energy remains largely overlooked: the pressure energy contained in natural gas supplied through transmission networks.
Unlike throttling devices, the turbo-expander performs a controlled expansion that approaches a polytropic transformation, converting part of the gas enthalpy into mechanical power. The recovered mechanical energy is directly transformed into electricity through an electrical generator.
Natural gas is transported over long distances at high pressure to reduce its specific volume and optimise pipeline infrastructure. Before entering industrial combustion systems, however, its pressure must be reduced to values compatible with plant operation. This pressure reduction is generally performed by pressure reducing valves, where the expansion process is essentially isenthalpic. The pressure exergy accumulated during gas compression is irreversibly dissipated without generating useful work. Recovering this pressure energy offers an additional opportunity to improve overall plant efficiency without affecting the production process or increasing fuel consumption.
The H.E.R.M.E.S. technology These considerations led to the development of the HERMES (High-Efficiency Energy Recovery through Mechanical Expansion of Natural Gas Streams) concept, which integrates pressure energy recovery with the utilization of low-grade waste heat from industrial processes.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Turbo-expansion naturally causes a decrease in gas temperature as part of the energy conversion process. To maintain suitable downstream operating conditions and avoid condensation, hydrate formation or freezing, the gas is moderately preheated before entering the expander. In typical industrial applications, the required inlet temperature generally remains within the range of 50–70°C, allowing the necessary heat to be supplied by lowgrade waste heat sources already available within the plant. Rather than introducing dedicated heating systems, the proposed configuration exploits low-temperature waste heat already available within the plant. Hot exhaust gases from glass furnaces transfer thermal energy to a closed water circuit through an air-water heat exchanger. The heated water subsequently transfers energy to the natural gas before expansion via a water-gas heat exchanger. This integrated approach combines thermal recovery with pressure energy recovery while minimizing additional energy demand.
A case study A representative industrial configuration considers a natural gas flow rate of approximately 5,000 Nm³/h with a pressure reduction from 12 barg to 4 barg. Under these operating conditions, thermodynamic analysis indicates that the turbo-expander can generate approximately 75 kW of electrical power.
The glass industry is among the most energyintensive manufacturing sectors, requiring large quantities of natural gas to sustain continuous melting operations. The recoverable power depends primarily on gas mass flow rate and pressure ratio, which determine the available enthalpy drop across the expansion stage. At the same time, only moderate thermal energy is required for gas preheating, making the process particularly compatible with low-grade waste heat sources typically available in glass manufacturing plants. From an engineering perspective, the system consists of three integrated subsystems: the turbo-expander and electrical generator, the closed-loop heat transfer circuit, and the waste heat recovery unit. This modular architecture allows adaptation to different plant layouts while maintaining operational flexibility. In conclusion, recovering pressure energy from natural gas distribution systems represents an effective strategy for improving the overall energy efficiency of industrial facilities. By combining turbo-expansion with waste heat recovery, the proposed HERMES system reduces the amount of energy that would otherwise be dissipated during conventional pressure regulation. The electrical power generated by the turbo-expander can be directly used within the plant, reducing external electricity demand. At the same time, the thermal energy required for gas preheating is supplied by low-grade waste heat already available from furnace exhausts or other process streams. This dual recovery approach allows both pressure energy and residual heat to be converted into useful energy without increasing natural gas consumption. The technology therefore supports a more efficient use of existing resources and contributes to lower indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Since it is based on energy recovery rather than additional fuel input, HERMES can be considered a green technology suitable for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries. In glass manufacturing plants, where natural gas consumption and waste heat availability are both significant, this integrated solution offers a practical route toward cleaner and more sustainable production. Author: Elisa Gerali, Stara Glass
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Anaylsis
Refractory Zone SORG increases Sediver furnace capacity Chain SORG has completed the reconstruction of a glass melting furnace at Shanghai Sediver Glass in China, increasing its designed pull and adding a third production line. The regenerative endport furnace was originally designed and built by SORG in 2015 with two forehearths for the production of high-quality glass used in high-voltage insulators. Following its operating campaign, the furnace was due for reconstruction and the installation has now been rebuilt and partially optimised. One of the principal changes involved redesigning the regenerators with increased capacity. The furnace pull, originally planned at 110 tonnes per day, has been increased to 130 tonnes per day. Shanghai Sediver has also added a third production line. SORG designed and supplied an additional 240S+ forehearth for the new line. As part of the reconstruction, SORG designed
and supplied equipment including the reversal system and electrode holders. For glass conditioning, its scope included air and gas stations, a gas supply station and combustion air fans. The existing SCADA system was also adapted to accommodate the modified plant configuration. The reconstruction was carried out under SORG supervision and completed in 70 days from glassto-glass. The project follows around a decade of operation for the original SORG installation and combines the increased melting capacity with modifications to the regenerative system, glass conditioning equipment and control infrastructure. SORG said the decision to rebuild and partially optimise the installation followed the performance achieved by the furnace and its glass conditioning system during the previous campaign. The rebuilt furnace has now been commissioned
with its increased 130 tonnes per day pull and three-line production configuration. SORG thanked Shanghai Sediver Glass for its continued confidence in the group and wished the company a long and successful operating campaign for the reconstructed furnace.
