+ Less raw material and energy per container
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+ Better quality, higher added value
+ Higher output, revenue, margin
Welcome to 2026 to all our readers.
As Asian Glass opens its first issue of 2026, the industry finds itself at a decisive moment, shaped by sustainability imperatives, technological acceleration and evolving market dynamics across regions. This edition reflects how glass manufacturers, processors and suppliers are responding to these shifts, balancing capacity growth with efficiency, compliance and innovation.
Our cover story turns the spotlight on Egypt, the first market featured in our new Country Focus series. With a population of more than 115 million, a robust construction sector and rising disposable incomes, Egypt has emerged as one of the largest flat and processed glass producers in the Middle East and North Africa. Significant capacity additions, a growing domestic market and its strategic position as a regional manufacturing and export hub have strengthened the country’s role in the global glass supply chain. This focused overview examines the key factors shaping Egypt’s glass industry, including demand drivers, recent investments, policy developments and the opportunities and challenges facing producers as the market continues to expand.
Regulation and sustainability remain defining themes across Asia. Governments are tightening oversight of the glass industry, enforcing stricter environmental standards, improving energy efficiency and strengthening quality compliance to manage rising production levels. Measures such as emission controls, the adoption of green manufacturing technologies and the use of third-party certification are becoming increasingly widespread, while trade policies including anti-dumping duties continue to influence regional competitiveness. Major markets such as India and China are accelerating upgrades towards Industry 4.0, seeking to enhance productivity while lowering carbon intensity. Jahir Ahmed explores how these regulatory and policy shifts are reshaping investment priorities and long-term growth strategies.
Packaging is another sector undergoing rapid transformation. From its functional beginnings in the early 20th century, beverage packaging has evolved into a critical commercial and brand differentiator. Changing lifestyles, increased on-the-go consumption, premiumisation and sustainability concerns are driving producers to reassess packaging formats, materials and technologies. In this feature, Yogender Singh Malik examines how Asia’s beverage industry is responding to consumer expectations while balancing cost, logistics and environmental impact.
Energy-efficient and coated glass technologies continue to gain momentum across the region. Low-emissivity glass, alongside reflective, anti-reflective and smart glass solutions, is increasingly central to applications in construction, automotive, solar and electronics. Driven by green building mandates, tighter energy regulations and sustained investment, Asia has become the world’s fastestgrowing market for coated glass. China, Japan and South Korea remain at the forefront of innovation, production and adoption, a trend analysed by Jahir Ahmed.
Architectural design is also being reshaped by advances in glass processing. Curved glass and sophisticated facade articulation are enabling architects to move beyond flat, monolithic forms, introducing fluidity and visual interest into urban skylines. Improvements in machinery and fabrication techniques are supporting this shift, as explored by Rohan Gunasekera.
Digital transformation continues to accelerate on the factory floor. From the hot end to the cold end, artificial intelligence is being deployed to optimise processes, improve quality and reduce waste. Despite cost considerations, manufacturers increasingly view AI as a strategic necessity rather than an optional upgrade, a theme continued in our Tech Focus.
We also feature an interview with Alain Bretthauer of Chemetall, the surface-treatment business unit of BASF Coatings, on how the company is supporting glass manufacturers in Asia through advanced chemical solutions, expanded regional partnerships and a strong commitment to sustainability.
We hope this issue provides insight, perspective and inspiration as the industry moves confidently
Isaac Hamza Editor
Editor Isaac Hamza
Email: ihamza@asianglass.com
Direct line: + 44 (0) 7494 867 169 w
Advertising Sales
Paul Russell
Email: prussell@asianglass.com
Direct line: + 44 (0) 7494 866 793
Valerie Adamson
Email: vadamson@asianglass.com
Direct line: + 44 (0) 7494 866 883
Production and design
Tim Mitchell
www.corpsvector.co.uk
Bangladesh
Jahir Ahmed jahir@asianglass.com
India
Yogender Singh Malik yogender@asianglass.com
Sri Lanka
Rohan Gunasekera rohan@asianglass.com
Research Manager
Andy Skillen
Email: andy@bowheadmedia.com
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2 Welcome
Egypt emerges among leading glass producers in MENA while regulation and sustainability define Asia.
6 Insight Asia
AGC Glass Europe supplies glass for the Grand Egyptian Museum.
8 Headline News
Openings, closures and industry moves from across Asia.
14 Global View
Our eye on the international arena.
20 People and Places
Movers and shakers as well as the ups and downs of the glass industry.
26 In Focus
In an exclusive interview, Alain Bretthauer, Chemetall’s global segment manager for glass, discusses the company’s plans and how it is addressing the needs of glass manufacturers in Asia.
28 Comment & Analysis
CBAM 2026: Why Asia’s glass exporters must act now.
32 Structural glass: Rise of facade articulation
A new wave of sinuous, glass-clad architecture is spreading across Asia, powered by advances in glassmaking machinery and processing, writes Rohan Gunasekera.
38 Asia’s beverage packaging: what’s next?
Packaging in Asia’s beverage industry has become a key brand differentiator, as producers rethink formats amid sustainability and premiumisation, writes Yogender Singh Malik.
44 Low‑E coatings: powering efficiency across Asia’s glass plants
Asia has become the fastest-growing market for energy-efficient glass in the world, reports Jahir Ahmed, thanks to low-emissivity glass and advanced coatings.
52 Government policy: Regulatory hurdles and compliance
Asian governments are tightening environmental, trade and quality rules across the glass industry, making compliance central to competitiveness and market access, notes Jahir Ahmed.
56 Tech Focus: AI in glass manufacturing
Increasingly, glassmakers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve productivity and quality, writes Rohan Gunasekera.
62 Country Focus: Egypt – A flat glass centre
Rising construction activity, abundant raw materials and expanded export capacity have made Egypt a key centre for flat glass manufacturing in MENA.
64 Batch
Raw materials news and updates.
72 Refractory Zone
Refractory industry news and developments.
78 Expert View
Asia’s glass industry is shifting from furnaces to markets, with architectural glass set to define the next phase of competitiveness, notes Expert View.
80 In Perspective
After decades of expansion, Asia’s glass sector is entering a more deliberate phase, says Isaac Hamza, editor, Asian Glass. Intent, selectivity and leadership now define its path forward.
AGC Glass Europe supplies majority of glass for the Grand Egyptian Museum
After more than 20 years of planning and construction, the Grand Egyptian Museum has opened on the Giza Plateau near Cairo.
Positioned within sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the museum has been conceived as a permanent home for Egypt’s archaeological heritage on an unprecedented scale. When fully operational, it will display around 100,000 artefacts, including the complete burial collection of Tutankhamun, reunited and shown together for the first time.
Glass is a defining material throughout the project, both architecturally and technically. AGC Glass Europe supplied the majority of the glazing used in the museum, with more than 30,000 m² installed across exterior facades and internal display cases. The specification was driven by the need to balance transparency, conservation requirements and environmental performance in a challenging climate.
Display clarity and protection
For the Tutankhamun galleries, approximately 2,500 m² of Planibel Clearvision low-iron glass were used in the display cases. The
reduced iron content delivers high light transmission and neutral colour rendering, enabling visitors to see artefacts without colour distortion. Laminated configurations provide the necessary structural performance and security while meeting museum conservation standards.
Facade performance
The museum’s large-scale glazed facades use double-glazed units incorporating AGC Stopray, Energy and Sunergy coated glass. These coatings were selected to manage solar gain and improve thermal insulation, supporting stable internal conditions and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. The extensive glazing allows daylight deep into the building while maintaining controlled light levels suitable for exhibition spaces.
Architecturally, the glass facades also frame views across the surrounding plateau, visually linking the museum to the wider landscape and the historic monuments beyond.
Designed by heneghan peng architects, the building combines glass with stone and shaded surfaces in a contemporary composition that responds to both the archaeological context and the environmental conditions of the site. The result is a museum that uses modern materials and construction techniques to support long-term preservation, public access and operational efficiency.
AGC Glass Europe manufactures and processes flat glass for construction, automotive and industrial applications. It is the European division of AGC, with more than 100 sites across Europe and a workforce of approximately 13,000.
Nippon Electric Glass (NEG) said it is scheduled to begin mass production of pharmaceutical glass tubing in Malaysia using an allelectric melting furnace, following plans announced for a December 2025 start-up. The project would position Southeast Asia as the location of what the company describes as the first industrial-scale application of all-electric melting technology for pharmaceutical glass manufacturing.
The production line is planned for NEG (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd in Selangor, a facility supplying global markets. According to the company, the approach combines its proprietary all-electric melting furnace technology with renewable energy, with the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from pharmaceutical glass tubing production by up to 90% compared with conventional fossil fuel-based melting.
NEG is a major supplier of pharmaceutical glass tubing made from borosilicate glass, which is widely used in vials, ampoules, syringes and cartridges due to its chemical durability and resistance to thermal shock. The company said its pharmaceutical glass products do not contain arsenic or other substances associated with environmental impact, aligning with tightening regulatory and sustainability expectations in the healthcare sector.
Demand for pharmaceutical glass tubing continues to grow, driven by increasing use of injectable medicines and biopharmaceuticals. NEG pointed in particular to syringes and cartridges used for GLP-1 based therapies. The company cited industry data indicating that the GLP-1 market is expanding at around 33% per year, with rising demand not only in Europe and the
US but also in emerging markets including India and China.
Glass melting remains one of the most energy-intensive stages of glass production and has traditionally relied on combustion heating using fossil fuels. NEG said its all-electric system, known as NEG Electric Melting Technology, heats glass directly by passing an electric current through electrodes inserted into the molten glass. The company stated that this improves energy efficiency and reduces heat losses associated with combustion exhaust gases.
Masanori Wada, vice president of the consumer glass products group at NEG, described the initiative as a significant step for the business.
“The launch of the world’s first mass production of pharmaceutical glass tubing using an all-electric melting furnace is a major milestone for us,” he said. “We believe that we can make a significant contribution
to the promotion of carbon neutrality in the pharmaceutical industry by supplying high-grade, environmentally friendly products.” The Selangor facility is expected to support international pharmaceutical supply chains, with Malaysia positioned as a production base for high-quality, regulated glass products. The investment reflects a broader shift within the glass industry towards electrification and lowercarbon melting technologies as manufacturers respond to environmental targets and customer requirements.
A recent field trial conducted in the UAE marks a notable development in the evolution of functional and photonic glass, highlighting how advanced glass structures are being re-engineered to address the performance limits of next-generation digital infrastructure.
e& UAE, in collaboration with fibre manufacturer ZTT, has successfully completed the region’s first live deployment of hollow-core fibre (HCF) – a technology that represents a clear departure from conventional solid-glass optical fibre design.
Unlike traditional fibres, in which light propagates through a solid glass core, hollow-core fibre guides light primarily through air, using a precisely structured glass cladding to confine and direct the signal. This architectural shift significantly reduces light–glass interaction, resulting in lower latency and reduced signal distortion.
The external plant trial, conducted
over an operational network link, demonstrated latency reductions of up to 30% compared with standard solid-glass fibre under test conditions. While such performance gains are of immediate interest to telecom operators, the results also point to a broader shift in how glass is being engineered for high-value, performance-critical applications.
From a glass manufacturing perspective, hollow-core fibre places increased emphasis on ultra-high-precision glass microstructuring, consistent wall thickness and geometry at micron scale, long-term mechanical durability of complex glass architectures, and resistance to environmental stresses associated with outdoor deployment.
According to Abdulrahman Al Humaidan, senior vice president for Access Network Development at e& UAE, the validation of hollow-core fibre under live network conditions represents an important step towards
redefining network performance benchmarks. For glass producers, it also signals emerging demand for speciality fibre glass solutions that extend beyond traditional transmission roles.
ZTT’s chief technology officer, Cao Shanshan, noted that the results confirm hollow-core fibre’s readiness for real-world deployment, reflecting the growing maturity of the advanced glass processing techniques required to manufacture such fibres at scale.
As regional investment in hyperscale data centres, cloud platforms, AI workloads and edge computing continues to accelerate, hollow-core fibre is expected to play an increasingly important role in latencysensitive and high-bandwidth environments. For the glass industry, this translates into expanding opportunities in highperformance photonic glass, precision manufacturing and
next-generation fibre materials.
The UAE trial serves as an early indicator of how glass –long valued for its transparency and transmission properties – is being reimagined as a structurally engineered performance material for future digital infrastructure. The trial also reflects the broader strategic positioning of e& UAE, which is leveraging advanced network technologies to support the UAE’s long-term digital infrastructure ambitions across multiple sectors. For ZTT, the project reinforces its role as a global supplier of advanced optical fibre solutions, underpinned by sustained investment in research and development and large-scale manufacturing capability. Together, the collaboration highlights how telecom operators and fibre manufacturers are aligning to accelerate the deployment of next-generation glass-based connectivity technologies.
SGD Pharma has become the first glass manufacturer in China to obtain ISO 14021 certification for post-consumer recycled glass packaging, marking a notable development for verified PCR use in the cosmetics and beauty sector. The certification, awarded by Bureau Veritas, applies to the company’s Zhanjiang manufacturing site and confirms compliance with international standards for environmental claims related to recycled content.
ISO 14021 certification verifies that recycled content claims are accurate, measurable and auditable. In this case, it confirms that the Zhanjiang plant produces glass packaging with between 18% and 35% post-consumer recycled content, calculated in line with guidelines set by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE). The achievement positions the facility at the forefront of certified PCR glass production in the Chinese market.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has awarded a major contract for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE) water pipelines across multiple locations in Dubai, as part of ongoing works to protect and divert existing utilities.
The project covers associated activities including surveying, excavation, civil works, reinstatement and full integration with Dubai’s existing water network. The contract is valued at more than AED 100.8 million and will be implemented over a 24-month period at 20 locations across the emirate.
According to DEWA, the works form part of its continued investment programme aimed at reinforcing and expanding critical utility infrastructure in line with Dubai’s long-term urban development. The project is intended to safeguard
PCR glass forms a central part of SGD Pharma’s wider decarbonisation strategy. The company has set targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030, using 2022 as a baseline. Increasing the proportion of recycled cullet is a key lever in this effort. FEVE data indicates that each 10% increase in recycled glass use can reduce energy consumption by around three per cent and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately five per cent.
Frederic Barbier, Asia Pacific general manager at SGD Pharma, said the certification reflects both technical progress and supply chain development. “This certification is more than a milestone; it’s a testament to our commitment to lead the sustainable transition in glass packaging for cosmetics,” he said. “By overcoming local supply chain constraints in securing highquality PCR cullet in China, we are providing our partners with a
certified, low-carbon solution that aligns with international norms.”
Securing suitable post-consumer glass has been a longstanding challenge in China, where collection, sorting and quality consistency can vary significantly by region.
To address this, SGD Pharma has implemented a traceable sourcing and testing protocol across its domestic supply chain. The system is designed to ensure consistent quality and full traceability of cullet used in PCR production, supporting both certification requirements and customer expectations.
SGD Pharma is a major manufacturer of moulded glass for pharmaceutical packaging and, in China, a significant supplier to the cosmetics and beauty industry. As regulatory scrutiny of environmental claims increases and brand owners face growing pressure to demonstrate progress on sustainability, demand for certified circular packaging solutions has intensified. Verified
existing water services during major construction and infrastructure upgrades, while also strengthening network resilience.
Commenting on the award, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, said: “This award aligns with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, to build worldclass infrastructure that meets the growing needs of Dubai’s ambitious development plans. Investing in such protective measures is essential for the resilience of our networks and ensures we continue to provide a reliable, efficient and sustainable supply of electricity and water to all sectors of the emirate.”
The scope of the contract focuses on the installation of GRE pipelines to protect and divert existing water services, allowing essential
infrastructure to remain operational during construction works and future network expansions. GRE has been selected for its material characteristics, including high mechanical strength, resistance to corrosion and suitability for longterm underground use.
From a materials perspective, the use of GRE reflects a wider trend in utility infrastructure towards composite solutions that combine glass fibre reinforcement with resin systems to achieve durability and extended service life. Such materials are increasingly specified for water transmission and distribution networks in environments where corrosion resistance and reduced maintenance are critical considerations.
DEWA stated that the project is designed to support uninterrupted water supply while enabling new developments and infrastructure works to proceed safely. By
PCR glass provides a transparent route for brands to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining performance and aesthetic standards.
The ISO 14021 certification also confirms that environmental claims made for the Zhanjiang plant are supported by internal monitoring procedures and aligned with recognised industry methodologies. For SGD Pharma, the milestone strengthens its position in the Chinese market and underlines its role as a partner to global brands seeking compliant, lower-carbon glass packaging solutions.
proactively protecting existing pipelines and services, the authority aims to minimise service disruption and improve operational efficiency across its network.
The contract also aligns with DEWA’s broader focus on reliability, safety and sustainability within its water and electricity systems. Dubai continues to see largescale infrastructure development across transport, residential and commercial sectors, increasing the need for protective measures around existing utilities.
Once completed, the GRE pipeline installations are expected to contribute to the long-term resilience of Dubai’s water infrastructure, supporting both current demand and future growth. The project highlights the role of advanced glass-reinforced materials in modern utility networks, particularly in dense urban environments with complex underground services.
Corning Incorporated has officially inaugurated a new cover-glass finishing facility in southern India, marking a further expansion of advanced glass processing for the consumer electronics sector.
The facility, operated under the name Bharat Innovative Glass Technologies (BIG Tech), has been developed in partnership with Optiemus Infracom and is located at the SIPCOT Pillaipakkam Industrial Park in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. The plant will focus on finishing Corning’s Gorilla Glass cover material for use in mobile consumer electronics.
According to Corning Incorporated, the facility will have an initial production capacity of around 30 million pieces of cover glass in its first phase. The output is intended to serve smartphone and electronics manufacturers operating within India’s growing domestic supply chain.
Andrew Beck, vice president and general manager of Corning Gorilla
Glass, said the investment supports wider access to advanced glass technologies in the region. “This facility will allow more consumers in the region to experience the durability and innovation that have made Gorilla Glass a trusted name worldwide,” he said. “We are proud to deepen our collaboration with Optiemus Infracom and contribute to India’s expanding supply chain ecosystem for consumer electronics.”
Corning said Gorilla Glass has been designed into more than eight billion devices by over 45 major consumer electronics brands globally. The new facility will focus on precision finishing rather than primary glass melting, adding value through downstream processing closer to end markets.
The project is expected to create employment for more than 500 people and support skills development in high-precision manufacturing. Optiemus Infracom said domestic finishing
capability represents a significant step for India’s electronics manufacturing sector.
Ashok Gupta, executive chairman of Optiemus Infracom, said: “Manufacturing finished coverglass components domestically is a significant evolution for the industry in India. This milestone underlines our commitment to meet the growing demand for high-quality, advanced mobile cover glass.”
The inauguration was attended by senior state officials, including MK Stalin, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, who described the facility as another milestone in the state’s development as an advanced manufacturing hub. “This investment in high-precision cover glass finishing for mobile consumer electronics will create high-quality jobs, deepen local supply chains, and showcase that world-class innovation can be designed and made in Tamil Nadu for India and the world,” he said.
Tamil Nadu’s Industries
Minister TRB Rajaa said projects such as BIG Tech demonstrate the state’s growing role in sophisticated electronics and component manufacturing. He added that the presence of a global materials company such as Corning reflects confidence in local industrial capabilities.
The commissioning of the facility aligns with India’s broader push to localise electronics manufacturing and attract high-value materials processing within domestic supply chains.
Corning is a global materials science company with more than 170 years of expertise in glass and ceramics, underpinned by sustained investment in research, development and advanced manufacturing. Its capabilities in glass science and process engineering support a wide range of markets, including mobile electronics, optical communications, automotive, solar and display technologies.
INDIA CHINA
Northglass has received further national recognition in China after two models from its Triturbo Fan series were selected for inclusion in the 2025 National Catalog of Recommended Energy-Saving and Carbon Reduction Technologies and Equipment for the Industry and Information Technology Sector.
The catalogue was officially released in December 2025 by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China. Northglass’ GASFI9.5a-SY-A and GASFI-14.7a-SY-D Triturbo Fan models were listed in the High-Efficiency Energy-Saving Equipment category, with both units reported to exceed China’s Grade 1 national energy efficiency standard, achieving efficiency rates of more than 90 percent.
This marks the second time Northglass equipment has been included in the MIIT catalogue, following the company’s first selection in 2022. The catalogue is compiled and issued to encourage the adoption of advanced, practical technologies that support energy conservation and carbon reduction across industrial sectors, in line with national policy objectives on green manufacturing and
industrial upgrading.
According to MIIT, the 2025 edition of the catalogue includes more than 100 technologies and equipment entries, divided into two main groups covering energy-saving and carbon reduction technologies, and high-efficiency equipment. Inclusion is intended to signal technical maturity and encourage wider industrial deployment.
Northglass said the selected Triturbo Fan series incorporates a three-dimensional flow aerodynamic design combined with high-efficiency motors and intelligent control systems. The company stated that this configuration delivers improved aerodynamic performance, stable operation and precise control of energy consumption under industrial operating conditions.
One of the listed models features a permanent magnet direct-drive design. By eliminating intermediate transmission components such as couplings and belts, the motor drives the impeller directly. According to Northglass, this reduces mechanical energy losses and improves overall transmission efficiency, while also enhancing operational reliability. The company
positioned the design as particularly suited to energy-intensive industries including steel, metallurgy, cement and building materials, where large-scale fan systems operate continuously.
The recognition comes amid broader policy-driven efforts in China to accelerate equipment renewal and technological upgrades across heavy industry. National programmes promoting low-carbon manufacturing and energy efficiency have increased scrutiny on auxiliary systems such as fans, which can represent a significant share of total plant electricity consumption in sectors such as glass manufacturing.
Within this context, improving fan efficiency is increasingly seen as a lever for reducing system-wide energy use. Northglass said its Triturbo Fans have gained traction among industrial users due to their reported combination of high efficiency, reduced noise levels and extended service life.
Looking ahead, Northglass said it intends to continue developing high-efficiency fan technologies in line with its stated focus on ‘driving efficiency through technology’. The company added that it aims to
supply intelligent and energy-saving fan solutions that support the low-carbon transition of industrial sectors and contribute to China’s wider green development strategy.