Dukhiram completes HNG furnace rebuild India Dukhiram Maurya Engineering & Refractory Works has completed the rebuild of a 650 tonnesper-day end-fired container glass furnace at HNG’s Naidupeta plant in Andhra Pradesh, India. The project involved the rebuild and heat-up of the furnace, with Dukhiram undertaking work covering the removal and installation of refractories as well as associated structural and furnace operations. Its scope included drilling and draining of the furnace, refractory demolition and complete refractory installation. The company also carried out partial steel work, including the fabrication and erection of cooling nozzles. Work extended to the plant’s 80-metre-high chimney, where Dukhiram undertook castable demolition and relining. Following completion of the refractory and structural work, the company’s responsibilities included furnace heat-up and cullet filling, together
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with hot sealing and insulation. Dukhiram said the entire scope was completed ahead of schedule and without accidents. The company described the 650 tpd installation as one of the largest end-fired container glass furnaces of its kind. The project adds to Dukhiram’s existing work for HNG at Naidupeta. The refractory engineering company lists the site among the Indian glass plants to which it has provided steel and refractory installation services, while its project information identifies the Naidupeta furnace rebuild alongside another HNG rebuild at Bahadurgarh. Dukhiram provides refractory installation, furnace hot work and dismantling services for the glass industry. Its refractory activities cover melting tanks, regenerators, working ends, forehearths and distributors across furnace applications including container, float, tableware, pharmaceutical and oxy-
fuel glass production. For the Naidupeta project, the company’s involvement from furnace draining and refractory demolition through to new refractory installation, heat-up and hot sealing makes the rebuild particularly relevant to the glass refractory sector. The completed work returns the 650 tpd furnace to operation following a programme encompassing both the refractory structure and associated steel, chimney and insulation work.
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MINPRO targets refractory recycling India RHI Magnesita and Khemka Refractories have completed their joint venture in India and launched MINPRO, a dedicated refractory recycling business focused on expanding circular mineral solutions. MINPRO combines RHI Magnesita’s refractory recycling capabilities with Khemka Refractories’ regional expertise, operational resources and established customer and supplier network. The new company will establish a refractory recycling platform in Odisha to recover, process and reuse spent refractory materials. Its location places the operation within one of India’s principal steel-producing regions and is intended to support the development of an integrated supply chain for recovered refractory materials. MINPRO will be led by CEO Jyotirmoy
Bhattacharjee, who has nearly three decades of refractory industry experience. Bhattacharjee has spent more than 20 years with RHI Magnesita in technical, marketing and sales leadership roles, most recently serving as head of Sales Steel India. The partners said the recycling operation will increase the availability of high-value circular minerals for refractory manufacturing and other industrial applications. It is also intended to help customers improve resource efficiency, strengthen supply-chain resilience and reduce the environmental footprint associated with high-temperature industrial processes. Pankaj Malhan, regional president India at RHI Magnesita, described the launch as an important
milestone in the company’s strategy to advance circularity in India and the wider region. RHI Magnesita said the venture forms part of its global sustainability strategy and supports its objective of increasing the use of secondary refractory raw materials. The group’s refractory products, systems and services are supplied across high-temperature industries including glass, making developments in its recycling infrastructure relevant to the supply of refractory materials more widely. Khemka brings its established Indian refractory operations and regional network to the venture, while RHI Magnesita contributes its international refractory recycling expertise. Completion of the joint venture and formal launch of MINPRO were announced on 4 August.
SEFPRO targets furnace corrosion Thailand SEFPRO will highlight the refractory challenges associated with increasing glass furnace electrification at the 48th ASEAN Glass Conference in Thailand this month. The conference takes place in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province, from 21–24 September and brings together glass manufacturers and technology suppliers from across the region. SEFPRO will contribute to the technical programme through a presentation examining pathways and challenges involved in decarbonising glass production. The company said increasing use of electrical boosting and electric melting is leading to higher glass melting temperatures, which can accelerate refractory corrosion. To address these more demanding operating conditions, SEFPRO has developed specialised
refractory materials intended to reduce corrosion rates and the associated risks to furnace operation. Its approach also extends beyond the refractory material itself to online monitoring of refractory condition. SEFPRO said it has introduced XeBOOST, Cruciforms, Tuckpro and SEFPRO Guard technologies as part of its response to changing furnace requirements. SEFPRO Guard provides online monitoring of refractory corrosion, with data from the sensors capable of being integrated into ESIII modelbased furnace control systems. According to SEFPRO, combining refractory condition data with model-based control can help optimise furnace operating costs and carbon emissions while also considering furnace lifetime.
The company’s conference contribution comes as glass producers examine different combinations of combustion and electrical energy to reduce emissions from melting. SEFPRO said future furnaces are likely to incorporate multiple heat inputs, increasing the need for advanced control systems capable of balancing electricity and natural gas consumption. The technical programme at the ASEAN event covers melting, refractories, process control, modelling, energy and emissions, raw materials and recycling. SEFPRO’s participation therefore brings the relationship between furnace decarbonisation, refractory corrosion and furnace campaign life directly into the regional glass industry’s discussion of lower-carbon melting.
HORN rebuilds Stoelzle furnace Czech Republic HORN Glass Industries has started a complete rebuild of the glass melting furnace at Stoelzle Glass Group’s Hermanova Huť production facility in the Czech Republic. Construction work began on 5 August with the draining of the existing furnace, with the cold repair scheduled to take place over 65 days. Production is expected to resume in October. HORN is responsible for the engineering and execution of the complete furnace rebuild, encompassing the melting furnace, forehearths and regenerators. The replacement end-fired furnace will have a larger melting area and twice the electrical boosting capacity of the previous installation. According to HORN, the changes will increase production capacity and improve energy efficiency
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while reducing specific carbon dioxide emissions per tonne of glass melted. The project forms part of Stoelzle’s investment in the modernisation of its Hermanova Huť operation, which HORN describes as one of Europe’s important production sites for amber glass packaging. The plant primarily supplies the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, alongside selected applications in the food, beverage and spirits markets. Increasing the electrical boosting capacity will provide a greater electrical contribution to the new furnace’s melting operation. The inclusion of the regenerators and forehearths within the reconstruction also makes the project a comprehensive furnace
rebuild rather than an upgrade confined to individual components. HORN specialises in glass melting technology and is responsible for both engineering and implementation of the project. The scheduled programme will take the installation from the August glass drain through the cold repair and reconstruction to the planned resumption of production during October. Stoelzle’s investment therefore combines increased melting capacity with changes intended to improve energy performance and lower the specific emissions associated with production at the Czech plant. The modernisation is part of Stoelzle’s investment in the future of its European pharmaceutical glass manufacturing activities.
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LAND passes 200 glass furnace installations United Kingdom LAND has passed 200 installations of its NIR-b thermal imaging systems in glass furnace applications worldwide, as glassmakers increase their use of thermal monitoring to assess furnace operation and refractory condition. The thermal measurement specialist announced the milestone on 3 September ahead of the 87th Glass Problems Conference in Toledo, Ohio. LAND said NIR-b technology has increasingly been adopted by glass manufacturers to provide calibrated thermal images of furnace interiors rather than relying solely on conventional visual cameras or individual temperature measurements. The systems allow operators to identify hot and cold areas, verify temperature measurements, assess combustion behaviour and monitor batch distribution. LAND said reaching more than 200 installations reflects growing use of thermal imaging to improve furnace performance, support energy efficiency and maintain glass quality. The company has also highlighted the technology’s role in monitoring the condition of
furnace refractories. In a technical article published in July, LAND said refractory deterioration can begin as a small area of damage within the furnace structure before becoming externally visible. As refractories wear, crack or become thinner, heat loss can increase and furnace efficiency can deteriorate. More severe refractory damage can develop into a glass leak or breakout, potentially resulting in safety risks, repairs and unplanned downtime. LAND advocates combining internal refractory monitoring with external furnace shell temperature measurement to provide glassmakers with information on developing problems. Its NIR-b-2K system (pictured) provides continuous thermal imaging of the furnace interior, allowing operators to observe temperature patterns and identify localised hot spots that may indicate refractory wear or damage. For external monitoring, LAND’s LWIR640 thermal imager can identify abnormal temperature patterns across the furnace structure and provide alarms when temperatures
exceed predefined limits. According to LAND, combining internal and external monitoring can give maintenance teams earlier information about refractory condition and enable developing problems to be tracked over time. Long-term thermal data can also support decisions concerning maintenance, repairs, furnace rebuilds and operational planning. The company said earlier detection of refractory deterioration can help glass manufacturers protect furnace reliability while reducing unnecessary heat loss and the risk of unplanned outages.