For the glass industry, the latest MIIT recognition highlights how plant-level equipment innovations, beyond furnaces and process technologies, are becoming part of the broader discussion on energy efficiency and carbon reduction in manufacturing.
one click away
AGC and TRE Holdings Corporation have completed a demonstration project in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, aimed at horizontally recycling end-of-life window glass back into flat glass of equivalent quality. The trial focused on glass recovered from windows still attached to aluminium sashes, a waste stream that in Japan is largely landfilled or downcycled.
The demonstration was carried out in cooperation with Shinshu Takeei, a TRE Group company based in Suwa City, and TRE GLASS Corporation. Window glass waste generated at local demolition sites was collected and disassembled by Shinshu Takeei. The glass component was then processed into cullet by TRE
GLASS, where quality inspections were conducted before the material was supplied to AGC.
AGC verified the manufacturing process using the recycled cullet at its Yokohama Technical Center, assessing whether new flat glass could be produced to the same quality standards as products made from virgin raw materials. According to the companies, the trial confirmed the technical feasibility of returning window glass waste to the same application, rather than diverting it to lower-grade uses.
In Japan, window glass waste from buildings is estimated to exceed 500,000 tonnes annually. Most of this material is currently disposed of in landfills or reused in
applications that do not preserve its original value. By increasing the proportion of cullet used in glass production, horizontal recycling offers the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower consumption of raw materials such as silica sand and soda ash.
Beyond technical validation, the project also examined economic feasibility. While aluminium frames from discarded windows are commonly traded as scrap, glass itself has rarely been treated as a valuable resource. AGC and TRE analysed costs across collection, processing, logistics and manufacturing to assess whether a viable supply chain for recycled window glass could
be established. The companies said the findings would inform further evaluation of a nationwide recycling framework.
The initiative aligns with AGC’s medium-term management plan, AGC plus-2026, which identifies effective resource utilisation as part of its environmental objectives. For TRE, the demonstration supports its second medium-term business plan, which promotes Waste Transformation as a means of converting difficult-to-recycle materials into resources.
AGC and TRE said they would continue to assess both technical and economic conditions as they consider broader deployment of horizontal window glass recycling in Japan.
Corning Incorporated and SGD Pharma have inaugurated a new glass tubing manufacturing facility in Telangana, marking a significant expansion of pharmaceutical packaging capacity in India. The site is intended to support growing regional demand for highquality primary packaging used in injectable medicines and biologics.
The new facility manufactures Type I borosilicate glass tubing, a critical input for pharmaceutical vials, syringes, diagnostics and drug delivery systems. By combining Corning’s proprietary Velocity Vial glasscoating technology with SGD Pharma’s vial converting expertise, the partners aim to improve vial quality, enhance filling-line productivity and support more efficient manufacturing processes.
With tubing production and vial converting co-located, the companies said the plant would also deliver benefits in sustainability and quality control. Localised manufacturing is expected to reduce logistics complexity and strengthen supply chain resilience for pharmaceutical customers across India and neighbouring markets.
Chris Hudson, vice president and general manager at Corning Life Sciences, said the project addressed several strategic priorities. “The inauguration of this facility marks an important
milestone in addressing critical regional needs, such as expanded production capacity, proximity to customers, and the localisation of supply chains,” he said. “This facility will play a vital role in India in accelerating the delivery of injectable treatments, supporting local pharmaceutical growth, and ensuring safer, more efficient access to critical medicines.”
SGD Pharma described the facility as a key step in its international growth strategy.
“This joint venture with Corning marks a major milestone in our global growth strategy,” said Olivier Rousseau, CEO of SGD Pharma. “By establishing a state-of-the-art glass tubing facility in Telangana, we are not only securing a critical part of our supply chain but also bringing world-class technology to one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets.”
The site also strengthens Corning’s ability to serve customers in the region, offering shorter lead times and improved responsiveness. According to the companies, local production will help broaden adoption of advanced glass tubing and coating technologies for injectable medicines.
Sudhir Pillai, managing director of Corning India, highlighted the regional impact of the investment.
“This project reflects a strong
commitment to the region and to our long-term vision,” he said. “It creates hundreds of local jobs, boosts the regional economy, and supports India’s aspirations of self-reliance and sustainable growth.”
Deepak Sood, general manager of SGD Pharma India, said the facility would support evolving customer requirements.
“This facility not only strengthens our local manufacturing capabilities but also enables us to bring Corning’s Velocity Vial technology to the region, enhancing product quality and improving operational efficiency.”
The joint venture between Corning and SGD Pharma was incorporated in April 2023, followed by a groundbreaking in June that year. Phase one production of Velocity Vials began in March 2024, with glass tubing manufacturing starting in late 2025.
Emirates Glass has signed a fiveyear manufacturing and distribution agreement with Australia-based ClearVue Technologies Limited to enable the local production of solarintegrated glazing solutions for the UAE and wider Gulf Cooperation Council market.
Under the agreement, Emirates Glass is expected to manufacture ClearVue’s solar glazing technology in the UAE, subject to the planned implementation of the project. The company will also hold nonexclusive distribution rights across the UAE and the broader GCC, positioning the technology for use in commercial, residential and institutional developments.
The solar glazing integrates photovoltaic functionality into architectural glass, allowing building envelopes to generate electricity while maintaining transparency and thermal insulation performance.
Intended applications include facades, windows, skylights, canopies, spandrels, cladding systems and greenhouses. According to the companies, the technology is designed to integrate with standard curtain wall and framing systems and to meet fire safety requirements for high-rise buildings.
The agreement reflects increasing interest in embedding renewable energy generation directly into building materials, particularly in sun-rich regions such as the Middle East. Solar-integrated glazing is being explored as a means of improving building energy performance without compromising daylighting or architectural design flexibility.
Rizwanulla Khan, executive president of Emirates Glass, said the collaboration aligned with evolving construction market
requirements. “We are excited to partner with ClearVue and introduce this innovative technology to our customers across the region. As the construction sector continues to evolve, the need for energyefficient, high-performance building materials is more urgent than ever. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to sustainable innovation and reinforces our position at the forefront of the regional glass industry.”
ClearVue said the partnership supports its strategy of expanding the reach of its solar façade solutions through regional manufacturing partnerships. Doug Hunt, global CEO of ClearVue Technologies, said: “Emirates Glass is a recognised leader in the Middle East’s glass manufacturing sector, and we are pleased to collaborate with them as we expand our global footprint. The UAE and GCC are
NSG Group has been selected for the first time for the Climate Change ‘A List’ of CDP, recognising its performance and transparency in addressing climate-related risks and emissions. The inclusion places the glass and glazing group among a small number of companies globally to achieve the highest rating under CDP’s annual assessment.
CDP, an international nonprofit organisation that runs a global environmental disclosure system, evaluates companies on governance, strategy, risk management, metrics and targets related to climate change. NSG Group has participated in CDP disclosure since 2011, reporting on both climate change and water-related initiatives.
The company’s elevation to the A List follows two consecutive years in which it received an “A-” leadership rating in 2023 and 2024. In the 2025 assessment, NSG Group also improved its Water Security score to an A- leadership level, reflecting progress in water risk management and disclosure.
NSG Group has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared with 2018 levels, a goal
that has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The group has also committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. These targets apply across its global operations, which span architectural, automotive and specialty glass manufacturing.
The company said its climate actions are aligned with its medium-term management plan, ‘2030 Vision: Shift the Phase’.
Under this plan, NSG Group has identified decarbonisation as one of its core strategic priorities, alongside initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact across the value chain.
Glass manufacturing is energy intensive, with emissions largely associated with furnace operations and raw material processing. Increasing scrutiny from customers, investors and regulators has placed greater emphasis on emissions reduction strategies within the sector. CDP’s scoring is widely used by financial institutions and supply chain partners to assess corporate climate performance.
The A List is the highest rating awarded under CDP’s annual climate change assessment.
NSG Group operates globally through its architectural,
automotive and creative technology businesses. Its architectural division supplies flat glass for buildings, including applications in energy-efficient glazing and solar-related products. The automotive business serves original equipment and aftermarket glazing markets, while the creative technology segment includes specialty glass and glass fibre products.
The 2025 CDP recognition marks a milestone for NSG Group as it continues to report on and refine its climate strategy. The company said it would continue to disclose progress through CDP and pursue further reductions in emissions and resource use as part of its longer-term sustainability objectives.
ideal markets for our solar facade solutions, given the region’s focus on sustainability and abundance of sunlight.”
Local manufacturing, once implemented, is intended to support shorter lead times and wider adoption of solar glazing in the region. The initiative also aligns with broader UAE policy objectives, including the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which emphasises energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable construction.
Emirates Glass is a subsidiary of Dubai Investments PJSC and supplies processed architectural glass products across regional and international markets. ClearVue Technologies develops buildingintegrated solar solutions and is pursuing expansion through collaborations with established glass manufacturers.
CHINA
Shanghai World of Packaging (swop) has been rebranded as interpack China, marking a new phase in the exhibition’s development and reinforcing its position within the global interpack alliance. The change reflects a decade-long association with the alliance and underlines Messe Dusseldorf’s intention to strengthen brand alignment in the Chinese packaging market.
The interpack China identity was unveiled as part of the exhibition’s repositioning, linking the event more closely with the interpack brand, which is widely recognised across the global processing and packaging industries. Messe Dusseldorf said the rebranding is intended to enhance international visibility and highlight the strategic importance of China within its Processing and Packaging portfolio.
“The interpack alliance is synonymous with quality, reliability and strong partnerships across the globe. interpack China highlights this connection and instantly adds recognition value,” said Thomas Dohse, drector of interpack and the interpack alliance. He added that the new identity is designed to bring international and Chinese companies closer together while offering exhibitors access to one of the world’s fastest-growing packaging markets.
The exhibition will continue to be jointly organised by Messe Dusseldorf Shanghai and Adsale Exhibition Services. Under the interpack China name, the organisers aim to further integrate the event into the global interpack network, drawing on established international expertise while maintaining a strong focus on local market needs.
China remains a central market for the global packaging industry, supported by its role as a major manufacturing base and by expanding domestic consumption. Demand for packaging machinery and materials continues to grow alongside industrial production,
while the rapid development of e-commerce is increasing the focus on efficiency, sustainability and intelligent packaging solutions. These trends are also relevant to glass packaging suppliers, processors and technology providers active across Asian and international markets.
Evian Gu, general manager of Messe Dusseldorf Shanghai, said the rebranding reflects a closer connection with the global packaging ecosystem.
“interpack China represents our even closer connection to the global packaging ecosystem and our aim to bring international perspectives to the Chinese market,” he said. Gu added that future editions will place greater emphasis on collaboration with global partners in areas such as intelligent production, innovative materials and skills development.
The interpack alliance encompasses a series of Messe Dusseldorf exhibitions worldwide, including events in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, alongside the flagship interpack exhibition in Dusseldorf. By adopting the interpack China name, the organisers aim to strengthen Shanghai’s position as a key meeting point for international packaging technology and market exchange.
The first edition officially branded as interpack China is scheduled to take place from 16th to 18th November 2026, marking the formal start of the exhibition’s next chapter within the global interpack family.
German glass machinery supplier HEGLA Group has entered the field of wet machining and glass processing following its acquisition of RS technology. Announced in midDecember 2025, the agreement was signed by HEGLA managing directors Jochen H Hesselbach and Bernhard Hotger, together with RS technology shareholder and managing director Friedrich Stimpfig. Under the deal, HEGLA has acquired all limited partnership shares in RS technology.
Following completion, the company will operate under the name HEGLA-RS technology. Manufacturing glass processing machines and water treatment systems will continue at the existing site in Furth, near Nuremberg. No changes to the production location have been announced.
The acquisition broadens HEGLA’s portfolio, enabling
the group to supply additional machinery for edge processing, drilling and milling of flat glass, as well as dome cutting. These capabilities complement HEGLA’s existing activities in glass storage, cutting, sorting and laser-based processing, and expand its presence in downstream glass processing technologies.
RS technology will continue its technical operations within the HEGLA Group structure. The combination is intended to allow the companies to develop complete and integrated automation solutions, drawing on RS technology’s expertise in wet machining and HEGLA’s experience in handling, software and laser applications.
RS technology will also gain access to HEGLA’s international sales and service network.
“We look forward to working with Mr. Stimpfig and the RS technology
team,” said Hesselbach. No financial details of the transaction have been disclosed.
Stimpfig said the decision followed long-term consideration.
He described HEGLA as “an ideal and strong partner, offering not only an international presence but also securing long-term spare parts supply and fast service via the HEGLA network for our high-quality production equipment.”
HEGLA Group was founded in 1976 by the HEsselbach and GLAser families and today employs around 750 people. The group develops, manufactures and distributes machinery and solutions for glass storage, cutting, sorting and processing. Its portfolio includes laser-based processing systems under the HEGLA boraident brand, as well as ERP and MES software solutions marketed as HEGLA-HANIC.
Production is carried out at five sites, supported by a network of international subsidiaries. RS technology has a longer industrial history, having been founded in 1932. The company’s facility in Furth manufactures machines and systems for cutting, breaking, grinding and polishing glass, as well as complete processing solutions for drilling and milling flat glass. Its product range also includes CNC dome cutting machines and water treatment systems, which are used in glass processing environments requiring controlled wet operations.
British Glass has welcomed clarification from PackUK on the modulation factors applied to indicative year-two fees under the UK’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme, while warning that ongoing issues continue to undermine the competitiveness of domestic glass packaging manufacturers.
In a statement issued on 16th December 2025, British Glass said that indicative pEPR fees for glass packaging in year two have not risen to the same extent as those for other materials. The organisation acknowledged this as recognition of glass’s strong recyclability performance, but said wider concerns remain around fee calculation methodology, competitiveness and longer-term impacts on UK production.
Under the year-two modulation framework published by PackUK, packaging materials are rated as green, amber or red based on recyclability. Red-rated products incur a 20% surcharge, while green-rated materials receive a nine per cent discount. Most glass
packaging has been classified as green, with an indicative fee of £185 per tonne. This represents a reduction compared with year one. The amber, or base, fee for glass has increased to £205 per tonne, largely reflecting lower volumes placed on the market compared with the previous year.
British Glass said the decline in placed-on-the-market volumes is a concern, suggesting a shift away from glass towards alternative packaging materials that may be less recyclable. The organisation also pointed to a significant increase in imported glass packaging during the first half of 2025, warning that the pEPR framework may be contributing to this trend by allowing lower-cost imports to absorb compliance costs more easily than UK-produced glass.
While the organisation welcomed the mitigating effect of modulation, it said the changes do not go far enough to protect domestic production. British Glass is calling for faster and deeper reform of the pEPR fee methodology, arguing that packaging formats that are
infinitely recyclable should be treated more favourably to support a genuinely circular economy.
A key issue highlighted is the government’s decision to retain material values based on 2022-23 data for the second year of the scheme, covering 2026-27. British Glass noted that the average value of glass processed through materials recovery facilities has improved significantly since then, shifting from negative values to positive returns in subsequent years. By failing to update these figures, producers continue to pay full collection costs while receiving a reduced or negative material value adjustment.
British Glass has submitted a formal complaint to Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and said it hopes to work with PackUK to develop a more evidence-based approach.
British Glass federation director Nick Kirk said: “Glass is infinitely recyclable and plays a crucial role in supporting a circular economy. Since packaging is bought in units, pEPR costs should be
calculated on a per-unit basis rather than by weight. This would provide a fairer system that rewards packaging materials that are recycled in closed-loop systems within the UK, such as glass packaging.”
He added: “While the greenrated fee for glass is a positive step, inaccuracies in the fee calculation and the continued use of outdated values put glass at a disadvantage compared with competing packaging materials. We are already seeing reduced demand for UK-made glass packaging. Urgent action is needed to correct these issues and safeguard glass manufacturing in the UK.”
Anchor Glass Container Corporation has completed a comprehensive recapitalisation, a move the company said strengthens its balance sheet and positions the business for its next phase of investment and growth across its North American operations.
The transaction, announced in October 2025, resulted in a reduction of Anchor Glass’s debt by more than 60% and provided $100 million in new capital. The recapitalisation was backed by new majority owners including Canyon Capital Advisors, Millstreet Capital and UBS.
According to the company, the new capital is intended to support strategic growth initiatives and modernisation across its manufacturing footprint. Planned investments include furnace rebuilds and capacity expansions at its glass plants in the United States, serving customers in food,
beverage, spirits, ready-to-drink and craft beer markets.
“This transformative moment marks the start of a new era for Anchor Glass,” said Nipesh H Shah, president and CEO of Anchor Glass. “We have materially strengthened our balance sheet, secured significant new capital and are now primed for sustained investment in our assets, our people and our customers.”
Shah added that the recapitalisation provides a stronger foundation for operational execution and longterm planning. He said the company is now better positioned to invest in safety, customer service and cost efficiency as it moves into its next phase of development.
Anchor Glass said the recapitalisation supports its ambition to invest more than $1 billion in capital improvements by 2030. The company views
this long-term investment programme as central to maintaining supply security for customers and improving the performance and reliability of its manufacturing assets.
The company employs around 1,500 people and operates five glass manufacturing facilities located in New York, Oklahoma, Indiana, Minnesota and Georgia.
Anchor Glass supplies premium specialty glass packaging products and maintains longstanding relationships with brand owners across multiple consumer-facing segments.
For the wider glass industry, the recapitalisation is notable given the capital-intensive nature of furnace rebuilds and the importance of financial stability in supporting long campaign lives and consistent production. Access to long-term funding is increasingly seen as critical as manufacturers
balance decarbonisation goals, energy costs and the need to maintain capacity in competitive packaging markets.
Anchor Glass said the strengthened balance sheet and new ownership structure are expected to support sustained investment while enabling the company to respond more effectively to customer requirements and market changes. The recapitalisation follows a period of operational transformation at the company, aimed at improving efficiency and aligning production capacity with demand trends.
As glass manufacturers continue to assess investment priorities heading into the second half of the decade, Anchor Glass’s recapitalisation highlights the role of financial restructuring in enabling long-term asset renewal and capacity planning within the container glass sector.
Fondo Italiano d’Investimento and the club deal platform The Equity Club have signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Isoclima S.p.A. from Stirling Square Capital Partners. The transaction was announced on 29th December 2025 and is expected to close by spring 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
The acquisition will be carried out through Fondo Italiano Consolidamento e Crescita II, a fund focused on supporting the growth of Italian companies in strategic Made in Italy sectors, alongside TEC Glass S.p.A., an investment vehicle established by participants in The Equity Club’s club deal initiative. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1977 in Este, near Padua, Isoclima has built a global reputation for developing transparent solutions using glass, polycarbonate and acrylic materials for safety-critical and technologically demanding applications. The company supplies products to sectors including aerospace, highperformance automotive, rail transport, defence and armoured vehicles, complex architectural
projects and specialised marine applications.
Isoclima reported revenues of approximately €150 million and employs more than 1,000 people. The group operates six production facilities across Italy, the US and Croatia, supporting customers in Europe and North America. The company said its technical expertise and ongoing investment in innovation allow it to work closely with clients from early design stages through to the delivery of complex structural glazing solutions.
Under the leadership of CEO Liviana Forza and the existing management team, Isoclima is expected to enter a new phase of development backed by the new shareholders. The stated objectives include consolidating its global leadership position, expanding further in North America and accelerating growth in high-potential markets such as aerospace and advanced security applications.
Commenting on the transaction, Gianpaolo Di Dio, chief investment officer and senior partner at Fondo Italiano d’Investimento, said: “Our investment in Isoclima
reinforces our commitment to supporting Italian industrial excellence with unique technical and product expertise. We are confident that the outstanding management team, supported by Fondo Italiano and TEC, will drive further international expansion and growth, both organically and through acquisitions, in line with FICC’s strategy.”
Filippo Penatti, co-CEO of The Equity Club, said: “We are delighted to invest in Isoclima and support Liviana Forza and her team in the next stage of growth. With its leadership in high-value niche markets and global footprint, Isoclima perfectly reflects The Equity Club’s strategy of backing leading Italian companies with international ambitions.”
Forza welcomed the new ownership, stating: “We are proud to begin a new chapter with the support of Fondo Italiano d’Investimento and The Equity Club. Our distinctive expertise and ambition will enable us to strengthen our position as a global leader.”
The transaction represents the third investment by Fondo Italiano
Consolidamento e Crescita II and the fourth deal completed under The Equity Club 2.0 initiative. For the glass industry, the deal highlights continued investor interest in advanced and high-performance glazing technologies serving safety-critical and specialised end markets.
Vidrala has reached a binding agreement to enter the Chilean market through the acquisition of Cristalerías Toro, strengthening its international footprint in glass container manufacturing.
In a statement issued from Llodio on 11th December 2025, the Vidrala group confirmed it has agreed to acquire 100% of the share capital of Cristalerías Toro, a glass container producer based in the metropolitan area of Santiago de Chile. Cristalerías Toro supplies a broad customer base across the food and beverage sectors, including several multinational brands that complement Vidrala’s existing commercial portfolio.
The acquisition forms part of Vidrala’s wider internationalisation strategy. The group currently holds significant industrial positions in Southern Europe, the UK and, since
2023, Brazil. With the planned entry into Chile, Vidrala would further consolidate its presence in Latin America, adding a new industrial base in a country with a long-established agri-food and beverage industry.
Vidrala said Chile represents a strategically attractive market, characterised by stable demand and the presence of key customers aligned with the group’s long-term development objectives. The transaction is intended to support Vidrala’s growth in the region while broadening its production and customer coverage beyond its existing geographies.
The deal is valued at approximately €77 million and remains subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions linked to the implementation of Vidrala’s industrial model. Subject to completion, which is expected in early 2026, the group said it
anticipates maintaining a solid financial position. Vidrala stated that consolidated net debt is expected to remain consistently below 0.5 times annual EBITDA following the transaction.
Cristalerías Toro operates a glass container manufacturing facility serving food and beverage customers within Chile and the wider region. Vidrala acknowledged the experience and performance of the company’s shareholders and workforce, noting their role in establishing a foundation for future development within the group.
According to Vidrala, the integration of Cristalerías Toro is expected to be aligned with the group’s operational standards and strategic priorities, while preserving local expertise and customer relationships. The company said it sees opportunities to build on existing capabilities as
the sector continues to adapt to changing market requirements and sustainability expectations.
The acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation activity within the global container glass industry, as manufacturers seek scale, geographic diversification and closer proximity to key customers.
For Vidrala, the agreement marks its first industrial presence in Chile and represents a further step in expanding its Latin American platform following its entry into Brazil two years ago.
Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Schott has launched a new high-performance solar cell cover glass designed for nextgeneration space applications, following a joint development programme with Azur Space Solar Power.
The product, named Schott Solar Glass exos, has been developed with funding from the European Space Agency and support from the German Aerospace Center. According to the companies, the glass is intended to meet the demanding performance requirements of modern satellite power systems operating in harsh orbital environments.
Schott said exos combines high optical transmission with strong resistance to radiation, helping to ensure stable solar cell performance over long mission lifetimes. The material has been developed in collaboration with Azur Space Solar Power, which carried out testing and initial validation. Azur Space is a European developer of multi-junction solar cells for space applications.
Every satellite relies on solar cells for power generation, but exposure to radiation, ultraviolet light and extreme temperature
cycling places significant stress on both cells and protective materials. Schott said the new cover glass is engineered to maintain optical stability under prolonged radiation exposure, with transmission characteristics that remain largely unchanged over time. This resistance to solarisation is intended to support consistent energy output throughout a mission.
The composition of Schott Solar Glass exos includes a precisely tuned ultraviolet transmittance edge. By selecting glass thickness, manufacturers can adjust the level of UV protection, helping to shield underlying adhesives and sensitive materials from degradation. The company said this design feature contributes to improved durability and long-term bonding stability in solar cell assemblies.
Thermal compatibility is another key aspect of the new glass. With a coefficient of thermal expansion closely matched to gallium arsenide solar cells, exos is designed to reduce mechanical stress during thermal cycling in orbit. Schott said the material is available in scalable formats and customised thicknesses, making it suitable
for a range of mission profiles in low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit and geostationary orbit. The cerium-doped glass is currently undergoing qualification in line with European Cooperation for Space Standardization requirements.
The collaboration also aims to strengthen Europe’s supply chain for space-qualified materials. Schott and Azur Space said the joint development supports the creation of a stable, scalable European source of solar cell cover glass tailored to advanced satellite systems.
“Our collaboration with Azur Space demonstrates how close cooperation can deliver spacequalified solutions at scale,” said Marc Schneider, head of Schott’s Special Applications Product Group. “As we expect that the demand for satellite constellations will continue to expand, we are excited to provide the industry with a reliable, highperformance solar cell cover glass to help power missions in every orbit.”
Roland Dubois, executive vice president specialty semiconductors and head of Azur Space, said: “Azur Space is proud to work with Schott
to secure a stable and largescale, 100% European supply chain for solar cell assemblies. This collaboration strengthens Europe’s technological independence and ensures the reliable availability of high-performance solar power solutions for future space missions.”
A+W Software has released an artificial intelligence-enabled order entry system for the glass industry, marking the company’s first use of AI technology within its commercial software portfolio.
The new solution, A+W Order Entry AI, is designed to automate and standardise order management processes for glass manufacturers and processors operating in international markets. Early access to the system began in December 2025 for selected customers using A+W’s more4more subscription model.
According to A+W Software, the development responds to increasing complexity in glass order processing, where customerspecific formats, layouts and product descriptions often require manual interpretation and data entry. These processes are typically time-intensive and vulnerable to errors, particularly in high-mix production environments.
The system is built around an AI
assistant known as Mira, developed by A+W’s Clarity research and development team. Mira uses large language model technology to interpret user inputs and convert them into executable actions within the software. The platform is hosted within the A+W Cloud environment and connects directly to enterprise resource planning systems used by glass processors.
A key feature of A+W Order Entry AI is automated order capture. The system applies optical character recognition to extract data from PDF documents received via email or upload, such as customer purchase orders. The extracted information is then processed and matched to ERP articles, including customer-specific product terminology and internal item definitions. Data recognition and extraction are supported by Google Gemini technology.
Integration with ERP systems is handled through application programming interfaces, allowing
order data to be transferred directly into production workflows without manual re-entry. A+W said this approach is intended to improve data consistency while reducing administrative workload. The company added that the underlying architecture is designed to support additional AI-based functions in the future.
Users interact with the system through a chat-based interface, enabling conversational review and adjustment of order details. Layout changes, data corrections and mapping updates can be made without programming knowledge, while advanced users retain access to deeper interface controls for manual editing where required.
A+W said the system is intended to support existing order management processes rather than replace them entirely, with users retaining responsibility for final validation of order data before release to production.
Early access to A+W Order Entry
AI began on 9th December 2025 for more4more customers. The company confirmed that these users will have complimentary access through the first quarter of 2026, during which feedback will be collected to inform further development.
The launch reflects broader international trends in the glass industry towards digitalisation of administrative and production planning functions, as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency, accuracy and responsiveness across global supply chains.
FINLAND/ LITHUANIA
Uniglass and GlassBaltic have launched a joint initiative aimed at reshaping the secondary market for glass processing machinery, offering glass manufacturers a structured route to resell, refurbish and redeploy used equipment.
The new programme, named Uniglass ReLife, has been introduced as market conditions continue to challenge glass processors in several regions. The partners say the initiative is designed to unlock residual value from machinery that no longer matches current production requirements, while supporting more efficient use of existing assets across the global glass industry.
Under the ReLife model, glass processors can submit details of surplus or underutilised equipment through a digital request process operated by Uniglass. Machines may include fully operational lines, older technology that has become energy-intensive, or equipment that is no longer aligned with changes in product mix. According to the companies, even nonoperational machinery may retain value as a source of spare parts or refurbishment projects for other markets.
Once a request is submitted, Uniglass reviews the technical details and provides an initial valuation using its digital configuration tools. The valuation reflects factors such as machine condition, age, market demand and the timeframe required for resale.
Uniglass is part of the Glaston group, which brings long-standing experience in glass processing technology and digital tools to the assessment process.
Following valuation, GlassBaltic takes responsibility for refurbishment, logistics and resale. GlassBaltic has been active in the secondary glass machinery market since 2017 and has supplied equipment to customers in more than 60 countries. The company handles refurbishment, maintenance, relocation and installation, with refurbished machines supplied with a warranty.
The partners say the end-to-end structure is intended to simplify what is often a fragmented and time-consuming resale process. Instead of dealing with multiple intermediaries, sellers engage with a single coordinated framework covering valuation, refurbishment and resale. For
buyers, the programme aims to provide access to fully refurbished machinery suited to markets where demand exists for proven technology rather than new capital-intensive investments.
Beyond financial considerations, the initiative reflects a broader focus on circularity within the glass processing sector. By extending the operational life of machinery, the programme supports more efficient use of resources and reduces the need for premature scrapping of equipment. Uniglass and GlassBaltic describe the model as a way to balance economic pressures with sustainability goals, particularly at a time when energy efficiency and capital availability remain key concerns for glass processors.
The companies say the ReLife programme is intended to evolve, with future plans including practical guidance and case studies drawn from completed projects. For now, the launch signals a more structured approach to the global redistribution of glass processing machinery, linking surplus capacity in one region with demand in another.
Uniglass is part of the Glaston
Group and operates internationally as a glass processing equipment provider. The Uniglass brand has roots dating back to the late 1990s and is now integrated within the Glaston offering, with Glaston itself headquartered in Helsinki, Finland.
GlassBaltic is based in Velzys, northern Lithuania, where it operates its main warehouse and logistics centre for used glass machinery and related services.
Vetropack has commissioned a fully modernised Rezon production line at its Pochlarn site in Austria, increasing capacity for the manufacture of thermally strengthened lightweight glass bottles and moving closer to series production.
The upgrade, completed in late October 2025, involved comprehensive automation and rebuilding of the cold end of the existing Rezon line, alongside an overhaul of the thermal strengthening plant. According to the company, the investment is intended to improve process efficiency, increase line speeds and establish the technical basis for series production, which is planned to begin next year.
Over several years, Vetropack Group has developed a proprietary process in Pochlarn that strengthens glass bottles through thermal treatment while significantly reducing their
weight. The resulting Rezon lightweight glass bottles are up to 30% lighter than conventional bottles, while maintaining high mechanical strength. Vetropack said this combination delivers benefits across the product life cycle, including lower material use, reduced transport emissions and lower logistics costs.
As part of the recent upgrade, bottles are now depalletised and unpacked fully automatically. Packaging processes have also been optimised, with a shrink-wrapping system relocated from the company’s St-Prex site integrated into the line. This has eliminated the need for manual intervention in packaging operations. In addition, quality control has been digitally enhanced. Bottles are now marked with a data matrix code, allowing direct verification on testing machines and improved traceability.
Vetropack said the automation measures implemented at the cold end are designed not only to improve current operations but also to enable future integration with a new large-scale thermal strengthening machine. The company is preparing to install this industrial-scale unit in 2026. Once operational, it will allow the thermal strengthening of lightweight glass bottles on an industrial scale for the first time.
The upgraded Rezon line is currently the sole production facility for these thermally strengthened lightweight bottles within the Vetropack Group. Teams at the Pochlarn site are working closely across departments to prepare for series production, with the recent modernisation described by the company as a key step towards industrial maturity.
Commenting on the development, Guido Stebner,
Europe’s container glass industry has welcomed recent European Union efforts to simplify environmental regulation but has raised concerns that key issues affecting glass packaging remain unresolved.
In a statement issued in Brussels on 11th December 2025, FEVE, the European container glass federation, responded to the publication of the EU’s Environmental Omnibus and the Grids Package. FEVE described both initiatives as positive steps towards streamlining environmental procedures and supporting the decarbonisation of Europe’s industrial base.
According to the federation, the Environmental Omnibus includes changes that ease procedural requirements under the Industrial Emissions Directive. These requirements have previously slowed investment in furnace upgrades and emissions-reduction technologies within the container glass sector. FEVE said the simplification could help remove administrative barriers that delay modernisation projects at glass manufacturing sites.
The Grids Package was also welcomed for its focus on accelerating permitting for
electricity networks and energy storage infrastructure. FEVE noted that access to reliable and expanded electricity networks is critical for energy-intensive industries such as glassmaking, particularly as manufacturers seek to transition towards lowercarbon production methods and increased electrification.
Taken together, the federation said the two packages indicate a more pragmatic approach by EU policymakers towards environmental permitting and industrial policy. FEVE said such an approach is necessary to ensure that decarbonisation projects can move from planning to implementation at pace.
However, the federation expressed disappointment that the Simplification package does not address technical issues related to packaging minimisation under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). FEVE said this omission leaves a key area of legal uncertainty for glass packaging producers.
The federation warned that, under the current interpretation of the PPWR, distinctive bottle shapes and design features risk being classified as nonessential. FEVE said this could
have direct implications for brand differentiation, the commercial viability of certain glass packaging formats and the competitiveness of European container glass manufacturers.
FEVE indicated that it will continue to engage with EU institutions to seek adjustments to the PPWR that provide greater legal clarity and ensure a proportionate approach to packaging minimisation. The federation also said it plans to contribute actively to the forthcoming standardisation work under the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), where technical definitions and criteria are expected to be further developed.
The container glass industry has repeatedly argued that glass packaging already supports circular economy objectives through high recycling rates and closed-loop remelting. FEVE has previously called for regulatory frameworks that recognise these characteristics while avoiding unintended consequences for design, branding and industrial competitiveness.
The federation’s response highlights the balance EU policymakers face between simplifying regulation to support industrial decarbonisation and
chief technology officer at Vetropack, said: “We expect a steadily rising demand for the popular lightweight glass bottles, which are currently produced exclusively in Pochlarn. In the medium to long term, it is conceivable that we will expand production to other sites using the same technology.”
The commissioning of the upgraded line reflects ongoing investment by glass packaging manufacturers in lightweighting, process automation and digital quality control, as producers respond to customer demand for lower-carbon packaging solutions and more efficient production systems.
ensuring that new rules do not inadvertently disadvantage established, recyclable packaging materials. Discussions around the PPWR are expected to continue as implementation timelines approach and secondary legislation and standards are developed.
New Canadian tariff measures that came into force on 26th December 2025 are reshaping trade conditions for a range of manufacturing sectors, following confirmation from the federal government.
According to the Government of Canada’s Department of Finance, the measures are intended to protect domestic steel production and respond to global market distortions linked to overcapacity. Announced in December, the policy introduces a 25% tariff on a defined list of steel derivative products and revises existing tariff rate quotas for steel imports.
The Department of Finance said the changes are designed to support Canada’s steel industry while ensuring fair competition for domestic producers and remaining consistent with the country’s international trade
obligations. The measures form part of a broader effort to strengthen industrial resilience and safeguard investment in Canadian manufacturing.
Under the revised framework outlined by the department, tariff rate quotas for steel imports have been reduced. Imports from countries without a free trade agreement with Canada are subject to significantly lower quota levels than in previous years, while imports from free trade partners also face reduced thresholds. Once those limits are exceeded, higher tariffs apply to the full value of the imported products.
“These measures are designed to respond to the current global market environment and to safeguard Canadian jobs and investment,” the government said when announcing the policy, adding that market conditions
would continue to be monitored in consultation with industry stakeholders.
The tariff measures do not directly apply to glass products. However, glass manufacturing and glazing systems are closely linked to steel supply chains through the use of frames, reinforcements and structural components in architectural, transport and industrial applications.
Industry observers note that higher duties on steel derivatives may increase costs for glass manufacturers and fabricators importing steel-intensive components or complete assemblies into Canada. Companies supplying the Canadian market are therefore expected to review sourcing strategies, pricing structures and project timelines as the revised import conditions take effect.
Trade specialists have also highlighted the timing of the measures, which came into force shortly after the Christmas period, as a potential challenge for manufacturers managing existing contracts or shipments already in transit. As a result, the first quarter of 2026 is expected to involve a period of adjustment as businesses adapt to the new tariff regime.
The Canadian action reflects a wider trend across North America toward closer scrutiny of industrial imports and greater emphasis on domestic manufacturing capacity. While the longer-term impact on glass supply chains remains uncertain, the measures underline how policy decisions affecting adjacent materials can have indirect consequences for glass producers and system suppliers operating in international markets.
l Design and supply of electrical boosting systems for all glass types
l Electric Forehearths and systems to extract heat from the glass
l High ‘Q’ holder in which the cooling circuit is replaceable, 10,000 units sold
l Maxi ‘Q’ holder, a weld-free holder with the largest cross-sectional area of waterway than other holder designs
l Bubbler systems with water-cooled tubes of both pulse and variable types and sizes of bubbler tubes for elimination of floor wear
Nicole Wilming has been appointed CEO of Vetrotech SaintGobain, effective 1st January 2026. She succeeds Reto Cometta, who has stepped down from the role following a decision to pre-retire, marking a planned handover at the specialist fireresistant and high-security glazing manufacturer.
The company said the transition reflects continuity in strategy, building on the foundations established under Cometta’s leadership. During his tenure, Vetrotech strengthened its position as a global supplier of fire-resistant and security glazing solutions, with a focus on technical reliability and close collaboration with customers operating in highly regulated building environments.
Wilming brings more than 25 years of experience within the Saint-Gobain Group, having held senior roles in Germany and France across different business segments. Her background spans building materials and glassrelated activities, with a particular emphasis on highly technical solutions and international operations. Vetrotech said her appointment reinforces its longterm commitment to innovation, operational excellence and customer focus.
In recent months, Wilming has engaged with Vetrotech teams across multiple regions as part of the transition process. Commenting on her first impressions, she said: “I have seen exceptional expertise, profound technical knowledge, and a strong passion that define Vetrotech’s people, qualities which I consider core to the company’s success and future growth.”
Under Wilming’s leadership, Vetrotech said its purpose remains unchanged, continuing to focus on delivering solutions designed to protect lives and secure buildings. The company operates in sectors where fire resistance, safety certification and performance under extreme conditions are critical, and it said this focus will remain central to its
activities.
Wilming emphasised the importance of trust and partnership in Vetrotech’s approach. “Safety is the foundation of trust,” she said. “Our commitment to customers and partners will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
The company added that it will continue to prioritise technical support and clear communication throughout the lifecycle of customer projects.
Vetrotech also acknowledged Cometta’s contribution to the business, citing his strategic vision, market knowledge and customer-oriented approach as key factors in the company’s development over recent years. The group said his leadership had played an important role in reinforcing Vetrotech’s standing within the Saint-Gobain organisation and the wider glass industry.
The appointment comes at a time when demand for certified fire-resistant and security glazing continues to grow, driven by tightening building regulations and increased attention to occupant safety. Vetrotech said the leadership transition positions the company to continue supporting customers as these requirements evolve.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced the appointment of Illya Azaroff as its 102nd president, with his term set to guide the organisation’s priorities through 2026 at a time of growing focus on building resilience, climate adaptation and material performance.
Azaroff is an architect, geographer and academic with more than three decades of experience in disaster response, climate adaptation and resilient design strategies. His appointment is being closely watched across the construction supply chain, including sectors such as architectural glass, where building envelope performance plays a critical role in energy efficiency, safety and climate resilience.
In his inaugural address, Azaroff said architects have a responsibility to design buildings capable of responding to increasingly severe environmental conditions. “Architects are at the forefront of designing buildings and spaces that can withstand nature’s fury,” he said. “As AIA president, I will work to ensure architects are empowered to create communities that are better prepared to deal with future disruptions.”
The AIA represents over 100,000 architects and design professionals and plays a significant role in shaping design guidance, industry standards and professional discourse in the US. Its positions on building standards and performance increasingly intersect with the use of high-performance glazing in façades, windows and building envelopes, particularly in relation to energy efficiency, daylighting and resilience to extreme weather events.
Within the AIA, Azaroff has previously served as New York State president, as a member of the Strategic Council and as founder of the Design for Risk and Reconstruction committee at AIA New York. These roles have involved engagement with postdisaster rebuilding, where glazing systems and facade design are often reassessed to improve safety, durability and energy performance.
Led by Azaroff, the 2026 AIA Board of Directors will steer the institute’s strategic direction on climate action, equitable design and technological innovation. Speaking on the role of the board, Azaroff said: “Architects are facing a defining moment in the built environment – one that calls for vision, partnership and action.”
In addition to architect members, the AIA has appointed Victoria Salinas and Bob Jensen as public directors for 2026, bringing external policy and community perspectives to the board.
Azaroff is the founder of +LAB Architect, a practice focused on resilience planning and regenerative design, with projects that frequently address façade performance, building envelopes and material response under stress conditions. He is also a professor at the New York City College of Technology, part of the City University of New York, and has worked with cities, public authorities and design teams internationally.
For the glass sector, leadership priorities at influential design institutions such as the AIA can shape longer-term demand for advanced glazing solutions, particularly as resilience, energy performance and building adaptability remain central to architectural decision-making.
Andrew Sorensen has been appointed executive director of WA Kaolin, effective 10th December 2025, adding senior commercial and market development experience to the company’s board.
Sorensen is a foundation member of WA Kaolin, having joined the company in 2006. His appointment follows nearly two decades of involvement in the business and recognises his role in guiding the company through key stages of development, including the transition of the Wickepin Kaolin Project from early-stage development towards production.
He has previously served as CEO of WA Kaolin and currently holds the position of director of sales and marketing. In this role, Sorensen has been responsible for expanding the company’s customer base and driving growth across what WA Kaolin describes as an increasingly diverse and higher-value product range.
Speaking following his appointment, Sorensen said:
“Having been with WA Kaolin since 2006, I have been privileged to oversee our journey from early development to the operational reality of the Wickepin Kaolin Project. Joining the Board is a natural extension of my commitment to this Company. I look forward to continuing to drive our commercial growth in the Asia Pacific region while contributing to the Board’s strategic oversight as we deliver on our vision for the future.”
Sorensen holds a Bachelor of
John Myers has been appointed architectural manager for Walker Glass' US Southeast region, which includes Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
The appointment strengthens the company’s architectural and specification support across a region that represents a significant share of the US construction market.
Myers brings close to four decades of experience in the glass industry to the role. He began his career at Gardner Glass in 1987 and progressed through a series of sales and leadership positions, ultimately becoming vice president of sales. In 2008, he was recognised by USGlass Magazine as one of the industry’s Most Influential People, reflecting his long-standing involvement in the
Applied Science in Information Management and a Master of Business Administration. WA Kaolin said Sorensen’s appointment reflects the Board’s focus on strengthening sales and marketing leadership at board level
WA Kaolin chairman Matt Shackleton said the appointment reflected the board’s priorities.
“On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Andrew as an executive director,” he said. “Andrew’s appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to ensuring our sales and marketing strategies are central to our decision-making.”
WA Kaolin’s flagship Wickepin Kaolin Project, located around 220 km south-east of Perth, hosts a JORC 2012-compliant mineral resource of 643 million tonnes of kaolinised granite. The company positions the deposit as one of the largest remaining primary kaolin resources globally, supplying high-purity material for a range of industrial applications, including glass, ceramics and construction materials.
architectural glass sector.
In2018,MyersfoundedGardner’s architectural management initiative, a programme developed in response to growing demand from architects and designers for more specialised product education and technical support. The initiative focused on bridging the gap between design intent and practical glazing solutions, an area that continues to shape architectural glass specifications.
Marc Deschamps, vice president of products and business development at Walker Glass, said: “We are delighted to have John on board. His extensive experience and deep understanding of glass make him an invaluable addition to our team. We have a great deal of respect for him and the work he has done at Gardner.”
Cristina Riesgo has been appointed chief financial officer of Verallia, effective 1st March 2026. She will succeed Nathalie Delbreuve and join the group’s Executive Committee, reporting directly to CEO Patrice Lucas.
The appointment comes as Verallia continues to advance its strategy as Europe’s leading and the world’s third-largest producer of glass packaging for food and beverage applications. The company said the leadership change is intended to reinforce financial governance and support long-term growth in an increasingly challenging operating environment.
Riesgo brings around 20 years of international experience in senior finance roles across multinational organisations. Her background spans financial management, performance optimisation and transformation projects in industrial and capitalintensive businesses. Verallia said her experience would support its strategic ambitions and help ensure disciplined capital allocation as the group continues to invest in its manufacturing footprint.