Trent expands refractory raw material supply United Kingdom Trent Refractories has become the official UK distributor for Cofermin Chemicals, expanding its access to specialist raw materials and chemical products used across the refractories, ceramics and glass industries. The Scunthorpe-based refractory manufacturer announced the agreement on 20 July, describing the arrangement as a partnership intended to strengthen the refractory supply chain in the UK. Cofermin Chemicals supplies raw materials and chemical products for high-temperature industrial processes, with its portfolio including chrome oxide, borates, phosphates, lithium salts, lignosulphonates and sodium bisulphate. Under the agreement, Trent will act as Cofermin Chemicals’ UK representative, providing customers with access to the company’s materials alongside technical support and guidance on material selection and their application in production processes. Trent said the distribution partnership is intended to provide UK manufacturers with reliable access
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to Cofermin’s portfolio while combining material supply with its own technical expertise. The agreement broadens the range of materials available through Trent beyond the bespoke refractory products and solutions manufactured and supplied by the company from its UK operation. Cofermin’s involvement in the glass industry also gives the distribution agreement relevance beyond conventional refractory applications. Trent specifically identifies glass, ceramics and refractories among the industries served by its new partner’s materials portfolio. The products covered by the agreement have applications across demanding high-temperature industrial processes, where raw material selection can influence refractory manufacture and performance. Trent will provide support to companies seeking information about the suitability, availability and application of materials within Cofermin’s range. The partnership comes as manufacturers
continue to place importance on access to specialist refractory raw materials and security of supply for high-temperature production. Trent said the collaboration reinforces its commitment to supplying high-quality materials and practical solutions intended to improve customers’ operational performance. The company will now handle UK enquiries relating to Cofermin Chemicals products, pricing and availability as part of its role as the company’s official distributor.
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SEFPRO models electrofused furnace crowns US/France SEFPRO has detailed new thermo-mechanical modelling work examining the behaviour of electrofused refractory crowns as glassmakers move towards oxy-fuel and hybrid furnace designs. The work is included in SEFPRO’s technical programme for the 87th Glass Problems Conference in Toledo, Ohio, taking place from 14–17 September. According to the company, the evolution of glass melting technologies aimed at reducing furnace energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is also changing the refractory materials used for furnace linings. SEFPRO has observed broader use of electrofused AZS and high-alumina refractories for the crowns of new-generation glass furnaces, including oxy-combustion and hybrid installations. To support these applications, the company
has developed finite-element numerical simulation tools that draw on its knowledge of the hightemperature physical and mechanical properties of fused-cast refractories. The modelling is designed to provide greater insight into the behaviour of electrofused crowns under different operating conditions. It can be used to anticipate the effects of temperature changes, thermal cycling and furnace heat-up on deformation of the crown ring. For large-span crowns, the modelling can also evaluate their long-term deformation, or creep. SEFPRO said design parameters including refractory thickness, insulation and furnace geometry can be assessed to improve understanding of crown behaviour. The company is using generic container and flat glass furnace cases to demonstrate the
possibilities offered by the modelling and how it can support glass manufacturers in managing the use of electrofused crowns. The work is presented by Michel Gaubil, Director Refractory Solutions Engineering at SEFPRO, together with Eric Buchovecky, Senior Principal Scientist at Saint-Gobain Research North America. SEFPRO’s contribution focuses on the relationship between evolving glass melting technology and the refractory structures required to accommodate changing furnace designs and operating conditions. The modelling provides glassmakers and furnace designers with a means of evaluating how electrofused crown structures may respond to both thermal conditions and design choices before and during a furnace campaign.
Forglass completes float furnace repair Egypt Forglass has completed a major hot repair of a float glass furnace in Egypt, mobilising 115 specialists to carry out hot overcoating across the entire furnace. The project, announced on 27 July, represents another international furnace repair contract for the Polish glass engineering company and expands its portfolio of work for float glass manufacturers. Forglass said the project involved hot overcoating of the entire float furnace, which it described as one of the most demanding forms of hot repair undertaken in the glass industry. The work required detailed planning and coordination of activities at the production site to enable the repair programme to be completed safely and according to schedule. A team of 115 hot repair specialists was
mobilised for the operation, with Forglass saying each stage was undertaken in accordance with its quality and safety requirements. The company did not identify the Egyptian float glass producer involved in the project or disclose the furnace’s production capacity. Forglass provides refractory engineering and furnace repair technologies to glass manufacturers and said the latest project further strengthens its international experience in undertaking complex hot repairs for float glass producers. Its furnace repair activities are intended to help manufacturers extend the operating campaigns of their melting installations while maintaining longerterm production performance. The Egyptian contract is particularly relevant to the refractory sector because the project
centred on hot overcoating of the furnace rather than replacement or modification of auxiliary production equipment. Completing refractory repair work while a furnace remains hot can enable a glass producer to address areas of deterioration during the operating campaign without undertaking a complete cold rebuild. Forglass said its experience in refractory engineering and furnace repair technology enabled it to support glass producers in extending furnace campaign life. The company described completion of the Egyptian project as another step in the development of its international furnace repair business and its work with float glass manufacturers outside Europe.
Gouda expands refractory operations Netherlands/Spain Gouda Refractories Group has acquired Spanish refractory specialist Revestimientos Refractarios, extending a long-standing relationship between the two businesses. The Netherlands-based refractory producer announced completion of the transaction on 1 July. Gouda said cooperation between the companies extends back many years and had intensified in the period leading up to the acquisition. A natural succession point at Revestimientos Refractarios ultimately led to the decision for Gouda to acquire the Madrid-based business. The transaction brings the Spanish refractory operation within the wider Gouda Refractories Group and provides continuity for customers following the change in ownership.
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Gouda manufactures and supplies refractory products and services for high-temperature industrial installations, while Revestimientos Refractarios has operated as a refractory specialist in the Spanish market. The companies’ existing relationship means the acquisition develops an established cooperation rather than creating a new commercial link between the businesses. Gouda said the transaction would allow the companies to continue building on the relationship developed over previous years. The acquisition also increases Gouda’s direct presence in Spain and adds Revestimientos Refractarios’ local refractory expertise to the group’s existing manufacturing and e
ngineering capabilities. Refractory suppliers are increasingly combining material production with engineering, installation and maintenance services as customers seek support across the operating life of high-temperature installations. For Gouda, bringing Revestimientos Refractarios into the group provides an expanded platform for serving industrial customers in Spain. The company said the acquisition followed the increasingly close cooperation between the businesses and the succession circumstances at the Spanish company. Revestimientos Refractarios will now form part of Gouda Refractories Group.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
The future of glass processing is automated and starts now
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As demand for high-performance glass grows, processors face mounting pressure to increase output, reduce costs and manage an ever-wider product mix. At glasstec 2026, under the exhibition motto ‘GLASS.AUTOMATED.’, Glaston is showcasing a comprehensive portfolio of automation solutions spanning glass tempering, lamination, insulating and mobility glass manufacturing, each engineered to help processors not just keep pace, but lead. End-to-end automation in glass tempering Glaston is transforming tempered glass manufacturing with intelligent automation and real-time quality control across the full production workflow from loading and the tempering process itself through output quality monitoring and machine health. At the core of the platform are three integrated solutions that together eliminate inefficiency at every stage.
eliminate dead space and ensure every run performs at its peak.
Glaston Autopilot – Tempering complexity reduced to three operator inputs: glass type, thickness and process mode. The system takes over from there, delivering consistent, predictable output every cycle with minimal training and full scalability across production volumes.
Online Stress Calculation (OSC™) – the only online solution that tells operators, in real time, whether every pane off the line is properly tempered. Using live process data, OSC™ calculates surface stress and middle pane tension for both Clear and Low-E glass and provides an accurate fragmentation estimate. Operators set their own stress standards once; OSC™ enforces them automatically on every unit produced, avoiding overtempering and supporting lower energy consumption across the line.
Glaston Batch Optimizer – Integrated with the ERP, the Batch Optimizer calculates the most efficient loading patterns for each furnace cycle, combining different glass sizes and orders to
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Glaston Automatic Loading – Automated loading from racks based on the Batch Optimizer's sequences keeps the furnace constantly fed, eliminates missed loadings, removes manual handling bottlenecks and improves safety and ergonomics on the production floor.
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ADVERTISER FEATURE
Maximum output, minimum complexity in glass lamination Glaston's lamination portfolio addresses the full range of production challenges from high-throughput standard laminates to the most demanding multilayer constructions.
Thin triple IGUs offer up to 20% higher insulation with the same IG unit thickness and weight compared to traditional double IGUs.