“I am delighted to contribute to Verallia’s development by ensuring robust financial governance and driving initiatives that support profitable and sustainable growth,” Riesgo said. “In an evolving and challenging environment, maintaining financial agility and discipline is key to enabling innovation and securing the longterm future of the glass industry.”
In his new role, Myers will work closely with architects, designers and glazing professionals across the Southeast to support product selection and specification. Walker Glass said his background in sales, architectural engagement and technical education provides a balanced perspective on both creative and practical considerations in building design.
Asked about his priorities in the role, Myers said: “I’m excited about the opportunity to educate the market and support architects in specifying the right products. What I enjoy most is helping create new opportunities and seeing great projects come to fruition.”
Walker Glass is known for its development and manufacture of acid-etched glass substrates and premium-quality mirror
A Spanish national, Riesgo began her career at General Electric, progressing through a series of finance roles after joining via a graduate programme. She later became head of controlling for a business division, where she established a commercial finance team and strengthened risk management and performance frameworks. Her subsequent roles at GE included FP&A leadership positions, chief financial officer responsibilities for supply chain factories, and work in business development and mergers and acquisitions.
Welcoming the appointment, Lucas said: “I am thrilled to welcome Cristina as our new CFO. I am very confident that her leadership and experience will play a key role in shaping the next chapter of our success.”
Verallia also confirmed that its Capital Market Day, originally scheduled for 21st January 2026, has been postponed to the third quarter of the year to allow for Riesgo’s onboarding and input into the group’s strategic update.
products. The company supplies architectural glass fabricators across the US and Canada and has built a strong presence in both interior and exterior glazing applications. Its portfolio includes decorative and functional etched glass solutions, as well as bird-friendly glazing products designed to address growing regulatory and environmental requirements.
Donald Nolan
Donald Nolan has been appointed as CEO of Apogee Enterprises, with effect from 31st October 2025.
Nolan succeeds Ty Silberhorn, who stepped down from the role and from the board on the same date.
Alongside the appointment, Nolan assumed the position of executive chair of the board. Board member Patricia Wagner was named independent lead director, while the board confirmed it has begun a process to evaluate both internal and external candidates as part of longer-term CEO succession planning.
Nolan brings decades of senior leadership experience and a longstanding connection to Apogee. He joined the company’s board in 2013 and was appointed chairman in 2020. His previous executive roles include serving as CEO of Kennametal from 2014 to 2016 and as president of the materials group at Avery Dennison Corporation between 2008 and 2014. He has also held board positions with a number of privately held growth-oriented companies.
Commenting on the transition, Nolan said: “On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Ty for his leadership and dedication throughout his tenure.” Silberhorn, who led the company for nearly five years, described his departure as a natural point of transition. “It has been an honour and privilege to lead Apogee for nearly five years. I am proud of the progress the
John Gerald Mulvanerty, a longstanding figure in the North American glass industry, passed away on 5th December 2025. He was 82.
Born on 23rd September 1943 in New York to Irish parents Thomas Mulvanerty and Mary Breen, Mulvanerty grew up in the Bronx with his siblings Ann and Thomas. He developed an early passion for basketball, earning a scholarship to Fordham University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
In March 1968, Mulvanerty was drafted into the US Army and selected for officer training. He served as a Captain in the 5th
company has made and look forward to continued long-term success for Apogee,” he said.
Nolan said he was focused on continuity and long-term value creation. “I’m excited to continue fostering a growthoriented culture at Apogee and confident in our ability to unlock strategic opportunities that can drive long-term value creation for shareholders,” he said. “We will remain focused on delivering exceptional performance for our customers and employees.”
Apogee reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 outlook alongside the announcement, maintaining guidance for net sales of between $1.39 billion and $1.42 billion, and adjusted diluted earnings per share in the range of $3.60 to $3.90.
Headquartered in the US, Apogee is a supplier of architectural building products and services, as well as highperformance coated materials used across a range of commercial applications.
Merritt Gaunt has been appointed president and CEO of Guardian Industries, a Koch company, assuming leadership of Guardian Glass, one of the world’s largest glass manufacturers. The appointment follows the retirement of Ron Vaupel, who had served as president and CEO of Guardian Industries since 2014.
Guardian Glass operates manufacturing and fabrication facilities across multiple regions and supplies glass for architectural, automotive and speciality applications. The company positions its product portfolio around performance attributes including daylighting, security, energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Gaunt joined Guardian in 2013 as managing director of corporate development and subsequently held a series of operational and leadership roles within the business. In his most recent position as executive vice president of Guardian Industries, he led business development and supply chain strategies. Prior to joining Guardian, Gaunt spent 10 years in finance, marketing and business development leadership roles at other Koch companies.
Commenting on the appointment, Jeff Ramsey, executive vice president at Koch, said: “Merritt has proven to be a strategic, effective leader in his time here. I’m confident this will be a transformative time for Guardian Glass as it begins a new chapter in becoming the preferred global supplier of glass solutions.”
Gaunt said the company would continue to focus on collaboration and innovation across the glass value chain. “Guardian Glass is finding new ways to build, design, and inspire with glass. We are here to collaborate on addressing the complex challenges of the glass industry,” he said. “Our team is over 6,700 strong, across five continents, and I’m excited to see what we can do to deliver new solutions for our customers and continue to build preferred partnerships with our suppliers and communities.”
The leadership transition comes at a time when glass manufacturers are facing rising expectations around energy performance, supply chain resilience and sustainability. Guardian has continued to invest in product development and manufacturing capabilities to support global construction and mobility markets.
Gaunt’s appointment signals continuity in leadership alongside an emphasis on strategic growth as Guardian Glass enters its next phase under new executive direction.
Special Forces Group, deploying to Vietnam and Cambodia on several occasions. In 1969, he was stationed in Washington DC, serving as rifle platoon leader of the Honor Guard Company and commanding officer of the US Army Drill Team. He married his wife Barbara in 1971 following his final tour of duty.
After completing his military service, Mulvanerty built a career in the glass industry that spanned several decades. Known for his leadership and communication skills, his roles included president of Tempglass Eastern, eastern regional glass president at Oldcastle and founder of Florida Laminating and Tempering. He later worked as
a consultant specialising in impactresistant windows and doors. He also held leadership positions within several glass industry associations.
Colleagues recall Mulvanerty as a skilled orator and respected industry advocate, combining technical knowledge with a strong focus on people and collaboration. His career coincided with periods of significant growth and change in architectural and safety glass markets across the US.
Outside his professional life, Mulvanerty was deeply committed to his family. He enjoyed scuba diving and organised regular family dive trips over many years. He was also known for hosting family
gatherings and for his enthusiasm when attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Mulvanerty is survived by his wife Barbara, daughters Catherine and Mary, son-in-law Heath Higgins, grandchildren Holden and Hayden, sister Ann Baker, and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Rev Father Thomas Mulvanerty.
As building regulations tighten and sustainability targets accelerate, façade designers are under growing pressure to reduce heat loss without increasing material use or project costs. Across North America, updated energy codes and voluntary stretch codes are now driving demand for fenestration systems with U-factors as low as 0.25, pushing the limits of conventional storefront performance.
Ultra-thermal storefront systems typically achieve U-factors between 0.30 and 0.45, making compliance difficult in jurisdictions with more ambitious energy targets. At the same time, green building certifications, utility rebate schemes and corporate ESG commitments are reinforcing the need to lower operational
energy consumption across the built environment.
In response, suppliers are increasingly pointing to advances in thin triple glazing as a way to improve thermal performance without replacing curtain wall or framing systems. One example highlighted by Kawneer shows how thin triple insulated glass units can be combined with ultra-thermal storefront framing to achieve U-factors of 0.25 or better, while maintaining design flexibility and controlling costs.
When paired with ultra-thermal framing systems, thin triple glazing can help projects meet or exceed demanding stretch codes. Centreof-glass U-factors for thin triple units are reported as low as 0.10 to 0.12, enabling whole-system U-factors in the range of 0.19 to
0.22. This level of performance supports compliance across multiple climate zones without compromising transparency or facade aesthetics.
From a sustainability perspective, thinner glazing constructions also reduce embodied impacts. Thin triple units are typically around 30% lighter than conventional triple glazing, lowering structural loads and easing installation. Because they are designed to fit standard one-inch IGUcompatible framing systems, they can often be specified without frame modifications or additional reinforcement, reducing material use and construction waste.
Improved thermal performance also delivers operational benefits over a building’s service life. Lower U-factors help limit heat
Calderys Group marked its 160th anniversary during 2025, reflecting on a corporate history that traced back to 1865 and the creation of the Star Fire Brick Company in Pennsylvania, the origin of what later became Harbison-Walker and today forms part of the Calderys Group.
The company’s roots lay in the early development of refractory products for high-temperature industrial processes. In 1875, Hay Walker Sr and Samuel P Harbison acquired Star Fire Brick and established the Harbison & Walker Company, which went on to become a major supplier of refractories in the US. The group’s international expansion began in 1902 with the start of operations in Europe, followed by further developments across multiple regions.
Over subsequent decades, Calderys’ predecessor businesses
expanded both organically and through acquisitions, extending their reach across Europe, India and later other global markets.
The group’s historical timeline also reflected key developments in refractory and related materials, including the invention of aluminous cement in France in 1908, the development of monolithic refractories in the United States in 1914, and the establishment of activities that later formed the basis of its steel casting fluxes and moulding sand additive businesses in Germany and Greece.
The modern Calderys brand emerged in 2005, when Plibrico and Lafarge Refractories merged under the Imerys Group. Further restructuring followed in 2015, when ANH Refractories was rebranded as HarbisonWalker International. In 2023, Calderys and HarbisonWalker International
were brought together under private ownership to form the Calderys Group in its current structure, with HWI serving as the brand for the Americas region.
At the time of its anniversary, Calderys supplied refractory and high-temperature solutions to industries including steel, cement, energy, petrochemicals and metal casting. Its products were also integral to glass manufacturing, where refractories play a critical role in furnace integrity, thermal efficiency and production stability.
Michel Cornelissen, president and CEO of Calderys, said during the anniversary year that the milestone represented more than longevity. “Our 160-year anniversary is much more than a number. It is the story of people who built, innovated and shaped an industry that remains vital to modern life,” he said. “Every
Deloitte report outlines Beta Glass’ economic contribution in Nigeria
A new independent socioeconomic assessment by Deloitte has outlined the scale of Beta Glass’ contribution to Nigeria’s economy between 2015 and 2024, highlighting the company’s role in manufacturing output, employment and fiscal revenues. Beta Glass, one of West and Central Africa’s largest glass packaging producers,
commissioned the study to quantify its direct and indirect impact across the country.
According to the report, Beta Glass generated ₦7 billion in gross output in 2024, contributing almost one per cent to Nigeria’s overall manufacturing sector and 14% of the non-metallic products sub sector. Over the past decade, its cumulative economic
loss in colder climates and reduce heat gain in warmer regions, easing demand on HVAC systems and contributing to lower energy consumption and associated emissions.
Specification processes are also evolving to support performancedriven design. Thin triple centre-ofglass values can be incorporated into thermal modelling tools at early design stages, allowing project teams to assess compliance with energy codes and sustainability targets before final detailing.
step of our legacy reflects our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver value across steel, cement, energy, petrochemical, metal casting and many other high-temperature industries.”
To mark the milestone, the group released a four-part video series retracing its development from 1865 to 2025. The series placed the company’s evolution alongside major industrial and global events, illustrating how refractories and high-temperature solutions accompanied industrial progress over more than a century and a half.
For the glass sector, Calderys’ anniversary highlighted the longstanding interdependence between refractory suppliers and glass producers, particularly as furnaces faced increasing demands for efficiency, durability and reduced environmental impact.
footprint exceeded ₦1 trillion. Deloitte attributes the scale of this impact to the company’s production facilities in Ogun and Delta States and the breadth of its supplier network.
Employment remains a central component of the company’s footprint. Deloitte estimates that more than 4,000 full time jobs were supported in 2024
through direct, indirect and induced employment. Beta Glass itself employs over 1,490 people across its sites, with over 98% of staff at the Guinea plant in Ogun State hired locally. The report notes that this level of local recruitment has been an important contributor to skills development and income generation in host communities.
The Facade Awards Korea 2025 and Facade Technology Seminar concluded on 9th December, marking the first time the awards have been held in the country and signalling growing momentum within Korea’s architectural facade and glass sectors. The event was hosted by the Facade Awards Organising Committee and supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and the Korea Institute of Registered Architects (KIRA).
Industry professionals from architectural practices, construction firms, facade contractors and specialist consultants attended the event, reflecting broad interest across the building envelope value chain. The gathering provided a forum for the exchange of ideas on facade design, performance and technology, with particular emphasis on the role of advanced glass solutions.
Awards were presented across multiple categories, recognising innovation and technical achievement in facade projects. Architect Insu Jang, principal of
Preparations are under way for the 35th China International Glass Industrial Technical Exhibition, known as China Glass, which will take place from 7th to 10th April 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The event is hosted by the Chinese Ceramic Society and organised by Beijing Zhonggui Exhibition Co., Ltd.
According to the organisers, professional visitor registration has now opened, with exhibitor demand indicating strong confidence in the Chinese glass market despite ongoing global economic uncertainty. A total of 765 companies have confirmed participation, including 605 domestic exhibitors and 160 international manufacturers from nearly 30 countries and regions. Overseas participants include companies from the US, Germany, Italy, the UK, France, Austria and Spain.
The exhibition will occupy seven halls at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, with a planned total exhibition area of around 90,000 square metres. Organisers said the expanded
Jang Insu Architects, received the Commercial and Public category award, while Byungwook Lee, executive director of Alu ENC, was recognised in the High-End Residential category. Each recipient received a cash prize of KRW 1.5 million and an invitation to attend a major window and facade trade fair in Germany.
Alongside the awards, the Facade Technology Seminar focused on emerging tools and materials shaping the future of facade engineering. Several presentations addressed the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into facade and glass design processes. Ingeun Lee, principal at Autodesk, discussed current AI-driven design trends and their potential to influence efficiency and performance in complex facade systems. Cheolmin Choi, deputy director at MOLIT, outlined national policy directions relevant to building technology and regulation.
The programme highlighted advances in facade technologies and glass solutions, including artificial intelligence in design,
scale reflects continued interest across the glass value chain, from primary manufacturing through to processing, equipment and materials.
China Glass 2026 takes place against a backdrop of structural change in the global glass industry, with energy efficiency targets and decarbonisation policies shaping demand. In China, the ongoing implementation of carbon reduction strategies and upgrades to building energy standards are driving growth in higher valueadded products, including Low-E glass, vacuum glazing and smart glass technologies. At the same time, demand from sectors such as new energy vehicles, photovoltaics and advanced displays continues to support markets for automotive glass, solar glass, ultra-thin electronic glass and container glass.
The organiser noted that international participation remains strong despite a complex global environment. “Despite the challenges, the enthusiasm of overseas exhibitors remains undiminished,” the organiser said, adding that the diversity
high-end residential glazing and laminated glass safety..
Glass innovation featured prominently throughout the programme. Inhwa Joo, executive director at LX Glass, highlighted trends in high-end residential architecture, focusing on refined glass solutions and their contribution to aesthetics, daylighting and energy performance. Heeseok Jung, executive director at Kuraray, presented developments in AIbased glass design technologies, while Youngju Kim, head director of the Korea Flat Glass and Window Association, addressed the safety and structural performance of laminated glass systems.
of participating countries demonstrates the exhibition’s role as an international reference point for the glass industry.
Exhibits at the 2026 show will span the full industry chain, covering glass production technology, deep processing equipment, new glass products and applications, as well as refractory materials, raw materials and auxiliary systems. Many exhibitors are expected to focus on intelligent manufacturing solutions and technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Alongside the exhibition, a series of technical forums, seminars and product launches will be held. These events will address topics such as zero-carbon buildings, energy-saving glass, smart factory development and buildingintegrated photovoltaics, offering attendees insight into policy direction, technological progress and market trends.
“We are delighted to see the strong response from both domestic and international exhibitors,” the organiser said. “Our aim is to deliver an event that supports confidence, international
Looking ahead, the organisers confirmed plans to expand the Facade Awards in 2026, with a stronger international dimension. In collaboration with Fensterbau Frontale in Nuremberg, preparations are underway to organise an international delegation and deepen global engagement.
Junkil Baek, chair of the Facade Awards Organising Committee, said: “The Facade Awards have played a significant role in highlighting the importance of facades and creating a platform for industry professionals to connect. The 2026 event will be prepared as a more refined and globally recognised occasion.”
cooperation and technological innovation, while contributing to the sustainable and highquality development of the global glass industry.”
China Glass is regarded as one of the largest and most influential industry exhibitions in Asia. The 2026 edition is expected to attract a wide range of manufacturers, suppliers and end users, reinforcing China’s position as a key market and production base for the global glass sector.
Vitro Architectural Glass has received Product of the Year recognition from Architectural Record for its BirdSmart Bird Safe Glass, marking a notable industry endorsement for a product designed to address bird collisions while maintaining architectural performance.
The award was announced as part of Architectural Record’s annual Products of the Year programme, which highlights newly introduced products across building materials, systems, finishes, technology and design solutions. A jury of US-based architects and engineers selected 67 products based on criteria including innovation, functionality, sustainability and performance.
BirdSmart Bird Safe Glass, developed by Vitro Architectural Glass, was launched in March 2025. The product combines first-surface laser-etched patterns with a Solarban solar control lowemissivity coating applied on the second surface. According to the
company, the configuration is designed to provide effective visual markers for birds while maintaining high visible light transmittance and controlled solar heat gain for building occupants.
The glass is currently available in a standard thickness of 6 mm and can be specified with four etched dot patterns, including square, rectangular and diamond formats. Both directional and non-directional orientations are offered. The etched patterns can be applied to clear glass as well as low-iron substrates, including Acuity and Starphire, and can be paired with several Solarban coatings depending on performance requirements.
Vitro said the laser-etching process used for BirdSmart glass does not rely on caustic chemicals, distinguishing it from some alternative marking technologies. The company also notes that firstsurface etching is particularly effective for bird deterrence, as many bird species do not perceive
Fenzi Group earns EcoVadis Silver Medal Fenzi Group has been awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal, recognising its performance in environmental, social and governance practices and marking a milestone in the company’s approach to sustainable business operations.
EcoVadis is an independent, globally recognised platform that assesses companies on sustainability criteria across four areas: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. The Silver rating reflects Fenzi’s results across these categories and places the group among a limited proportion of companies assessed worldwide at this level.
According to Fenzi, sustainability has been embedded into the group’s decision-making for several years, guiding actions aimed at reducing emissions, minimising waste, optimising material use and improving energy efficiency. The company said it has also focused on strengthening transparency and accountability across its divisions as part of a broader cultural shift.
ultraviolet-based coatings as clearly as visible surface markers.
Manufacturing for BirdSmart glass and the associated Solarban coatings is carried out at Vitro’s Wichita Falls facility in Texas. The company said this supports supply chain efficiency and consistent product availability. The glass can be produced in sizes up to Titan dimensions, measuring up to 130 by 240 inches, and can also be supplied in smaller order quantities.
The award places BirdSmart glass among a selected group of products recognised by Architectural Record in 2025.
The publication’s Products of the Year programme is widely followed within the architecture and construction sectors and is often viewed as an indicator of emerging trends in building design and materials.
Vitro Architectural Glass is the largest flat glass producer in the Western Hemisphere, supplying
architectural glass products for commercial, residential and institutional projects. The company operates multiple float and fabrication facilities across North America and maintains a major glass research and development centre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Vitro has positioned bird-safe glazing as an increasingly important consideration in building design, particularly in urban environments where glass facades can pose risks to wildlife. The recognition from Architectural Record reflects growing attention to how functional glass technologies can address environmental concerns alongside energy efficiency and aesthetics.
‘The
The EcoVadis assessment process is based on a detailed questionnaire supported by documented evidence. Submissions are reviewed by certified analysts, who evaluate the maturity and effectiveness of a company’s management systems and the extent to which sustainability principles are
Commenting on the recognition, Fenzi said the outcome confirms the depth and credibility of its sustainability initiatives and reflects compliance with internationally
Group described the award as the result of a structured and company-wide approach rather than a single initiative. Measures implemented over time include updated internal procedures, enhanced monitoring of sustainability performance and closer oversight of supply chain practices. ’
integrated into daily operations.
Fenzi said achieving the Silver level required long-term effort, coordination across departments and continued investment in governance structures and reporting systems.
The group described the award as the result of a structured and company-wide approach rather than a single initiative. Measures implemented over time include updated internal procedures, enhanced monitoring of sustainability performance and closer oversight of supply chain practices.
recognised ESG expectations. The company added that the assessment highlights progress made in areas ranging from resource efficiency and environmental impact reduction to ethical business conduct and responsible sourcing.
Looking ahead, Fenzi said it intends to continue developing its sustainability framework, building on the EcoVadis evaluation as a reference point for further improvement. The group plans to maintain its focus on process optimisation,
innovation and collaboration with partners and customers, with the aim of generating long-term value while aligning business growth with responsible practices.
Chemetall, the global surface-treatment business unit of BASF Coatings, provides advanced chemical solutions for metal, plastic and glass substrates. With a growing focus on the Asia-Pacific region – highlighted by expanded distribution partnerships in Southeast Asia – and a strong commitment to sustainability, including 100% renewable electricity at key sites, the company is well positioned to support the evolving glass industry. In this interview, Alain Bretthauer, global segment manager, glass, Chemetall, explains how Chemetall is helping glass manufacturers in Asia meet rising performance, design, and sustainability demands.
To begin, could you describe Chemetall’s role within BASF Coatings and how it serves the global glass industry – with specific emphasis on the AsiaPacific region?
Alain Bretthauer: Chemetall, as the global surface-treatment business unit of BASF Coatings, provides advanced surface-treatment technologies and solutions for metal and non-metallic substrates such as plastics and glass worldwide. In Asia-Pacific, we support glass manufacturers with a portfolio of processing solutions, including cutting fluids, coolants and interleaving powders. Our local technical experts and distribution partners ensure that solutions are tailored to specific needs, taking existing processes into account to help manufacturers achieve consistent quality and operational efficiency.
broader market expectations, and we remain committed to delivering reliable, efficient and more sustainable glass processing solutions.