Glaston ProL SPEED – Purpose-built for processors who cannot compromise between versatility and throughput. The ProL SPEED delivers consistent, high-quality output across the widest product mix from single-sheet laminates to complex multiinterlayer constructions with low energy consumption and a high degree of automation. Glaston Autotrim – Integrated directly into the Furnace Buffer Conveyor, Autotrim automates the trimming of all four edges of every laminate sandwich immediately after assembly. Waste foil is handled by a dedicated conveyor and the sandwich is transferred to the furnace automatically, with no manual handling required and no material waste from missed cuts. Glaston Convection Control – A combined hardware and software solution that creates precise, customisable temperature profiles for even the most demanding laminate constructions. The system automatically measures glass length and applies the appropriate profile, eliminating trapped-air issues in multilayer SentryGlas® laminates and enabling zero changeover time between PVB and SentryGlas® runs. Upgradable to existing Glaston ProL furnaces. Glaston TPS® PRO'APPLICATOR
Thin Triple TPS®IG unit
Meeting demand for high-performance, energy-efficient IGUs Renovation projects and new-build specifications increasingly call for triple insulating glass units (IGU) that are lighter, slimmer and more thermally efficient – requirements that IGU lines for conventional spacers cannot meet. Glaston ULTRA TPS® – Purpose-built for next-generation IGU production, the ULTRA TPS® line enables processing of centre panes as thin as 0.5 mm in triple or quadruple IGUs, a world first in production-line glass processing. Thin triple IGUs offer up to 20% higher insulation with the same IG unit thickness and weight compared to traditional double IGUs. The universal line configuration allows processors to manufacture both traditional TPS® IGU and thin TPS® IGU, as well as mixed operation on a single line. Glaston TPS® PRO'APPLICATOR – A double-material feed through a master-master drum pump concept ensures uninterrupted production with no reload stops. A specially designed follower plate optimises material flow, delivering up to 35% output improvement. Automatic IGU thickness adjustment compensates for variations in glass tolerances and the market's shortest cornerbevel joint meets the most demanding quality standards. The TPS® PRO'APPLICATOR handles double, triple and quadruple IGUs across the full nozzle range for spacer widths between 6 mm and 27 mm, as well as multilayer applications up to 36 mm, from residential units to fire-resistant and façade elements.
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Glaston Batch Optimization with automatic loading
Glaston MUNTIN'MASTER – The only fully automated solution for muntin bar positioning in TPS® IGUs. MUNTIN'MASTER places muntin bars with precision and repeatability that manual handling cannot match. The optional cobot extension takes automation further, automatically feeding the machine with muntin bars and eliminating the last manual touchpoint in the process, delivering stable, repeatable quality across every unit and full compatibility with both EU and US muntin bar specifications. Glaston MATRIX EVO: Setting a new standard for complex windshield bending The MATRIX EVO bending line is purpose-built for the most complex automotive glass shapes, ADAS- and HUD-ready windshields, curved sunroofs and beyond. Drawing on over 50 years of bending expertise, it combines active convection preheating with a dense control matrix and groove-fitted heaters for uniform heating and ultimate shape control. Convection heating ensures temperature rises uniformly across the entire glass surface, clear, printed or coated, resulting in improved optical quality and a shorter bending cycle. Groovefitted heaters deliver 150% higher efficiency than traditional open radiative systems, focusing heat precisely where it is needed with no indirect radiation losses. Modular architecture lets processors add convection preheating, bending, cooling or press sections as volume grows. Installation on floor rails keeps capacity upgrades and maintenance straightforward.
and grinding solution that adapts its layout to the plant, not the other way around. Directdrive cutting and a single-step process from cutting to grinding deliver a grinding allowance as small as 0.3 mm, with maximum cutting speeds of up to 250 m/min and grinding speeds of up to 40 m/min. A vibration-free polar grinder with a mineral body cast absorbs vibration for consistent edge quality, supported by Glaston Hyperfex tools that enable real-time monitoring of grinding wheel performance. Rapid job changes are enabled by automatic glass centring on shape change, a 2D scanner for fully automatic z-correction, templateless breaking and complete production programmes loaded via a single file upload. The right partner for what comes next Whether the priority is expanding into new market segments, reducing operational costs or maximising the value of existing equipment through targeted upgrades, Glaston's solutions are built to grow with the business. Backed by industry-leading service and support, Glaston ensures the highest uptime, shift after shift, line after line. At glasstec, the next generation of glass processing is on the floor and ready to run. Glaston’s industry experts will be available to meet visitors in Hall 15, Booth A48-A49, at glasstec 2026, where they can provide further information on the company’s latest glass processing solutions.