Asia’s glass sector is evolving rapidly: what major trends are you seeing in the region, and how are these influencing demand for glass processing solutions?
Alain Bretthauer: Architectural innovation, automotive safety, solar glass for photovoltaic cells, and the adoption of smart glass are shaping the glass industry in Asia and all over the world. Increasing use of highly sophisticated glass is driving the demand for advanced glass processing solutions that enhance durability, safety and sustainability. Surface-treatment technologies manufacturers respond to new design and performance standards.
How did Chemetall perform in 2025 (globally and/ or in Asia-Pacific), especially within its glassindustry surface-treatment activities, and what were the key drivers of that performance?
Alain Bretthauer: Chemetall’s glass-industry activities have been shaped by continued demand for highperformance processing solutions, alongside the expansion of local partnerships, ensuring strong technical expertise for our customers. Our focus on innovation, sustainability and customer support reflects
Chemetall has highlighted innovations such as sustainable interleaving powders (and other advanced glass processing chemistries) for the glass industry. Could you explain how such products function, their sustainability benefits, and how they address specific needs in Asia?
Alain Bretthauer: Chemetall’s AC Separol interleaving powders protect glass surfaces during storage and transport, preventing damage, corrosion and destacking issues. Recent formulations, such as AC Separol ECO, are microplastic-free, biodegradable and based on renewable raw materials, supporting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements in Asia and globally. These products are easy to apply and remove, compatible with
downstream processes and help manufacturers maintain high quality while reducing environmental impact.
Sustainability is clearly central: for example, Chemetall’s site in Langelsheim now uses 100% renewable electricity as part of its global ambition to source 80% renewables by 2025. How does this sustainability focus translate into your glass industry solutions and support for glassmanufacturers in Asia?
Alain Bretthauer: Chemetall’s Langelsheim site operates fully on renewable electricity, reducing CO₂ emissions. Renewable electricity has also been introduced at a growing number of other sites, supporting the company’s goal of sourcing 80% renewable energy globally by 2025. In parallel, our glass-processing solutions support customers in improving process efficiency and reducing resource consumption. For instance, our Acecool grinding coolants, combined with flocculation chemicals used in a closed-loop system, can significantly reduce water consumption in glass grinding operations, while also helping to lower processing costs and increase productivity. Another example is the fully evaporating or washable range of Acecut cutting fluids, which are designed to minimise downstream processing issues and support low consumption with consistent edge quality.
What are the most significant production/ processing/handling challenges glass manufacturers in Asia face today? How do Chemetall’s technologies aim to address them?
Alain Bretthauer: Glass manufacturers in Asia encounter challenges such as reducing processing costs and improving protection during transport and storage of finished products. In many parts of the region, corrosion protection is a key concern due to demanding climate conditions. To address this, anticorrosion additives have been developed for several formulations of our AC Separol interleaving powders, helping to enhance protection during storage of finished glass products and prevent staining and corrosion. A comprehensive portfolio of cutting fluids, coolants and interleaving powders supports processing efficiency and surface protection throughout production. Technical support teams work closely with customers to address specific requirements and identify suitable solutions for consistent quality and more efficient operations.
Could you provide insight into Chemetall’s R&D and innovation pipeline, particularly any developments tailored to the Asian glass markets (for instance for high-performance coatings, smart glazing, lightweight substrates)?
Alain Bretthauer: Our R&D teams focus on developing technologies and solutions that address emerging
needs in glass manufacturing, such as smart glazing and lightweight substrates. By working closely with customers, collaborating with local experts and leveraging a global network of technology laboratories, innovations are developed to be relevant for manufacturers in Asia and other regions. Local technical teams play an important role in adapting solutions to market-specific and regulatory requirements, with sustainability and process efficiency remaining key priorities. One recent example is a range of boron-free Acecool grinding coolants, offering improved biostability, higher feed rates and reduced tool wear.
By working closely with customers, collaborating with local experts and leveraging a global network of technology laboratories, innovations are developed to be relevant for manufacturers in Asia and other regions.
How does Chemetall collaborate with glass producers, OEMs or regional partners in Asia (for example via application laboratories, local technical support, distribution networks) to customise solutions and accelerate uptake? Notably, you have expanded a distribution partnership in Southeast Asia.
Alain Bretthauer: We work closely with glass producers and partners through our technical support, joint development projects and training programmes. Our expanded distribution network and technical experts enable us to provide tailored solutions and rapid assistance, helping our customers implement new technologies very efficiently and with confidence. Local technical customer support remains an important element in ensuring solutions are effectively integrated into existing processes.
The expansion of smart glass, energy-efficient facades and lightweight automotive glazing in Asia presents new opportunities. In what ways are your existing or forthcoming solutions targeted at these applications?
Alain Bretthauer: Chemetall’s technologies, including cutting fluids, grinding coolants, flocculation additives and interleaving powders, support the production of smart glass, more energy-efficient facades and lightweight automotive glazing. These solutions are developed and formulated to enhance edge quality, durability and process efficiency, meeting the stringent requirements of modern glass applications in the Asian market.
From January 2026, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) enters its definitive phase, transforming carbon disclosure from a reporting exercise into a financial obligation for importers. While glass is not currently included in the initial list of covered products – cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity – the mechanism already carries significant implications for Asia’s glass industry, particularly for exporters supplying the European market.
CBAM’s core objective is to align the carbon cost of imported goods with those produced under the EU Emissions Trading System, reducing the risk of carbon leakage while reinforcing Europe’s climate targets. From 2026 onwards, EU importers must purchase CBAM certificates corresponding to the embedded emissions of covered goods. This shift effectively embeds carbon intensity into trade competitiveness, altering procurement behaviour across multiple industrial supply chains.
For Asian glass producers, the relevance lies less in immediate taxation and more in market expectations. Glass is an energyintensive material, and it sits alongside aluminium and steel in architectural, automotive and infrastructure applications. As CBAM increases the cost and scrutiny of these adjacent materials, European buyers are becoming more sensitive to the carbon footprint of all construction inputs –including those not yet formally regulated at the border.
One of the most pressing challenges for Asian exporters is emissions transparency. Many glass manufacturers across China, India and Southeast Asia still lack plantlevel systems for measuring and reporting Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions with the consistency and verification standards increasingly expected by European customers. While CBAM legislation places reporting obligations on EU importers, the practical burden of data provision falls on non-EU suppliers. Producers unable to supply credible emissions data risk losing preferred supplier status or facing downward price pressure.
This challenge is amplified by the structure of the Asian glass industry itself. Large, export-oriented producers may have begun investing in energy monitoring, efficiency upgrades and environmental reporting, but smaller and mid-sized players – particularly those operating older furnaces – remain exposed. As EU buyers attempt to de-risk their supply chains, carbon transparency is emerging as a commercial differentiator rather than a regulatory formality.
Cost dynamics also deserve attention. Even without a direct CBAM levy on glass, producers face indirect exposure through higher electricity prices, increased soda ash costs, and tighter environmental compliance across upstream inputs. At the same time, European customers facing CBAM charges on metals and cement may attempt to offset rising costs elsewhere in the supply chain, intensifying price
negotiations with glass suppliers. Looking ahead, CBAM should be viewed as a template, not a fixed endpoint. European policymakers have signalled that the mechanism may expand to additional sectors once the initial phase is stabilised. Given glass’s emissions intensity and its role in construction and manufacturing, inclusion in a future CBAM phase remains a realistic possibility. By 2026, the systems, methodologies and expectations surrounding carbon accounting will already be established – leaving late adopters with limited strategic flexibility.
For Asia’s glass industry, the lesson is clear. CBAM is not simply a European trade measure targeting other sectors; it is a signal of how carbon performance will increasingly shape global materials trade. Producers that treat 2026 as a preparation year – investing in emissions measurement, efficiency improvements and data transparency – will be better positioned to retain access to premium markets. Those that do not risk finding themselves priced out, not by tariffs, but by readiness.
Sources (for editorial reference)
• European Commission – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism official documentation
• EU CBAM Regulation and implementing acts (2023–2025)
• World Economic Forum analysis on CBAM and global supply chains
• Industry responses and consultation submissions from European glass associations
• EU ETS and CBAM simplification updates adopted in late 2025
For nearly 80 years, HFT has developed a reputation as a leading EPC contractor to the global glass industry, having completed over 300 EPC projects in 47 countries for Float Glass, Container Glass, Fiberglass, and more. HFT has consistently delivered quality, efficient, and innovative project solutions. This performance, plus our commitment to customer satisfaction, makes us the clear single-source choice to take your next project from concept to completion.
Capabilities include:
- Turnkey Factories - Construction Services
- Melting Furnaces - Project Management
- Production Technology- Audits & Maintenance
- Design & Engineering
Following a successful trial, Wiegand-Glas has installed six SmartLine 2 inspection machines equipped with Ranger 2 optical check devices for its Ernstthal plant in Thuringia, Germany.
Wiegand-Glas has been established for more than 450 years and makes around 8 million bottles a day at four glass plants. Its plant in Ernstthal, Thuringia makes about 1.3 million bottles a day and specialises in short runs and complex shapes for the spirits industry. As part of its furnace renovation programme last year, Wiegand sought new hot and cold end equipment to optimise performance.
The plant’s high output of non-round containers was the primary reason to test Heye SmartLine 2 with Ranger 2 technology. It also has a colourant forehearth and extra flint containers. Such high-quality glass containers have very tight specifications and, therefore, require the most accurate inspection equipment to remove all defects without over-rejecting and making the plant less productive than it should be.
Heye International has a decade long relationship with the glassmakers at Ernstthal, having first installed equipment there in 2012. Over the years, Heye machines have proved to be stable and very robust.
The company installed a test line at the plant so Wiegand could assess whether or not they wanted to invest in Ranger 2. Heye engineers were confident the system could handle non-round containers better than its competitors. Wiegand tested the machines with a range of different toolings and various non-round container shapes and sizes.
“Our glassmakers are highly skilled and know what good glassmaking looks like,” says Dr. Thomas Struppert, CEO of Wiegand-Glas. “We soon realized the advantages of Heye’s SmartLine 2. It handles complex containers in a fast and stable manner and provides excellent data to help us rectify problems before they multiply.”
At the hot end, Heye installed a new Multi-weight assortment feeder, part of the company’s Industry 4.0 Smart Plant initiative.
It uses a servo drive control, in combination with a servo plunger and dual motor shears, to deliver gobs of different weights to the same IS machine, even in NNPB format.
This allows Wiegand to produce a variety of containers simultaneously on one forming line. Heye has overhauled and upgraded the line’s existing servo plunger and dual motor shears as part of the contract.
The plunger and shears work in tandem to ensure less energy is used and no gob is wasted. It is perfect for samplings and short runs and means that downtime is reduced to a minimum. The manufacturer needs fewer moulds for each low volume item and fewer machine-wide job changes, so longer jobs keep running alongside several shorter ones.
defect time and again. Ranger 2 is effective at detecting defects and relaying information regarding which machine sections are affected. It is based on a fixed camera position, with a higher accuracy than other systems, which are available in the market. Ranger 2 performs reliably across different sample types and inspection challenges.
Uwe Schitter concludes, “A specialist glass plant like Wiegand Ernstthal is made for Ranger 2. We tested all its capabilities and it passed with flying colours. Now it is running on all six lines after furncace reconstruction last summer.”
Wiegand-Glas speaks of itself as a company where experience meets the latest technology and an innovative spirit. Its partnership with Heye International demonstrates all of these qualities.
At the cold end, Heye installed six SmartLine 2 machines. These are all equipped with Ranger 2 optical check detection devices. This modular system allows users to capture five images simultaneously through one camera to check different aspects of the container, such as horizontal, vertical, bottom, and shoulder.
The bottles tested at Ernstthal were largely heavy, premium containers. Uwe Schitter, Head of Cold End at Heye International, says that “Heye Smartline 2 is just as comfortable in this complex environment as it is in a high-speed NNPB scenario.” Wiegand-Glas sees lightweighting as a key part of its sustainability strategy.
The SmartLine 2 interface controls the parameters for each job and gives the operator full visibility and detailed feedback on the check results. The SmartLine 2 can be configured to the customer’s precise specifications through this intuitive graphic interface. One of its core competences is non-round containers, which is such an important consideration for Wiegand-Glas given Ernstthal’s high value, specialist, short-run product mix.
SmartLine 2 with Ranger 2 addresses the key challenges of modern container glass inspection. It is fast and runs accurately at speed with different types of bottles. It offers repeatability, spotting the same
The Wiegand-Glas group with more than 2,100 employees looks back on more than 450 years of history and a wealth of experience in the development and production of container glass. With a pioneering spirit and a passion for packaging, Wiegand-Glas is today one of the most successful container glass manufacturers in Europe. In four glass plants equipped with state-of-the-art technology in Bavaria and Thuringia, the family-run company produces more than 8 million bottles and jars in various shapes and colours per day for the food and beverage bottling industry all over the world. With its glass, PET, logistics and energy divisions, the company supports its customers throughout the entire process and supplies packaging concepts from a single source.
Based at Obernkirchen, Germany, Heye International GmbH is one of the container glass industry’s foremost suppliers of production technology, high performance equipment and production knowhow. Its mechanical engineering has set industry standards for more than six decades. The company’s vision is to ensure highly cost-effective, sustainable and safe operation of glassworks worldwide to strengthen the position of glass as the packaging material of the future. Extensive industry expertise, combined with the positive attitude and enthusiasm of Heye International employees is mirrored by the company motto ‘We are Glass People’. Its three sub-brands HiPERFORM, HiSHIELD and HiTRUST form the Heye Smart Plant portfolio, addressing the glass industry’s hot end, cold end and service requirements respectively.
Rohan Gunasekera.
A new curve in Asian architecture
Building owners, architects and construction companies are adopting curved glass and facade articulation with enthusiasm across Asia. The trend is supported by developments in glass processing technology that makes possible shaping building surfaces in ways not possible earlier.
Imaginative designers are using technological advances in glass processing to make buildings more interesting to look at, as opposed to the dull, monolithic appearance of skyscrapers that have filled cities till now. Facade articulation is a kind of trick that aims to break up large flat surfaces of massive, squat building forms and make them more visually appealing.
Why curved glass costs more
Curved glass is more costly to make and install than normal flat glazing. It requires advanced manufacturing machinery and expertise and installation skills as well as more rigorous and careful handling and inspection.
Making and installing curved glass is more technical and complex than traditional flat glass surfaces, especially with complex coatings required to comply with modern building energy regulations.
The higher cost of curved glass and technical difficulties involved in their use is seen as limiting its more widespread adoption, especially in smallerscale projects and emerging markets.
Another problem is that there is not enough skilled labour needed to make and install curved glass.
The specialised nature of curved glass makes the employment of highly trained professionals with expertise in working with the product essential.
Uncertainties over trade tariffs and slow growth in advanced economies have slowed demand for glass in architectural markets but glass makers report continued demand for curved glass from the automotive sector, especially from electric vehicles production.
The popularity of curved glass has led to big glass manufacturers seeking to expand their product portfolio and market share by acquiring smaller firms that specialise in curved glass technology.
Bending coated glass; A specialist skill
As Guardian Glass puts it; “‘Not everybody can do it’.” To meet the latest
building energy regulations, the company says, you need to use complex, coated types of glass, which are mechanically and chemically sensitive. So, it’s difficult to bend them without damage or losses in terms of yield. It means that bending modern architectural coated glass has become a serious specialisation.
Constraints in building materials that inhibited architects when creating a building, are beginning to ease when it comes to glass facades and particularly curved glass, Guardian Glass says.
“For the last two decades, advances have been made in terms of production processes and glass types, offering tighter radii, increased widths, and larger overall dimensions.
“Design creativity can be unleashed in the form of new surfaces, contours and shapes, including conical, spherical and free-form 3D, while corners and edges can be softened into curves.”
Henan Zhongbo Glass Co., Ltd., says that in modern architectural design, curved glass has emerged as a defining element – offering aesthetic elegance, structural flexibility and enhanced performance.
“Curved glass opens up possibilities in architecture that flat panels simply cannot match. It allows for smooth, continuous lines, wrap-around corners, and organically shaped structures that seamlessly blend with the building form.,” the company says.
“The use of bent or curved glazing creates a sense of flow and movement, giving facades and interiors a distinctive character.”
Advanced manufacturing capabilities - such as deep-processing for ultra-large sizes – possessed by Henan Zhongbo Glass, enable designers to explore complex geometries.
“Creating high-quality curved glass demands advanced technology and precise control,” the company says. Key factors include glass bending or tempering, uniform curvature, minimal distortion, edge integrity, and compatibility with coatings or laminations.
Beyond aesthetics, curved glass offers structural advantages, the company says. Its geometry contributes to increased rigidity and can distribute loads differently compared to flat panels. This makes it suitable for high-profile
applications like atriums, roofing systems, skylights or facade systems where wind load, deflection and structural integration are critical.
Curved glass is especially powerful in maximising natural light and panoramic views. When shaped into continuous or circumferential glazing, it reduces visual interruptions and enhances the experience of openness.
At the same time, modern curved glass systems can incorporate low-E coatings, insulated glazing units (IGUs), and laminated safety layers –thereby contributing to energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Curved glass is increasingly found in high-rise commercial towers, museum exteriors, and high-end retail stores.
While curved glass offers substantial benefits, it involves higher complexity and cost compared to flat glass. Key factors include precise tolerance control for curvature and fit-up, transportation and handling of large or heavy curved panels, and co-ordination between glass fabrication, framing systems and facade installers.
According to a recent study on structural aspects of using glass in facades, glass is a unique structural material that combines transparency, aesthetics and mechanical performance, making it one of the most important
components in contemporary facade engineering.
“Technological progress in glass production has directly fuelled the development of advanced facade systems,” says the study by researchers at the Silesian University of Technology and Warsaw University of Technology in Poland, Europe’s second-largest producer of flat glass.
“In large-scale building construction, including multi-storey and highrise buildings, unitised facade systems dominate. These systems consist of prefabricated, standardised modules manufactured under factory conditions and transported to the construction site, which significantly reduces installation time and cost.”
One of the most notable technological achievements in recent years has been the modification of float furnace technology, allowing for the production of glass in dimensions beyond standard formats, the study notes.
Moreover, tempering and lamination processes have also been adapted for oversized glass, enabling the implementation of increasingly ambitious fully glazed facades made with structural glass elements.
The development of glass as a structural material is supported by numerous scientific studies. These efforts have led to the initiation of work on design standards for structural glass elements which will significantly facilitate the structural design of glass in the future.
Facade design is inherently one involving different methods, requiring the satisfaction of diverse performance demands, ranging from usability and technical performance to structural integrity and durability.
The complexity of these requirements can lead to errors not only during the design stage, but also during construction and maintenance, often resulting in damage and the need for replacement of facade components.
When designing glass facades, attention must also be paid to their service life, which is typically estimated at 20-25 years, the study notes. After this period, facades tend to lose their aesthetic, functional, technical, and mechanical properties, necessitating replacement or refurbishment.
Today, the metal-glass facade sector has become one of the most rapidly developing and innovative segments in construction – particularly in terms of material, structural, and functional solutions.
One of the case studies of notable architectural applications mentioned in the study to illustrate current trends and engineering challenges is the Beijing City Library.
Each panel in this building was designed as an insulating glass unit (IGU) with a total thickness of 133.6 millimetres (mm) and a weight of 11.5 tonnes. The flat glass panels form zigzag-shaped facade walls.
The zigzag geometry, together with the substantial thickness of the panels, provides the necessary stiffness to resist wind loads.
Each IGU panel consists of a laminated outer pane, made up of five layers of glass and an inner pane composed of two layers of fully tempered glass laminated with 1.52 mm thick interlayer.
The IGU cavity, fitted with a warm-edge spacer, has a width of 20 mm. The joints between adjacent glass panels are sealed using structural silicone sealant.
The Beijing City Library used ultra clear glass made by Jinjing Group and processed by NorthGlass. The architectural project was designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, known for work using curved glass.
According to Jinjing Group, the library project took fan-shaped ginkgo biloba leaves as the design concept, with each tree-shaped column being composed of laminated glass with seven layers of 15mm ultra clear glass.
A total of 276 pieces of jumbo size, tempered double silver ultra clear Low-E glass panels are used.
The building is like an open ‘forest umbrella’, with the glass facade creating an excellent reading condition with natural temperature, light, and space.
Jinjing Group says that bigger, more complex glass panels are now in demand with the development of modern architecture, super high-rise buildings, widespan architecture, and special-shaped structures.
NorthGlass, known for its skills in curved and jumbo glass, says the ultra-large glass panels are arranged in a striking zigzag pattern, so each supports the other as rib glass to create unique visual and structural effects.
The angles between the adjacent panels vary from 74 to 133 degrees. The glass panels have a maximum height reaching up to 15.6 metres and are approximately 2.5 metres in width.
NorthGlass also manufactured the curved glass roof of the recently opened FENIX Migration Museum on the Maas River in Rotterdam.
At the heart of the design is the dramatic ‘Tornado’ double-helix viewing platform, piercing a complex 3D curved glass roof.
The roof is made up of 255 panels featuring single curves, spherical curves, and concave bends. Each panel combines laminated IGU with double silver Low-E coating, delivering energy performance and structural safety.
THE POPULARITY OF CURVED GLASS HAS LED TO BIG GLASS MANUFACTURERS
The project required extreme precision, with edge tolerances within ±4 mm and step deviations under 2 mm, pushing the limits of manufacturing processes and quality stability, with NorthGlass drawing on its deep experience in complex curved glass fabrication.
Curved glass is an essential element of modern, free form architecture, NorthGlass says. To meet the current market requirements NorthGlass curved glass is produced by using three different production processes: cylindrical curved, heat strengthened glass; annealed, gravity bent glass; and cold bend glass which is bent during the lamination process.
Depending on the glass build up, coatings and bending geometry, dimensions of 3.6 metres x 18.0 metres are achievable.
NorthGlass says its core production sector is the tempering furnace division which has broken records with equipment such as the 2.85 metre x 5 metre bent tempering furnace, the 4.5 metre x 2.85 metre bent glass tempering furnace, and 3.618 metre flat/bent glass tempering furnace.
The Beijing City Library was China’s first self-supporting glass facade project, according to Snohetta, its designer.
“Because of the highly transparent building façade, the library reveals itself and its inner activities to passers-by, inviting them into this generous space,” Snøhetta says.
“Beijing library aims to set a new benchmark for future library design in many aspects – from building and enclosure technology, social and environmental sustainability, to public ownership in cultural spaces.”
Snohetta also incorporated curved glass in its design of the 213 metre-tall, mixed-use Airside Tower in Hong Kong, taking inspiration from the territory’s
textile industry history.
“Its facade is composed of gently curved fluting glass, creating a visual effect that recalls the sinuous drapes and folds of fabric,” Snohetta says.
Another landmark high-rise in Asia that uses curved glass is the Opus building in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates which was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, also known for their work with curved glass.
The hollowed-out facade of The Opus consists of 4,300 single and double curved glass panels, covering an area of 6,000 square metres. The panels are made of 8mm Low-E glass, with two layers of 6mm clear glass and 1.52mm plastic laminate.
Zaha Hadid Architects also designed The Henderson skyscraper in Hong Kong.
Structural glass for the 200-metre-tall tower was supplied by seele, which did the double-curved glass facades for the podium and tower top.
This included construction, fabrication and installation of various facade types up to level 6, plus design and execution of the all-glass structure for the banquet hall on levels 37 and 38, consisting of 132 curved roof panels and 119 structural glass fins.
To withstand high wind loads from Hong Kong’s frequent typhoons, seele designed and made thick glass laminates with up to seven 15 mm layers for the building’s lower areas.
At the top of The Henderson tower, seele installed large-format panels on both the vertical facade and the roof with supporting glass fins which ensure high transparency and offer a panoramic view.
Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington (SYP) supplied the laminated safety glass for the supertall, aerodynamic Shanghai Tower, which has an unusual twisting double skin glass facade.
It has 127 floors above the ground and five floors below ground level.
According to Aurecon, which did the facades and building services engineering design for building, at 632 metres tall, the Shanghai Centre is China’s tallest building. It is one of the world’s tallest double-skinned towers.
With two layers of glass and consequently enhanced environmental control, double skin facades help reduce buildings’ energy consumption, though the initial construction cost is generally higher compared to the conventional single
skin facades.
“It is an excellent example of collaboration between structure, facade and architecture,” Aurecon says.
To avoid construction issues relating to incompatible movement and tolerances between the structural frame and cladding elements, wind testing and analysis was undertaken to ensure that creep, column shortening, wind and seismic effects were not going to affect the building’s facade.
The facade system design achieves tolerances from -10 mm to +19 mm from thermal, wind pressure, seismic load, fabrication and installation movements.
To accommodate thermal movements, the connection details were developed to accept up to 120 mm of vertical differential movement while still achieving an architectural elegance in appearance.
The inner facade system functions on a circle plan with fully unitised curtain wall, and the outer system on the twisted and tapered form.
The tower’s intelligent double-skin is setting new benchmarks in supertall building facade design, as the twisted feature of the tower is an innovative upward spiralling design that reduces wind loads and captures rainwater which can be used for the building’s air conditioning and central heating systems, Aurecon says.
It also provides better control on solar energy entering the tower building, resulting in lower power usage.
Shanghai Tower Construction & Development Company, the building’s owner, says it was the first skyscraper clad in a curved glass curtain wall about 140,000 square metres in size, and the tallest adjustable curtain wall support structure designed and built in China.
Shanghai Tower architect Gensler anticipated that three important design concepts could reduce typhoon-level wind loads common to Shanghai: the asymmetry of the tower’s facade, its tapering shape, and consistently rounded corners.
To refine the tower’s shape, Gensler worked with partner engineering firms Thornton Tomasetti and RWDI to conduct a series of wind tunnel tests to simulate typhoon-like conditions. Results yielded a structure and shape that reduced the lateral loads to the tower by 24% – with each five percent reduction saving about $12 million in construction costs. This equates to about $50 million in savings in the building structure alone.
In the exterior curtain wall system, Gensler says it decided that a single piece of glass should not be larger than 2.3 metres in width to accommodate Chinese floating, coating and thermal glass–processing capabilities.
The custom-casting design includes cold-bending of the glass to accommodate geometric change. Hot bending was not an option due to high cost and the limited number of curtain wall fabricators who could successfully produce a final system.
According to Gensler, its facade design team had a key goal in mind – designing a system that will achieve flexibility for procurement and encourage competition between the best fabricators in China and elsewhere in the world, allowing the client more balanced and controlled cost.
Much of the attention in use of curved and structural glass has been on China, and other East Asian countries where supertall buildings have mushroomed in recent years.
A market that architects and builders are enthusiastic about in future is India, which has several glass processors offering curved glass and where supertall buildings are beginning to emerge.
The one gaining the most attention now is the SAS Crown, in Hyderabad, South India’s tallest residential building with 58 floors, to be completed in 2026, and designed by architects Aedas, known for their work with curved glass.
The luxury residential development features five towers that rise to 235m.
More such high-rises are likely given the size of India’s population, urbanisation and the country’s economic growth that will provide work for glass processors.
According to FG Glass, curved glass is becoming a favoured choice among architects and designers.
Curved glass not only enhances the aesthetics of a building but also plays a significant role in maximising the use of natural light.
The smooth curvature allows light to enter from multiple angles, illuminating interior spaces more evenly compared to flat glass panels.
This contributes to brighter, more welcoming spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting and promoting energy efficiency.
“Architects can achieve stunning curved facades without compromising on safety,” FG Glass says, noting that contrary to what one might think, curved glass is not just about aesthetics – it also boasts superior structural strength.
“Through advanced manufacturing processes like lamination and tempering, curved glass can be made to withstand substantial pressure, making it highly durable and resistant to environmental forces such as wind loads and impacts.
“This makes it ideal for use in high-rise buildings and other structures where both safety and design are critical considerations.”
As cities across Asia push for more expressive architecture and higher environmental performance, curved glass is shifting from a design statement to an industrial capability. Advances in processing, coatings and jumbo fabrication are expanding what is technically possible, while iconic projects are redefining market expectations. For glass manufacturers, processors and machinery suppliers, mastery of curvature is fast becoming a marker of competitiveness in the next phase of architectural development.
Packaging in Asia’s beverage industry has evolved from a functional necessity into a critical brand and commercial differentiator. Driven by lifestyle changes, sustainability concerns, and premiumisation, beverage producers are re-evaluating packaging formats across categories. In this feature, Yogender Singh Malik examines the key trends shaping beverage packaging in Asia.
Gone are the days when beverage producers used to package their offerings in the format most convenient to them. Today, packaging has evolved into a powerful style statement and a key differentiator in the highly competitive beverage industry. Across categories and price points, packaging formats are competing aggressively to capture consumer attention, enhance brand identity, and gain market share within individual beverage sub-segments.
Packaging in the beverage industry has come a long way from its humble beginnings at the start of the 20th century. It has evolved through various stages during the past 125 years. Today, packaging plays a vital role in the beverage industry, influencing consumer behaviour, making a product successful, and impacting the environment. As industry moves forward, the challenge lies in developing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that meet the needs and desires of consumers while maintaining profitability for the producers.
Driven by product differentiation, cost considerations, consumer demands, ease of transport, suitability for modern retail and technological breakthroughs, packaging has emerged as an integral part of the beverage industry.
Increased on-the-go consumption, working couples and increasing disposable incomes have considerably changed the dynamics of packaging styles, types and formats in the last two decades.
While three decades back almost all beverage consumption used to be through glass bottles (cans were new in Asian countries while PET had not become so popular), current beverage packaging consumption is a mix of container glass, PET, cans and carton packs. Along with a host of opportunities, packaging has also brought a number of challenges for beverage producers. Apart from a substantial investment in packaging media, the choice of the right packaging can make or break a brewer’s product.
In recent years, with the advent of other forms of packaging, the priority given to packaging issues by brewers has increased manifold. While, first and foremost, packaging needs to appeal to the consumer, to be successful it also needs to cater to every intermediary along the chain. Whether it is the weight of the package or designs that fit into the specifications of the wholesaler
(distributor) or size and configuration to match the needs of the retailer.
Glass versus can versus PET versus carton pack
Four packaging formats – container glass, PET containers, metal cans and carton packs – dominate the beverage industry packaging landscape.
Container glass, the oldest of these four formats, dominated the beverage packaging industry for most of its history. The beverage industry, encompassing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic segments, is the largest segment for the container glass industry. It offers a dynamic and rapidly growing market for the region’s container glass producers. One of the key advantages of the container glass packaging industry is its sustainability. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for packaging solutions that are eco-friendly and reduce waste. Container glass scores over other forms of packaging on this aspect.
Metal cans, which started to make inroads in the 1990s, have gained market share in beer and carbonated beverage categories. Led by Japan, and followed by Thailand, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and India in that order, can packaging has made inroads into these two segments, which were container glass strongholds till about a quarter century ago.
Metal can production, however, is an energy-intensive exercise. Aluminium is notably energy-intensive to manufacture from raw materials – mining, crushing and heating bauxite to produce aluminium cans requires a huge amount of energy. According to the America Ceramics Society (ACS), compared to the estimated 1.09 kilowatt-hours of energy required to manufacture a glass bottle, an aluminium can requires nearly twice as much energy, at 2.07 kilowatthours, to manufacture from raw bauxite.
A lifecycle assessment conducted by the ACS comparing 500-ml aluminium cans and glass bottles for packaging beer concluded that aluminium cans result in greater depletion of freshwater resources, higher generation of greenhouse gas emissions and greater consumption of electricity and oil than glass bottles.
PET packaging, which started to become popular in the non-alcoholic beverage industry since the start of the current century, has a significant market
share in carbonated and non-carbonated non-alcoholic beverage sub-segments. However, increased health awareness among consumers, suitability of PET packaging in hot climates and regulatory restrictions are some of the factors that will be detrimental for the producers of this packaging format, ultimately leading to benefits for container glass producers.
Container glass producers started to offer lightweight container glass products to beverage producers to beat the competition from PET and metal packaging, both of which were far lighter compared with glass bottles.
Beer producers across the continent have started to use lightweight glass bottles in large proportions. In the hard spirits category, the mid and economy segments are also key consumers of these bottles. Wine producers, which were initially hesitant to use lightweight glass bottles, have increasingly opted for these bottles during the last few years. The average weight of still wine bottles (globally) decreased to less than 450 grams in 2024.
On the production side, almost all the major container glass producers in the continent offer lightweight container glass bottles to suit beverage producers.
On the downside, production of lighter glass bottles demands advanced technical capabilities and expertise, which come with higher initial costs, as compared to conventional container glass bottles. However, longer-term savings in raw materials, energy and transport offset this initial investment in production technology.
producers. The traditional approach to packaging in the alcoholic beverage industry relied heavily on unit cost reduction. During the first decade of the century, alcoholic beverage producers experimented with alternative forms of packaging. However, most of them have again adapted to container glass packaging. While cost efficiency for the alcoholic beverage producers still matters, it is not the only criterion.
Spirits are predominantly packaged in glass containers in Asia. In fact, container glass is the gold standard of packaging in the spirits industry. Associated with luxury and sophistication, container glass plays a significant role in influencing consumer perception in the spirits industry. The tactile feel, clarity and visual appeal of glass enhance the premium image of the product, making it the material of choice for mid and high-end brands. There has been a noticeable shift towards premium and high-quality products in the Asian spirits market. With the continued growth of the middle class and urbanisation, consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for premium offerings, driven by a desire for sophistication and status. Container glass, which is the only choice for these premium and luxury brands, is expected to gain from this premiumisation drive. From a profitability aspect, the premium spirits sub-segment is one of the most lucrative sub-segments for the container glass industry in the beverage category.
Baijiu in China, whisky in India, soju in South Korea, sake in Japan and Mekhong in Thailand are some of the largest demand drivers of container glass in the Asian spirits industry.
Alcoholic beverages are the mainstay of the container glass industry in Asian countries. A number of Asian countries have robust alcoholic beverage industries, which are experiencing very healthy growth rates year after year, providing regional container glass producers with a huge market to cater to. Container glass has a dominant market share in the alcoholic beverage industry. This is particularly evident in segments like beer (nearly 68% market share) and wine (92% market share), where glass remains the material of choice for packaging.
China, India, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and Thailand have vast alcoholic industries and represent the largest market segment for container glass
Wine
Wine packaging is single-handedly dominated by container glass in Asian countries. Though the continent is not among the large wine producing regions, recent growth in wine production in China and India has offered container glass producers in these countries a sizable market to cater to.
In addition to China and India, the wine industry in Japan is also growing rapidly. According to Japanese government data, as of 2024, there were 493 wineries in the country, a quantum jump from 238 in 2003, which means more than doubling in 16 years. Out of a total of 47 prefectures, wineries are located in 46 prefectures, indicating significant potential for wine production.
In addition to regional wine production, bulk import of wines and their repackaging in the respective Asian countries also offers container glass producers huge opportunities and a substantial market to cater to.
Beer
Packaging accounts for a significant proportion of the total cost of production in the beer industry. There are a number of factors that determine the final choice of packaging for a brewer. A careful analysis of all of these factors and a cost benefit analysis leads to the final decision on packaging for beer products.
The overall cost of packaging, which includes costs like primary packaging cost (i.e. cost of glass containers or aluminium cans), transportation cost of packaging material to the brewery and transportation cost from the brewery to the point of consumption, recycling cost and indirect cost of convenience (or non-convenience), is the main criterion for choosing a particular packaging format in the beer industry.
Billions of litres of beer are consumed in Asian countries each year, making it the most popular alcoholic drink. Brewers typically use either container glass or aluminum cans to package beer.
Container glass was the only medium of beer consumption in most of the Asian countries till the early 1990s. However, the popularity of canned beers started to gain momentum from the second half of that decade. Since then, container glass has lost its market share to metal cans due to changes in consumer behaviour, consumption patterns and supply chain challenges. Currently, beer in cans accounts for a sizable proportion of total beer consumed in the continent.
As compared to their European counterparts, Asian countries were late adopters of metal cans. But during the last three decades, metal cans have been able to penetrate the beer packaging market in a number of countries in the region.
Japan, South Korea and Thailand are some of the highest per capita users of metal cans for beer packaging. Some of the largest consuming nations such as China, Vietnam, and India have also increased the share of metal packaging in the beer industry during the last few years.
Often termed as the silent salesman in the non-alcoholic beverage industry, packaging plays a very important role in the promotion and sales of the products. A number of packaging industry stakeholders are of the opinion that packaging in the non-alcoholic beverage segment plays a far more important role than that in the alcoholic segment, as consumers in the former often experiment with rival brands. Attractive and innovative packaging plays a major role in brand switching.
Packaging in this sub-segment is more varied (compared with the alcoholic beverage category) in the non-alcoholic beverage industry. It is true that the container glass industry has lost significant market share in the non-alcoholic beverage subsegment in most of the countries in the region. However, container glass is making a comeback in some of the premium sub-segments in this category. Though, currently, the volume of container glass in this category is not very substantial, with rising consumer awareness it is expected to add significant market share for container glass producers.
An executive from Gujarat-based Sunrise Glass tells Asian Glass: “Packaging is one of the first things
APART FROM A SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT IN PACKAGING MEDIA, THE CHOICE OF THE RIGHT PACKAGING CAN MAKE OR BREAK A BREWER’S PRODUCT.
Major brewers and their glass supplier in China
Glass supplier Brewer/s
Hebei Yanjing Glass Products Co Ltd
Yanjing Brewery
Shenzhen Tongchan Packaging Group Shenzhen Jinwei, Carlsberg, and Zhujiang Brewery
Yamamura Glass Qinhuangdao Co Ltd AB InBev China
Shandong Huapeng Glass
Qinhuangdao Suokun Daily Glassware
Group Co Ltd
Guangdong Huaxing Glass Co Ltd
Qingdao Laoshan Glass Co Ltd
Qingdao Rongtai Glass Products Co Ltd
Guilin Jingsheng Glass Co Ltd
Shandong Jingyao Glass Group
China Resource Beer
Yanjing Beer, China Resource Beer, AB InBev, Xuejin Beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Harbin Beer
Yanjing Beer, AB InBev, Pearl River
Tsingtao Beer
Tsingtao Brewery
Tsingtao Beer, Yanjing Beer, CR Snow
Tsingtao Brewery
people notice when buying a non-alcoholic beverage. Attractive packaging helps products stand out in the cluttered competitive shelf, thereby impacting consumer choice. This is particularly true in the case of new product launches. Container glass scores very high on this matrix. In fact, container glass packaging provides protection to beverage contents better than all the other formats.”
From a packaging industry perspective, the non-alcoholic beverage industry is classified into two key sub-segments, carbonates and noncarbonates. In the packaging of carbonated beverage products, metal and PET packaging has taken away a large share of the total market from container glass producers in most of the Asian countries.
“We have come a long way from the days when packaging in the beverage industry was merely a functional necessity. It has emerged into a strategic differentiator that can set brands apart in increasingly cluttered and competitive markets. Great packaging communicates brand identity, enhances consumer experience, and leads to higher profits for beverage producers. Beverage producers that recognize packaging as a source of competitive advantage can leverage it to influence purchasing decisions, strengthen loyalty and achieve higher sales,” Vijay Sangwan, a distributor of Lahori Jeera, a carbonated beverage offering in Meerut, tells Asian Glass in a conversation.
Container glass bottles in the carbonated beverage category have lost their market share despite their capability for preserving the fizz better than PET bottles. In a random telephonic survey conducted by Asian Glass in four major cities of India, more than half of the participants said carbonated beverages taste better in glass bottles as compared to other formats.
Along with better fizz preservation and aesthetically pleasing looks, container glass bottle usage in carbonated beverages is also practical. Glass, unlike PET bottles, does not alter the taste of these products if kept in packaging for a period of more than 45 days. Glass containers also keep these drinks cooler for longer periods. This is ideal for hot summer days, which are the longest season in most of the countries of the region.
Non-carbonated beverages and juices, which have become a larger subsegment than carbonates in the non-alcoholic category, have also seen a decline in the market share of container glass in most of the countries in the region. Changing lifestyles, on-the-go consumption and modern retail and distribution channels/chains are some of the major factors behind this decline.
Vivek Khurana, store manager at the Rohini (Delhi) outlet of Reliance
Mart, one of the largest retail chains in India, tells Asian Glass: “Rising competition from alternative materials, especially PET bottles in nonalcoholic beverages and metal packaging in beer sub-segment, has led to declining market share of container glass bottles in the modern retail business. To succeed in the modern retail environment for beverage packaging, glass packaging producers need to bring some innovation.”
The road ahead
Container glass plays an important role in the beverage packaging industry. Despite the rise of alternative packaging options, the future of container glass in Asia’s beverage markets looks bright. Innovations such as lightweight glass bottles are addressing concerns around transportation costs and environmental impact, while reinforcing glass’s sustainability credentials. Advanced decorative techniques, including UV printing and frosting, further enhance differentiation, giving container glass a unique look that remains difficult to replicate in other packaging formats.
Container glass is expected to dominate spirits and wine packaging across Asia for the foreseeable future, offering a compelling combination of tradition, functionality, luxury and visual appeal.
Low-emissivity glass and advanced coating technologies are rapidly reshaping Asia’s construction and manufacturing landscape. Driven by tightening energy regulations, green building mandates and strong regional investment, Asia has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing market for energy-efficient coated glass, with China, Japan and South Korea leading innovation, production and adoption, says Jahir Ahmed.
Rising demand for energy-efficient coated glass
Low-E, or low-emissivity, coated energy-efficient glass, alongside reflective, anti-reflective, and smart glass technologies, is becoming increasingly prevalent across Asia. According to industry sources, these technologies are addressing the region’s evolving demand for energy efficiency while supporting the efficient and sustainable operation of flat glass plants.
The broader trend towards sustainability is reshaping the construction industry, with an increasing emphasis on green building initiatives and energyefficient materials. Low-E coatings and coated glass are primarily used in the building, automotive, solar glass and electronic industries, which together account for the majority of global demand.
Policy drivers and sustainability mandates
Global and regional policy mandates are accelerating the adoption of Low-E glass to meet increasingly strict sustainability standards. Key drivers include the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in Europe, the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), and the Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC) in India.
Low-E glass coatings play a critical role in achieving these sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption, improving indoor thermal comfort and lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with building operations.
Raw materials and coating technologies
Low-E coatings primarily use silver and metal oxides, including tin oxide, zinc oxide and titanium oxide, as raw materials. In Asian glass plants, the application of these materials does not significantly improve power efficiency during manufacturing itself. Instead, their main impact lies in the end-use phase, where they substantially increase the energy efficiency of buildings in which the glass is installed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Low-E coatings are microscopically thin, transparent layers deposited onto the surface of glass. Silver is the most widely used and influential material in sputtered soft-coat Low-E coatings due to its exceptional ability to reflect longwave infrared light’s heat radiation while allowing visible light to pass through. By contrast, pyrolytic hard-coat Low-E glass typically uses a more durable, fused layer of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), applied during the hightemperature float glass process. Another important application is indium tin oxide (ITO), which is primarily used in electronics such as touch panels and LCDs,
but is also utilised for specialised high-performance Low-E coatings requiring high electrical conductivity.
ITO-coated glass is considered a Low-E material that functions as an infraredreflecting coating. It allows visible light to pass through while reflecting heat radiation, making it suitable for energy-efficient windows, heated glass smart windows and smart glass applications.
The production and application of these raw materials have a significant impact on energy efficiency in the broader Asian context. Asia is the dominant global producer and supplier of Low-E coating raw materials, including highquality primary float glass used as the base substrate.
Tin oxide and related raw material production in Asia is dominated by countries such as China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. These countries rank among the world’s leading tin producers, and the region serves as a global hub for tin mining and electronics manufacturing that relies heavily on tin oxide, particularly ITO.
According to the US-based market researcher Market Size and Trends, Asia is expected to witness the highest growth globally in the ITO-coated Low-E glass market, with Japan emerging as a dominant stakeholder. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and economic growth in countries like China, India, Japan and South Korea are driving demand for ITO-coated glass market products and services.
The region’s expanding middle class and rising consumer awareness of energy efficiency and sustainability are further supporting market growth.