The control system, developed exclusively for windshield production on a Beckhoff automation platform, handles recipe management, factory integration, production data collection and maintenance monitoring from a single interface. Glaston CHAMP EVO: Precision preprocessing at maximum throughput As automotive batch sizes shrink and shape complexity grows, edge quality and changeover speed have become decisive competitive factors. The CHAMP EVO preprocessing line is a tailored, modular cutting
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In Perspective
Glass is getting closer
Why proximity is becoming a new advantage for Asia’s glassmakers For decades, scale shaped the geography of glass manufacturing. Tariffs, transport costs, supply-chain risk and increasingly specialised customer requirements are changing that equation. Across Asia, producers are putting capacity closer to customers and growing markets. The next competitive advantage may depend increasingly on where glass is made, writes Isaac Hamza, editor, Asian Glass. Glass has never travelled particularly well. It is heavy, relatively expensive to transport and, depending on the product, vulnerable to damage along the way. Yet the industry has built extensive international supply chains around it, supported by the economics of scale and the ability of large producers to serve customers far beyond their home markets. That model remains firmly in place. What is changing is the weight given to location. Across parts of Asia, investment is bringing glass production, processing and assembly closer to the markets they serve. Automotive glass is being positioned near vehicle assembly, while pharmaceutical packaging capacity is expanding within growing healthcare markets. Some Asian producers are also establishing manufacturing beyond their traditional domestic bases. Each investment has its own rationale. Together, they point towards a manufacturing map in which proximity is becoming harder to dismiss as a secondary consideration. Scale meets proximity Scale remains fundamental to glassmaking. Furnaces require substantial capital, continuous operation rewards volume and many markets cannot economically support primary glass production. Customer requirements, however, have become more demanding. Automotive manufacturers operate tightly managed supply chains. Pharmaceutical companies need continuity and consistency. Architectural glass is increasingly processed and specified for particular applications, making the relationship between producer, processor and customer more involved. Supply-chain disruption has added pressure. A plant concentrated in one country may offer compelling economies of scale, but those advantages can be weakened when tariffs alter trading conditions or customers need alternative sources of supply. For glassmakers, location is consequently becoming a more strategic part of the investment calculation. Scale still matters enormously, but having the right capacity in the right place is becoming more valuable. India goes deeper India provides one of the clearest examples. In its 2025–26 annual report, Asahi India Glass (AIS) makes ‘Deep Localisation’ a central theme of its strategy. The company
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says it has deployed approximately ₹2,500 crore over the past three financial years across its automotive and architectural glass businesses. The programme includes its Soniyana float glass plant in Rajasthan, expansion of automotive glass capacity at Patan and an on-site assembly operation serving Maruti Suzuki at Kharkhoda. AIS is placing manufacturing closer to important areas of demand while developing more capability within India itself. The company describes its approach as ‘sand-to-solutions’, extending from raw materials and manufacturing through processing to the customer. Its Indian footprint is supported by sub-assembly operations and warehouses serving key automotive and real estate markets, allowing just-in-time delivery where required. There is a technological dimension too. AIS says it is developing more automotive glass manufacturing equipment, tooling and engineering capability domestically, reducing reliance on imported systems. That matters because localisation becomes more significant when capability develops around the factory. Local production can support engineering expertise, processing and a broader supplier base. Over time, this creates an industrial ecosystem that is considerably harder to measure than the headline capacity of a new furnace, but potentially just as important. China looks outward China presents the more intriguing case. Its glass manufacturing base remains enormous and there is no serious suggestion that its central position in Asian production is about to disappear. Yet Chinese manufacturers themselves are finding reasons to put some capacity elsewhere. Xinyi Glass operates manufacturing facilities in China, Malaysia and Indonesia. Its East Java operations include float, automotive and architectural glass, giving the group a sizeable production position within ASEAN. The company has been unusually open about the commercial logic. Xinyi says its overseas operations allow customers to source from different production origins and cost structures. It has also said its automobile glass production in Malaysia and Indonesia helps mitigate the effect of US import tariffs. That makes tariffs part of the story, but only part. A manufacturing presence in Southeast Asia also places
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In Perspective
Sheet glass processing brings production closer to customers and markets