The Asia Pacific region is the world’s largest market for Low-E glass and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than six per cent reaching approximately $15 billion by 2032, up from an estimated $10 billion in 2025, according to India-based Data Bridge Market Research. Asia Pacific includes East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Australia-New Zealand. Low-E coatings are typically applied as microscopically thin layers through magnetron sputtering vacuum deposition (MSVD) for soft coats, or via pyrolytic coating for hard coats. Silver remains the primary material in the most efficient
soft-coat systems due to its ability to reflect infrared heat while maintaining high visible light transmission. Modern coatings increasingly incorporate double, triple or even quadruple silver layers to enhance performance.
The production of Low-E glass, especially soft-coats using MSVD, is an energyintensive industrial process. However, studies indicate that the energy saved over a building’s operational lifespan far outweighs the energy consumed during manufacturing, with reported carbon payback period of less than three years.
Energy-efficiency improvements within glass plants themselves are largely achieved through broader manufacturing optimisation measures, such as heat recovery, fuel switching to natural gas, the use of cullets and process optimisation. Low-E coatings are primarily designed to deliver energy savings during the building use phase, rather than during glass production.
The growing adoption of green building certifications, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), is further accelerating demand for Low-E glass. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings account for approximately 30% of global energy consumption, highlighting the importance of energy-efficient building materials.
Low-E coated glass significantly improves a building’s thermal performance by reflecting solar heat away in warm climates and retaining indoor heat in colder conditions. This reduces reliance on energy-intensive heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, cutting building energy consumption by an estimated 30-50% compared with conventional clear glass.
These benefits are particularly relevant in Asia, where both solar-control coatings for hot climates, and passive Low-E coatings for colder regions are required to meet diverse climatic conditions and stringent building codes.
Across the Asia Pacific and West Asian markets, recent investments in flat glass and plant expansions have prioritised energy-saving and energy-efficient coated Low-E glass. Almost all newly built or upgraded float plants in the region now include coated Low-E glass lines.
The rapid growth in demand for energy-efficient glass used in building windows, doors, skylights, curtain walls and facades has made Low-E coatings a strategic focus for glass manufacturers. As a result, coated Low-E glass has become a standard offering across most Asian float glass plants.
Major global and regional players in Asia’s Low-E glass market include Japan’s AGC Group, NSG Group, and Central Glass; French-based Saint-Gobain, US-based Guardian Industries Corp, and Chinese producers such as China Glass Holdings, Jinjing Glass Group, Fuyao Group, Kibing Group and Xinyi Glass Holdings.
Other active manufacturers include South Korea’s KCC Glass Group, Thailand’s BG Float Glass Co, Vietnam’s Viglacera Corporation, Indonesia’s PT Asahimas Flat Glass Tbk (AMFG), Malaysia’s Malaysian Sheet Glass (MSG), Saint-Gobain Glass India, Asahi India Glass, Borosil Renewables, Saudi Guardian International Float Glass Ltd (GulfGuard), Obeikan Glass, UAE-based Emirates Glass, Türkiye’s Sisecam Flat Glass, and Egypt’s Sphinx Glass.
Most of the Low-E glass is used in the building construction sector, accounting for approximately 70% of the coatings’ global market. This segment is currently valued at an estimated $16 billion and is expected to rise to $22 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of about six to seven per cent according to market researchers, as demand for energy-efficient building glass continues to accelerate.
According to the London-based World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), green buildings offer one of the most cost-effective pathways to reduce carbon emissions while significantly improving energy efficiency across the built environment.
Buildings alone are estimated to be responsible for more than 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and remain a major contributor to climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that ASEAN’s building sector accounted for 23% of final energy consumption and 24% of CO2 emissions, underlining the urgent need for improved building performance.
Researchers indicate that the widespread adoption of Low-E glass, drive by government policies such as China’s 14th Five-Year Plan of China and the energy conservation building code of India, helps to lower the overall energy demand for heating and cooling across the region’s building stock.
The member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) set national energy efficiency targets with a regional target of energy reduction of 30% by 2025. These targets have been supported through strengthened legislation and the adoption of building energy codes, resulting in rising demand for green and net-zero energy buildings.
ASEAN has also endorsed the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030, which includes a 40% reduction in energy intensity (EI) from 2005 levels, a 30% renewable energy share in total primary energy supply (TPES), and 45% renewable energy share in installed power generation capacity.
In the Asia Pacific region, China’s Low-E glass market accounted for the largest market revenue share of 62.5% in 2024, a position attributed to the country’s rapid economic development, massive building and construction industry, and substantial investments in green building projects, according to US-based Data Bridge Market Research. It states that China’s push towards energy-efficient infrastructure and its position as a leading manufacturer of glass and solar photovoltaic systems are key factors propelling the market.
The availability of diverse and affordable Low-E glass options from strong domestic manufacturers further contributes to China’s dominance. The country is expected to lead the Asia Pacific Low-E glass market, driven by its massive construction industry, rapid economic development, significant investments in green building projects, and its role as a leading manufacturer of glass.
Alongside China, Taiwan plays a strategically important role in the Asia Pacific Low-E glass market, particularly in high-performance coated glass and advanced coating technologies. Taiwan’s glass industry is characterised by strong export capability, technology-intensive production, and close integration with regional construction and electronics supply chains, positioning the country as a key hub for premium Low-E glass products.
Taiwan Glass Ind Corp Group (TGI) is a major producer and exporter of high-performance Low-E glass, using advanced vacuum sputtering equipment supplied by Germany’s Von Ardenne.
Its vacuum sputtering process coats glass surfaces with several layers of different materials. Among them, a silver layer effectively reflects infrared rays while maintaining excellent thermal performance. This product offers high transparency, low reflectivity, high thermal insulation, and energy-saving properties required by modern architectural glass and green building design, and is in high demand in Taiwan, China, and other Asian countries, says TGI.
“The use of Low-E glass in residential applications has increased, reflecting rising market demand for high-performance building materials,” notes Lin PorFong, chairman, TGI Group.
TGI has two float plants in Taiwan with an annual production of about 0.3 million tonnes, and 11 float plants in China with an annual production of 2.6 million tonnes, says the Group. Its Low-E coated glasses are mainly laminated, sound control laminated and Low-E vacuum bent and bent tempered glass.
Japan – innovation and
Japanese manufacturers have a reputation for producing high-quality coated Low-E specialty glasses, including solar control and building facade glasses. Their coated or tinted glass reflects or absorbs solar radiation to reduce heat gain in buildings at an optimum level.
AGC offers a wide array of coated glass, including clear, tinted and coloured
AS GOVERNMENTS ACROSS ASIA TIGHTEN BUILDING ENERGY CODES AND ACCELERATE DECARBONISATION STRATEGIES, LOW-E GLASS HAS MOVED FROM A NICHE SPECIFICATION TO A CORE COMPONENT OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION.
Low-E and coated insulating glass. Its product brands include Planibel, Stopray and Energy Select. The brands are designed to balance high solar control performance with specific aesthetic requirements.
AGC offers specialised products such as Sunbalance, which is a laminated safety glass combined with a Low-E coating for energy efficiency. The Lamisafe product focuses on safety. It can be, and often is, combined with Low-E coatings, such as Planibel Low-E, to add thermal insulation and enhance energy efficiency performance.
NSG plans to install state-of-the-art sputtering coating equipment at its Chiba plant in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, the main manufacturing base for its domestic architectural glass business, to increase the production capacity of highly energy-efficient Low-E glass, for which demand has increased in recent years.
“As global efforts toward decarbonisation have progressed, the Japanese government is expected to implement measures to achieve carbon neutrality, such as a drastic review and increase in energy-saving standards for homes and buildings, and an expansion of the scope of regulations,” says Munehiro Hosonuma, president and CEO of NSG Group. “As a result,” he adds, “demand for highly energy-efficient Low-E double glazing is expected to increase in the coming years.”
NSG says that, until now, it has produced Low-E double-glazing glass in Japan by sourcing most of the Low-E glass from outside the group. However, given that high demand is expected to continue in the future and adoption is expected to expand further in non-residential areas such as commercial buildings and the renovation market for existing buildings, the company has decided to invest in full-scale domestic production.
www.rath-group.com/glass
The new facility is scheduled to begin operation in the second quarter of 2026. This initiative is in line with the strategic policies of ‘business development’ and ‘decarbonisation’ set out in the NSG Group’s medium-term management plan, known as ‘Vision 2030: Shift the Phase.’
Japan’s Low-E glass market is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by the country’s high-tech culture, stringent energy efficiency regulations and a strong emphasis on sustainable building practices, according to the country’s flat glass manufacturers and industry analysts.
The Japanese market prioritises energy-efficient construction materials, with a growing demand for Low-E glass in smart buildings and for solar photovoltaic panels to meet ambitious carbon emission reduction targets. This is further supported by innovations in glass technology and an increasing need for enhanced thermal performance in both new constructions and existing structures.
Japan is expected to witness the highest CAGR in the Asia-Pacific Low-E glass market due to its stringent energy efficiency regulations, strong emphasis on sustainable building practices and a high-tech culture that drives innovation in glass technology.
Market researcher, Market Size and Trends, reports that Japan’s ITO-coated Low-E glass market size was valued at $0.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2026 to 2033.
In Japan, the ITO coated glass market, segmented by application, is witnessing strong growth in multiple sectors, with consumer electronics and automotive leading the way with innovative products. In consumer electronics, such Low-E glass is vital for touchscreens, displays, and electronic devices, driven by the rising demand for high-performance, energy-efficient displays in smartphones, tablets, and wearables. The automotive sector is also rapidly adopting Low-E ITO glass for advanced touch-based controls and electric vehicle displays.
The Japanese healthcare industry is making use of ITO-coated Low-E glass in medical devices, diagnostics, and imaging equipment, bolstered by innovations in smart health technologies. The energy and power sectors are incorporating this coated glass in solar panels for enhanced energy efficiency, while optical and photonic devices are leveraging ITO glass for its electrical conductivity and transparency properties in high-precision instruments.
South Korea – construction-led demand and advanced coatings
In South Korea, the Low-E glass coating production by application is strongly driven by the construction sector, particularly in residential and commercial building projects. The demand for energy-efficient solutions has created a significant need for coated Low-E glass. Developers and builders are increasingly adopting Low-E coated glass to comply with strict energy efficiency standards and green building certifications. This trend is supported by the government’s initiatives toward sustainable urban development and smart city projects.
Industrial and automotive applications represent other important segments for the coated Low-E glass. In the automotive industry, manufacturers are increasingly integrating Low-E coated glass into vehicle designs to improve cabin comfort, reduce reliance on air conditioning systems, and enhance overall energy efficiency. This is particularly relevant as South Korea emerges as a hub for electric vehicles, where energy savings directly contribute to improved battery performance and driving range.
Low-E triple silver coatings are increasingly popular in residential projects in South Korea, as well as across East Asia, for their ability to manage extreme temperatures and improve energy ratings.
Triple silver Low-E offers superior shielding against infrared thermal radiation compared to single or double silver options, which is crucial for reducing cooling costs in hot Asian climates. These coatings are commonly applied via vacuum sputtering, with layers of silver separated by dielectric materials like tin oxide. High-performance silver coatings are often applied to low-iron, clear, or tinted glass to maximise light transmission (LT) and Light-to-Solar Gain (LSG) ratio.
The soft-coated Low-E glass produced and supplied by the South Korean market leader KCC Glass is created by multi-coating super-thin, nano-thickness metal and ceramic films using plasma in a vacuum state.
Korea’s super double Low-E glass is a ‘high-quality’ HANGLAS float glass with two coats of silver layer applied to one side of the glass, which is manufactured by the South Korean glass company, LX Glas (formerly Hankuk Glass Industries Inc).
HANGLAS is a high-functioning, high-efficiency glass, capable of saving energy all year round. The beautiful colours and reflective qualities of the glass visually enhance a building’s design by adding a touch of sophistication, claims the manufacturer. It claims that its super triple Low-E is the ‘world’s best highefficiency triple Low-E glass.
South and Southeast Asia – capacity expansion and localization Thailand is a leading manufacturer of coated Low-E glass. Global glass players, such as AGC Group and NSG Group of Japan, US-based Guardian Glass Industries
Corp, and French multinational company Saint-Gobain, are present in the market, along with Thai major BGF (Kabin Buri Glass Industry Co Ltd/BG Float Glass Company Limited).
AGC Thailand’s Low-E coated glass brands are unified under the global AGC Group. AGC’s line-up of Stopray high-performance solar control Low-E coatings provides maximum energy savings and responds to the ever-changing, stringent energy requirements in the tropical climate of South-East Asia.
Indonesian major AMFG manufactures AGC Group’s coated Low-E glass in Indonesia. The South Korean KCC subsidiary KCC Group Indonesia and China’s Xinyi Glass Group owned Xinyi Glass Indonesia, are two new entrants in Indonesia’s Low-E glass market.
Malaysia Glass Association deputy president Woo Wan Zheng said Malaysia’s glass industry has been growing firmly, with industry players leveraging further on their enhanced manufacturing facilities in the production of coated Low-E glass for energy efficiency in buildings. “The Low-E segment is growing as numerous new technologies are being adopted by the new investors,” she states.
Two Chinese glass major subsidiaries, Kibing Malaysia and Xinyi Glass Malaysia manufactures a wide range of high-performing coated Low-E glass for domestic and export markets. Japanese glass company NSG’s Malaysian plant, MSG, already produces NSG’s coated Low-E glass in Malaysia for domestic consumption and exports.
Vietnam’s burgeoning demand for energy-efficient and sustainable construction practices propels the market forward, increasing the consumption of the latest high-quality coated Low-E glass. New investments in float glass are being emphasised, with Low-E production lines increasingly being installed.
Ecosense is a next-gen, high-performance, energy-efficient glass. Gujarat Guardian’s Low-E and reflective solar control glass, SunGuard, is widely marketed in India for facades and windows. Its Guardian SunGuard Solar Plus Glass Series outperforms other conventional solar control monolithic glasses for facades.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Jubail-based Saudi Guardian International Float Glass GulfGuard is going to set up a new 750-tonnes-per-day capacity float glass plant in Jubail for manufacturing flat and processed glass, including coated Low-E glass and insulating glass.
Vietnam’s major glass manufacturer, state-run Viglacera Corporation JSC, is implementing a series of in-depth investment activities in Low-E coatings and energy-efficient glass products. Vietnam produces and consumes huge quantities of coated Low-E glass suitable for building glass windows, curtain walls, facades, and solar glass.
Pioneer Float Glass Manufacturing Inc (PFGMI) is the leading float glass manufacturer in the Philippines, producing coated and reflective Low-E glass designed to reduce heat transfer for windows and curtain walls, available in thicknesses from 6mm to 10mm in clear and Euro grey shades. India’s Low-E and energy-saving solar control glass market is rising rapidly. Asahi India Glass has several solar control glasses with Low-E. Its
GulfGuard is a joint venture between US-based Guardian Industries and Saudi Arabian container glass manufacturer, The National Co for Glass Industries (Zoujaj). GulfGuard has one of the newest and most advanced sputter coaters for high-performing Low-E glass in the region.
Meanwhile, AGC Glass Europe and Saudi Arabiabased Obeikan Glass have formed a strategic partnership, AGC Obeikan Glass, serving increasing demand for highperformance coated Low-E glass for the construction sector in the Middle East and Africa markets. In addition, Gulf’s and West Asia’s pioneering Low-E glass manufacturers, Emirates Glass, and Sisecam Turkey (Türkiye Sise Ve Cam Fabrikalari A.S.), have been increasing their market penetration all over the Middle East.
As governments across Asia tighten building energy codes and accelerate decarbonisation strategies, Low-E glass has moved from a niche specification to a core component of sustainable construction.
The convergence of regulatory pressure, rapid urbanisation and continued investment in coating technologies positions Asia as both the world’s largest producer and fastest-growing consumer of energy-efficient architectural glass. With buildings accounting for a substantial share of regional energy use and emissions, the widespread adoption of advanced Low-E coatings offers one of the most immediate and cost-effective pathways to reducing heating and cooling demand.
As innovation in silver-based coatings, ITO technologies and smart glass applications continues, Low-E glass is set to play an increasingly central role in shaping Asia’s low-carbon building stock and long-term energy transition.
Asian governments are tightening environmental, trade and quality regulations across the glass industry, forcing manufacturers to invest in cleaner production, digital technologies and international certification as compliance becomes central to competitiveness and market access, notes Jahir Ahmed.
Governments in Asia are actively regulating the glass industry to enforce environmental sustainability, product quality, and trade fairness amid rising production demands. The main initiatives include implementing stringent emission standards, adopting green manufacturing techniques to lower carbon intensity, and using third-party certifications to ensure compliance. Major markets like India and China are heavily focusing on enhancing and upgrading to, Industry 4.0 standards while managing anti-dumping duties and trade barriers to boost domestic, sustainable production.
Governments in Asia are increasingly tightening regulations on the glass industry, focusing on stringent environmental standards, energy efficiency, and quality compliance to drive sustainable growth. Key actions include enforcing emission controls, promoting green production technologies, and aligning with international standards to manage rapid market expansion.
Glass manufacturers say that the production of glass is subject to intense government regulatory hurdles, primarily driven by high energy consumption, environmental emissions, and workplace safety requirements. Key challenges involve navigating air, water, and waste pollution standards, obtaining operating permits, and adhering to strict international quality standards for specialised products.
The main aspects of navigating regulations in the Asian glass industry include environmental and energy regulation, safety and operational standards, compliance strategy, standardisation and market growth, and regional cooperation, among others, according to the industry sources.
Divergent building codes, safety standards, and environmental policies across Asia Pacific complicate
compliance and product standardisation. Increased costs for certifications, such as CE, AS/NZS, and eco-labelling, elevate barriers to market entry.
There is increasing pressure on manufacturers to adopt cleaner production techniques, reduce carbon emissions, and manage environmental impact to comply with new, stricter standards. In manufacturing environments, there is a push for strict, documented policies regarding glass handling to mitigate contamination risks, particularly in food-related applications.
Research suggests that over the past few decades, environmental concerns have escalated globally, prompting governments to enact increasingly stringent regulations on industrial emissions to mitigate environmental harm, such as air and water pollution, caused by industries. The glass industry, known for its high energy usage and waste production, has come under increasing scrutiny from both the government authorities and environmental organisations.
The enforced regulations for glass manufacturing plants present a serious challenge. The implementation of new emission standards for waste gases and wastewater effluents has forced companies to rethink their operations and invest in new technologies. However, many companies, especially smaller and older manufacturers, are struggling to keep up with these changes, resulting in significant risks.
The enforced and evolving regulations for glass manufacturing plants present a serious challenge. The implementation of new emission standards for waste gases and wastewater effluents has forced companies to rethink their operations and invest in new technologies, which are environmentally compliant. However, many manufacturers,
especially smaller and older ones, are struggling to keep up with these changes, resulting in significant risks, as it involves additional investment in capital machinery and technology.
The most stringent challenges in complying with environmental regulations are the high capital expenditure required to install the necessary equipment. For example, in order to reduce the release of pollutants into the air, glass manufacturers must invest in advanced filtration systems and scrubbers. Similarly, to meet wastewater treatment standards, companies need to invest in sophisticated treatment plants that can remove harmful chemicals and biological contaminants from water before it is released back into the environment.
The glass manufacturers are moving towards proactive compliance, investing in environmental infrastructure, and achieving environmental certifications to meet regulatory demands. Rapidly growing markets like China, Southeast Asian countries and India are facing increased government scrutiny on product quality, safety, and standardisation in sectors like ultra-clear flat glass.
Various efforts are made to improve the manufacturing in line with safety issues. Initiatives like the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme (AEIP) are actively working on regulatory reforms to improve consumer safety and standards across ASEAN member states.
Such regulatory frameworks are designed to balance rapid industrial expansion with environmental sustainability, particularly in the booming markets of China, India, and Southeast Asia.
According to the government policies on the glass sector in Asian countries, stringent building codes and energy efficiency standards influence product specifications; eco-friendly and low-emissivity coatings are increasingly prioritised. Navigating multiple jurisdictions increases compliance complexity and operational costs.
Overall, the Asia Pacific Flat Float Glass Market demonstrates a progressive shift towards high-performance, sustainable, and customised solutions, with the construction and infrastructure sectors leading demand growth. Procurement is increasingly influenced by regulatory standards, quality assurance, and supply chain reliability, shaping enterprise purchasing strategies.
High energy consumption typically correlates with high carbon emissions. Glass manufacturing plants face growing pressure from environmental regulators and the public to reduce their carbon footprint. Compliance with these regulations often means investing in cleaner technologies and practices, which can be a significant financial burden in the short term. Failure to comply can result in fines and damage to reputation, adding another layer of stress for businesses.
The glass industry is closely related to the policies of various countries in the world. The policy of protecting the environment has requirements for the development of the glass industry and plays an important role in guiding and promoting the regulation of the industry. Enterprises need to pay close attention to policy changes, operate in compliance, and actively respond to the government’s policy guidance, looking for opportunities brought by policies and avoiding potential risks.
With the improvement of environmental protection awareness, governments of various countries have increasingly strict requirements for environmental protection. For the glass industry, the government has issued a series of environmental protection policies, such as reducing carbon emissions, limiting pollutant emissions and other requirements, to promote enterprises to take environmental protection measures to reduce environmental impact.
The use of glass in construction is limited by building codes and safety standards. The government formulates and enforces relevant codes and standards to ensure the safety and quality of glass products in buildings. The
government may introduce policies to support scientific and technological innovation, encourage the glass industry to carry out technological research and development and innovation, and promote the industry to develop in the direction of high added value and high technology content.
The production process in the glass industry requires a large amount of raw materials and energy. The government can manage and regulate raw materials and energy through resource management policies, price control and other means to ensure the rational use of resources and stable supply.
When formulating industrial policy, the government will take into account the development and competitiveness of the glass industry. The government may introduce supporting policies, such as encouraging technological innovation, providing financial support, and promoting industry upgrades to promote the development of the glass industry.
Trade policy plays an important role in international competition and market access in the glass industry. The government may protect the interests of its glass industry through tariff adjustments, trade barriers and other means, or conduct free trade agreements with other countries to expand export markets.