Xinyi within growing regional markets and gives the group another production base from which to serve international customers. In assessing overseas opportunities, the company has referred to considerations such as market access and production costs, alongside taxation and energy. The direction therefore looks more strategic than a simple defensive response to trade barriers. Tariffs may have accelerated the logic of Xinyi’s overseas expansion, but they do not fully explain it. Manufacturing in ASEAN gives the company options – and optionality itself has acquired value in a less predictable trading environment. China may remain the region’s dominant manufacturing centre while Chinese glass companies become progressively less dependent on China as their only major production base. When trade shifts Recent trade action shows why alternative production locations can matter. Glass continues to move extensively between Asian markets, but the commercial terms governing those flows can change quickly. Anti-dumping measures involving float glass have affected trade within the region, introducing uncertainty into sourcing decisions that might otherwise have rested largely on specification, price and delivery. A tariff does not justify a furnace on its own. Glass plants are long-term investments and their economics have to survive far beyond an individual trade measure. What tariffs can change is the relative attractiveness of existing locations. A manufacturer operating in several markets can choose between production origins in a way that a
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Tariffs may have accelerated the logic of Xinyi’s overseas expansion, but they do not fully explain it. company concentrated in one country cannot. That flexibility is becoming commercially useful. Closer to the customer The same broad movement can be seen outside the largevolume flat glass business. In July, Gerresheimer began operations at a new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, China. The approximately 40,000m² facility doubles its Chinese production capacity for primary packaging for injectable pharmaceuticals, with vials and ampoules produced primarily for the domestic market. Pharmaceutical glass operates under very different conditions from float glass, but the investment demonstrates the value of manufacturing within an important end market. Pharmaceutical producers require qualified packaging supply, stringent quality control and continuity. Distance can complicate each of those requirements. Automotive glazing makes proximity even more relevant. Glass is becoming a more sophisticated component of the vehicle, incorporating functions that extend well beyond visibility and weather protection. As the product becomes more closely integrated with vehicle design and assembly, the relationship between glass supplier and customer inevitably becomes tighter.
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In such markets, proximity is about more than freight cost. It can influence response times, technical collaboration and the ability to fit into a customer’s manufacturing system. ASEAN’s opportunity This leaves Southeast Asia in an increasingly interesting position. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam already combine substantial manufacturing activity with developing domestic demand. Their access to regional and international markets adds to their appeal as production locations. Xinyi’s Indonesian investment shows one way this can work. A Chinese producer can retain the advantages of its established home manufacturing network while using an ASEAN base to serve a different mix of markets and customers. More Asian glassmakers may eventually reach similar conclusions, although the pattern will differ by sector. A new float furnace demands a very different business case from an automotive processing plant or pharmaceutical packaging facility. The important point is that ASEAN no longer needs to be viewed principally as a destination for glass manufactured elsewhere in Asia. In selected sectors and markets, it can increasingly be part of the manufacturing platform itself. The limits of localisation There is an uncomfortable question behind this trend. If proximity is becoming more valuable, does some existing capacity become less advantageous simply because it is in the wrong place? For primary glassmaking, the answer cannot be separated from the economics of the furnace. Large plants need scale, dependable energy and suitable raw materials. They operate for many years and cannot be moved in response to every change in trade or customer demand. There will also remain strong reasons to concentrate specialist production at a limited number of plants. Replicating capability in several countries consumes capital and can weaken economies of scale. This suggests a more varied manufacturing map rather than wholesale localisation. Large primary production centres will continue to supply regional and international markets, while processing, assembly, warehousing and technical operations can sit closer to particular customers. Getting closer to the customer does not always require building another furnace.
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Primary glass production remains a capital-intensive process. Image by Keegan Checks via Pexels
Where the map changes next The next evidence of this shift is likely to come from India and Southeast Asia. India already combines a large domestic market with an increasingly deep manufacturing base. AIS shows how localisation can extend from primary glass production into automotive assembly, engineering and downstream supply. As domestic manufacturing grows, the incentive to build more of the surrounding glass value chain within the country is likely to strengthen. Southeast Asia offers a different opportunity. Its markets are smaller and more fragmented, but the region can provide both manufacturing locations and access to international trade. Xinyi’s investment suggests that this combination is already being recognised by major producers. China will remain the dominant force in Asian glass production. The more revealing development may be the growth of Chineseowned capacity beyond China’s borders as producers seek manufacturing locations that offer a better fit with the customers and markets they want to serve. This does not diminish the importance of the huge production centres built across Asia over recent decades. It does make the location of the next investment more consequential. Future capacity announcements will still be measured in tonnes per day and millions of dollars. Those numbers tell only part of the story. A 1,000-tonne furnace in one market and a smaller processing or assembly operation beside a major customer answer very different commercial needs. The next phase of Asian glass investment is likely to contain both. For the next generation of Asian glass capacity, where may matter almost as much as how much.
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