The government policies on the glass industry in Asian countries primarily focus on boosting manufacturing capacity through subsidies, particularly in China, while concurrently addressing environmental concerns and regulating international trade via anti-dumping duties. The trends include stringent, ecofriendly construction standards, such as ‘Green Mark’ in Singapore, increased investment in recycling infrastructure, and controlling excess production capacity in the construction and PV sectors.
High-performance Green Mark glass usually refers to eco-friendly, energyefficient glazing solutions, such as low-emissivity glass, that help buildings achieve certification, improve Envelope Thermal Transfer Value (ETTV), and qualify for Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) certification.
China has reportedly historically provided significant subsidies to its glass industry, driving massive growth. However, recent policies aim to curb excess production, increase energy efficiency, and lower export tax rebates to promote sustainable growth, with a further reduction in subsidies on photovoltaic (PV) glass, for example, a 13% to nine per cent tax rebate reduction in late 2024, according to a source.
Governments in Asian countries are acting against the dumping of glass products. For instance, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) imposed duties on laminated safety glass from Malaysia in December 2025. The US has targeted float glass from China and Malaysia due to suspected unfair, subsidised pricing.
Japan maintains one of the world’s most effective glass recycling systems, heavily supported by government legislation and citizen compliance. Other regions like Hong Kong and Singapore are implementing mandatory waste reduction and green building rating systems, like Singapore’s Green Mark and Indonesia’s Greenship.
In India, the glass industry faces challenges with high power costs and capital intensity. Additionally, some regions, like Japan, have addressed workplace policies, such as the debate over prohibiting women from wearing glasses in certain jobs. Key regulations focus on shifting from raw material usage to increased cullet usage to lower CO2 emissions.
Standards in China are divided into five main categories: national, industrial, local, regional, and company standards. Chinese national standards, known as GB standards or Guobiao, form the basis of the system. They may be mandatory, notably when used to enforce technical regulations or guarantee safety, or voluntary, when used as a reference for good practice.
In all cases, national standards take precedence over all other categories of standards.
This article presents an up-to-date overview of the organisation of the Chinese standards system, its particular features, and recent developments that should be considered to better anticipate conformity, approval and marketing requirements in China.
Since joining the WTO in December 2001, China has radically restructured and modernised its standards system. Initially aligned with foreign standards, the country is now developing a hybrid system in which national technical standards play a strategic role in its technological autonomy and competitiveness.
China’s GB or Guobiao standards for glass are mandatory or recommended (GB/T) national regulations set by the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) to ensure quality and safety. Key standards cover structural safety, such as GB 15763 for tempered glass, GB 9962 for laminated glass, and GB 11944 for insulated glass and GB 9656 for automotive glass, regulating performance and safety.
Standards prefixed with ‘GB’ are mandatory for safety and quality, such as tempered safety glass, while ‘GB/T’ are recommended technical standards. Many safety glass products must pass GB standard testing to obtain the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) before being sold or imported/exported. According to the compliance requirements, glass products must meet these regulations to pass Chinese customs and to ensure structural safety in buildings or automotive applications.
Japan regulates its glass production, trade, and consumption at the highest possible standard. Japan’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and investing in green technologies is further fuelling the adoption of ITO glass in EVs, which require enhanced display panels and energy-efficient components to meet consumer and regulatory expectations. According to the World Bank, Japan’s automotive sector continues to prioritise low-emission and eco-friendly technologies, propelling innovations in the use of ITO-coated glass in vehicle interiors, windshields, and other touch-based systems.
Japanese glass companies are aligning with Japan’s government’s national decarbonisation strategies, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through high-performance, energy-efficient glass products and innovative, low-carbon manufacturing processes. The glass manufacturers emphasise transitioning to a circular economy by developing technologies to recycle solar panel cover glass and promoting sustainability via advanced materials.
The commercial sector in South Korea is witnessing a growing adoption of energy-efficient coated glass driven by the government policy prioritising energy-efficient office buildings, retail spaces, and institutional facilities. Highrise office towers, shopping malls, and educational complexes are increasingly incorporating these glasses to reduce energy consumption, improve occupant comfort, and meet green building standards.
As energy codes become stricter in South Korea and sustainability certifications gain importance, developers are prioritising low-emissivity glazing in their designs. The commercial application segment, therefore, plays a crucial role in driving technological advancements and adoption rates for triple silver Low-E coated glass in South Korea, reflecting a clear trend toward energy-conscious and environmentally responsible building practices.
THE MOST STRINGENT CHALLENGES IN COMPLYING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS ARE THE HIGH CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUIRED TO INSTALL THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT.
Industry sources say that in 2026, governments and glass manufacturers across Asia are navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment driven by sustainability, trade protectionism, and digital transformation.
In 2026, Asian governments are significantly tightening regulations on the glass industry, driven by environmental sustainability goals, trade protectionism, and safety standards. As the Asia Pacific region remains the fastest-growing market for glass, compliance has shifted from a static checkbox to a core strategic priority. The glass market is reportedly projected to reach over $200 billion by 2026.
The governments of South and Southeast Asian countries are enforcing tougher standards on industrial emissions and wastewater. Starting in 2026, international trade is also impacted by the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which forces Asian exporters to track and pay for CO2 emissions to enter European markets.
In the pharmaceutical sector, Asian agencies have intensified scrutiny of glass vials, focusing on container-closure integrity and extractables testing to ensure drug safety. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) remains the primary body for mandatory glass product certifications. Trade compliance and anti-dumping measures are also enforced. To protect domestic industries from low-cost imports, the authorities, such as India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) have recommended anti-dumping duties on glass fibre from China, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Southeast Asian nations are increasingly adopting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, mandating that glass manufacturers take responsibility for the collection and recycling of their products.
The glass manufacturers are leveraging regional frameworks like the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme to navigate cross-border barriers and standardise product safety.
Modern plants are integrating automated visual inspection and digital tracking systems to meet the strict quality management demands of 2026.
In countries like Thailand, governments have launched platforms like the regulatory room to allow small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to provide feedback on proposed regulations, increasing transparency and trust.
As of January 2026, the CBAM has moved to full enforcement, directly impacting Asian glass exporters who must now purchase and surrender CBAM certificates for the CO2 emissions embodied in their products.
The Indian government has significantly tightened regulations on industrial waste gases and wastewater discharge. Non-compliance in these regions now frequently results in immediate production halts until environmental standards are met.
Countries like Malaysia and Vietnam have implemented strict circular economy decrees and sustainability roadmaps targeting 2030 that affect glass packaging as an alternative to single-use plastics.
To protect domestic industries, India’s DGTR has recommended antidumping duties on glass fibre imports from China, Bahrain, and Thailand for five years.
The DGTR has recommended anti-dumping duties on glass products to protect domestic manufacturers from low-priced imports. For solar glass (textured toughened) from China and Vietnam, duties range from $565 to $677 per tonne. Separately, duties of $194 to $394 per tonne were proposed for glass fibre from China, Bahrain, and Thailand.
The investigations revealed that dumped imports from these countries were priced below normal value, causing injury to the Indian domestic industry. The Ministry of Finance typically acts on these recommendations to impose the final duties.
The glass manufacturers are increasingly navigating fluctuating tariff regimes and trade agreements to maintain export competitiveness. In the Philippines, the Tariff Commission manages specific safeguard measures for float glass imports.
In the automotive and architectural glass manufacturing industries, meeting rigorous international quality standards and safety regulations is paramount.
One of the most effective ways to improve compliance and quality standards is through partnerships with international certification bodies. By working with organizations like TÜV, SGS, or Bureau Veritas, glass manufacturers can obtain the necessary quality certifications, including ISO 9001, CE marking, or specific regional certifications.
These certifications not only validate the company’s commitment to quality but also enhance the brand’s reputation. With internationally recognized certifications, manufacturers can demonstrate to customers and regulatory bodies that their products meet the highest industry standards, which is crucial for market entry and acceptance.
By adopting standardised processes and quality control systems, manufacturers can ensure that all products consistently meet highquality standards. Whether producing architectural glass for skyscrapers or automotive glass for vehicles, the implementation of a robust quality management system ensures that each product meets the same stringent criteria, providing customers with reliable and consistent products.
Obtaining international certifications lowers barriers to entry in global markets. Glass manufacturers with ISO 9001 or other internationally recognized certifications are more likely to meet the regulatory requirements of multiple countries, facilitating smoother market entry. These certifications improve the company’s ability to do business in regions like the EU, the U.S., and other markets that have stringent quality standards, thus expanding its market reach.
There is a growing shift toward third-party certifications, such as UL-EU marks, in markets like India, where independent validation is increasingly favoured over manufacturer self-declaration. Across the region, food-
related businesses are now mandated to have documented glass policies to prevent contamination in production areas.
The governments in the Asian countries are recommending that glass industries integrate Industry 4.0 to become more efficient. The integration of Industry 4.0 principles is becoming a regulatory necessity to ensure faster turnaround times and high-quality standards in the Asia Pacific flat glass market.
Asian governments are accelerating Industry 4.0 integration in glass manufacturing through policies focused on digital transformation, energy efficiency, and automation to enhance sustainability. Key strategies include AI, IoT, and robotics for smart production, with regional initiatives like ASEAN’s 4IR framework driving adoption and reducing waste.
Governments in Malaysia, Thailand, and China are fostering ecosystems for smart manufacturing by encouraging data exchange and automation in heavy industries like glass, which reduces energy consumption.
Policies promote I4.0 to shift from linear to circular, using AI for glass recycling and reducing waste in production. The integration of advanced robotics and IoT helps address labour shortages and enhances safety in high-temperature glass manufacturing environments.
Policy initiatives are addressing high installation costs and technological gaps by promoting smart, connected, and data-driven manufacturing. Such policies encourage the use of AI to analyse user data for tailored product design and optimise furnace efficiency to reduce the carbon footprint, which is crucial for modernising traditional glass-making industries.
In 2026, Asian governments are increasingly integrating Industry 4.0 into glass manufacturing policies to drive decarbonisation, efficiency, and competitiveness. While specific ‘glass-only’ I4.0 policies are rare, the sector is a primary target of broader national smart manufacturing frameworks.
According to industry sources, China is a dominant country. It continues to dominate with over 50% of global market share in 2026, driven by aggressive digital integration policies. Government mandates focus on ‘high-end, intelligent, and green’ transformation. This includes subsidies for AI-driven digital control systems and energy substitution in energyintensive melting processes.
As regulatory pressure intensifies across Asia in 2026, compliance in the glass industry is no longer a cost of doing business but a defining factor of competitiveness. Manufacturers that align early with environmental standards, trade regulations, digital manufacturing frameworks, and international certification regimes are better positioned to secure market access, manage risk, and sustain growth. In a region where demand continues to rise but regulatory tolerance is shrinking, the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes will increasingly determine which glass producers lead – and which fall behind.
Glass makers are eagerly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to improve manufacturing processes and quality of product, Rohan Gunasekera writes.
From the hot end to the cold end and beyond, glass manufacturers are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) for a range of functions as part of their overall digital transformation. They see the benefits of AI outweighing its disadvantages, mainly cost.
Glass makers are using AI to improve the quality of the melt in the manufacturing process and in inspection systems to identify defects, in real-time order monitoring, human resource (HR) management and in gaining insights into customer behaviour as well as even safety.
Digital tools and AI enable real-time data collection and monitoring of machines that let plant managers catch problems early on and in an automated way to make possible predictive maintenance and even self-correction, so they can be proactive instead of reactive. AI enables learning from the past and predicting failures before they happen.
Among early adopters of AI were inspection system suppliers particularly for sectors like pharmaceutical glass.
Furnace operations, energy efficiency and emissions
AI use in furnace operations can be critical given the potential to reduce energy use, cost and emissions and improve product quality at an early stage of a lengthy and costly production process.
In HR, companies are using AI from hiring new staff to improving employee satisfaction by automating routine activities. In sales, AI enables real-time monitoring of customer orders. Manufacturers report that AI in back-end operations is already improving sales and market reach and enabling them to gain insights into customer behaviour.
All these initiatives are taking place in an environment of huge uncertainty and heightened risk caused by increased production capacity and falling prices, mainly in China, slowdown in key markets, trade tariff instability, intense market competition and wild fluctuations in raw material and fuel costs.
CelSian Glass & Solar, which provides industrial contract research, technological solutions and consultancy, and supports the glass industry with sophisticated modelling tools, is working on better simulation tools to improve the melt.
In July 2024, CelSian, along with partner Ignition Computing, won a grant for research and development cooperation on AI for the quality prediction and simulation optimisation for glass production. This is a project of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency’s SME Innovation Stimulus for Regional and Top Sectors (MIT in Dutch) programme.
Ignition Computing, which is a specialised consulting firm for research software, with a focus on nuclear fusion, says the grant will allow them to develop simulation acceleration tools for complex multiphysics problems, involving multiple physical phenomena like heat and fluid flow, and deploy them in the glass industry.
CelSian has decades of experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, to simulate fluid flows, that can be used for the quality prediction of glass making.
“We will be integrating and adapting Preconnet with CelSian’s GTM-X tool. Preconnet is a machine-learning based tool to accelerate simulations by generating preconditioners, initial guesses and proposing solver configurations,” Ignition Computing says.
The glass-melting process can take up to multiple days. This makes glass production difficult. Temperature and material fluctuations have implications for the final product.
Product quality issues, such as bubbles in glass, may arise. This can lead to the loss of large batches of glass, totalling multiple days of production.
New developments in machine learning and simulation provide more accurate predictions of glass quality.
The project’s goal is the development of an AI-accelerated CFD application and integration with an AI-based quality prediction model for industrial glass manufacturing.
It is expected to result in improved quality prediction models leading to substantial economic and environmental gains. Through more efficient feed-stock use and energy consumption, each glass oven could save energy costs in the range of €250,000 to €1,250,000 a year as well as reducing CO2 and nitrous oxide emissions, Ignition Computing said.
Sisecam’s digital furnace and colour optimisation
Sisecam is making efforts to improve operational processes, develop maintenance procedures, extend furnace life, and mitigate risks using digital furnace monitoring technology.
Data analytics initiatives to enhance furnace efficiency and optimise glass thickness transition times are ongoing.
Sisecam has joined the Tubitak Artificial Intelligence Institute project which uses machine learning to model the blend components and production and furnace parameters affecting glass colour and colour stability to achieve target colour values.
It also aims to improve production efficiency through faster decision-making, thereby promoting environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and waste while enhancing final product quality.
The project aims to contribute to the transformation of AI technologies into products or solutions in line with the needs of customer organisations and to activate the Turkish Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem.
In this support model, customer organisations that need AI solutions are expected to form a consortium with at least one small and medium enterprise (SME)-scale company as the technology provider, one university research laboratory or public research institute, and the Tubitak Artificial Intelligence Institute.
The project aims to transform AI technologies developed by companies based in Türkiye and committed to implementing the project results in Türkiye into products or solutions, in line with the needs of companies that require AI solutions internally.
Under this programme, smart manufacturing systems is one of five priority areas that will be supported.
Projects from this platform will not only enhance Sisecam’s production operations and processes but also contribute to the development of all glass industry stakeholders.
The Digital Twin Project upgrades production processes and collects data from 60,000 points.
Data-driven historical in-depth and comparative analyses increase production efficiency, enabling data-based decision-making through modelled algorithms.
Borosil Renewables has installed Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) on tempering lines to monitor essential parameters such as heater current, motor current, vibration, and glass temperature.
Sisecam’s ‘Plant of the Future’ platform, focused on digitalisation and sustainability, was designed and launched to strengthen its operating ecosystem while pioneering the future of industries.
Using a call-based open innovation model, the platform seeks to generate concrete solutions from innovative ideas and promote collective development.
Plant of the Future aims to identify future solutions and best practices that foster industry collaboration and innovation.
The platform will support Sisecam’s efforts toward operational optimisation, digitalisation, and sustainability, primarily focusing on glass packaging and flat glass production operations and processes. Proposed development projects will be tested in facilities with appropriate capacity. Successful solutions will be rapidly deployed across Sisecam’s entire production network.
“This level of checks and oversight results in improved product quality and process control,” Borosil says.
The company has deployed vibration sensors on plant motors to continuously monitor equipment health, allowing early detection of mechanical issues and reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Borosil also integrated a third-party production planning tool with its enterprise resource planning software which has improved production timelines, minimised losses, boosted output, and provided real-time visibility into customer order status.
Borosil group draws support from the B L Kheruka centre for research and development in Pune, which serves as the crucible of innovation, housing innovative laboratories and a diverse team of highly skilled professionals, including AI analysts who provide precise predictions of glass plant performance outputs with instantaneous recommendations for performance improvements.
CSG Holding says that in the face of intensified economic uncertainties it built a new model of smart factories based on the industrial Internet platform and achieved dynamic optimisation of production lines through digital twin technology, so as to shorten the delivery cycle of customised products and improve the yield rate.
The company promoted the group’s information management and construction of digital and intelligent factories and gave play to the leading role of information innovation in the improvement of the capabilities of management and operation.
Under the company’s development strategy, the group will formulate strategic development goals and implement strategic development plans under the guidance of the national strategic goals of reducing carbon emissions, with a focus on ‘low carbon and energy saving, green and environmental protection, scientific and technological innovation, and intelligent manufacturing’.
In the architectural glass segment, the company will focus on reducing the three consumption indicators at the production end and implement system-level intelligent upgrades to streamline labour costs, optimise material loss rates, and manage energy consumption per unit output, thereby improving total-factor productivity and resource intensification.
Digital quality management in automotive glass
Fuyao Glass Industry Group development strategy includes plans to establish a digital quality management system that enables real-time data collection and monitoring throughout the production process. This aims to facilitate rapid responses, achieve self-diagnosis and self-correction, address quality issues at their inception, and to use quality big data analysis to enhance quality standards.
AI in human resources and workforce development
Sisecam, as part of its digital transformation, says it has updated its human resources management practices through technological enhancements.
“The objective is to improve candidate and employee satisfaction through AI-supported systems in business processes,” the company says.
“This transformation enables human resources employees to focus on more strategic and value-added tasks by automating routine activities.”
In line with this objective, Sisecam has begun integrating AI applications into recruitment and corporate document management processes.
“The use of AI in recruitment aims to minimise bias through more objective candidate evaluations and ensure fair opportunities that promote diversity,” Sisecam says.
AI technologies are being implemented in recruitment processes in Türkiye, Russia, and Bulgaria, with plans for expansion to other countries.
Work on AI technologies focuses on training management and human resources management service channels. Integration of an AI solution with the learning management system aims to establish a technical infrastructure that supports individual employee learning experiences and accelerates training content production.
“Digitalised production infrastructure improves efficiency and business continuity,” Sisecam says.
“Enhanced digital automation allows Sisecam analyse data related to processes such as optimisation, production planning, operation tracking and management, and warehouse management. This approach visualises data, significantly contributing to decisionmaking systems.”
marketing and customer
Borosil group says it has been investing in digital initiatives across frontend and backend processes to enhance efficiency and customer engagement.
This means embracing the seamless integration with emerging technologies such as AI, Machine Learning (ML), advanced analytics, the IoT, and Application Programming Interfaces-based cloud process integration through digital platforms.
GLASS MAKERS ARE USING AI TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE MELT IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND IN INSPECTION SYSTEMS TO IDENTIFY DEFECTS, IN REAL-TIME ORDER MONITORING, HUMAN RESOURCE (HR) MANAGEMENT AND IN GAINING INSIGHTS INTO CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR AS WELL AS EVEN SAFETY.
“Our focus on digitalisation and automation has been crucial in driving this transformation, and we plan to continue investing in these areas,” Borosil Ltd. says.
“Our distributor management system and sales force automation tool have positively impacted sales, revenue growth, and productivity by increasing efficiency, improving market reach, enhancing distributor engagement, and enabling better sales forecasting.”
Borosil’s digital transformation efforts extend to marketing and customer service strategies.
“We leverage data analytics to gain insights into customer behaviour and preferences, allowing us to tailor our marketing campaigns and product offerings more effectively,” Borosil Ltd. says.
“By using social media and other digital platforms, we can engage with customers directly, gather feedback, and build stronger relationships.”
AI, safety and global manufacturing
Under NSG’s ‘2030 Vision’ medium-term plan, the company’s digital transformation effort seeks to build highly value-added operations through full use of digital technologies.
“We are expanding deployment of AI-powered safety platform across global manufacturing sites to underscore the group’s commitment to advancing workplace safety,” NSG says.
Inspection systems: AI’s earliest success
AI is being used widely in glass inspection to ensure product quality.
Back in 2019, Antares Vision Group (AVG) completed the acquisition of 37.50% of Orobix, a company that operates in AI systems.
The same year Antares Vision acquired 100% of FT System, a top player in inspection systems for the food and beverage sector and indirectly took control of its subsidiaries in France and the United States and of the business carried on by the division’s operating in Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Spain, China and India.
The core business of Antares Vision is the production, installation and maintenance of inspection systems for quality control, tracking solutions to fight counterfeiting and control of the supply chain and ‘Smart Data Management’ in all the most demanding industrial sectors, from pharmaceuticals to biomedical devices, from food and beverage to cosmetics and luxury goods.
Antares Vision Group has combined its projects with those of FT System, the most recent of which are the first results of the synergies created following FT System’s inclusion in the group.
One project involves the development and engineering of the ASEBI (All Surface Empty Bottle Inspection) system based on the ‘Common Engine’ platform.
This integrates inspection, vision algorithms and hardware layout aligned with the beverage and rigid containers divisions, with the aim of ensuring standardisation, scalability and technological optimisation among group companies.
“The project stems from growing market demand for this type of solution, to which Antares Vision Group intends to respond with new inspection systems,” the company says.
These are capable of ensuring efficiency - reducing waste and line downtime without compromising quality and brand protection, and total coverage - 100% inspection of all surfaces without blind spots, in line with the standards of major bottlers.
They also have high performance with critical defect detection thanks to deep learning that reduces false rejects.
create an ecosystem of products and services for the agro-food market and build a platform capable of guaranteeing traceability, quality and safety of the entire supply chain.
The top-quality segments of the food market are highly interested in being able to use such a platform to address growing consumer awareness of the issues of food quality and sustainability.
The IE 4000 PLUS project will make it possible to launch a new machine, which will be able to effectively inspect the emboss (relief) stamped on transparent bottles with clear liquid, also thanks to the use of a new algorithm and software based on AI.
Another project called EBI aims to create an inspection system for empty containers that allows for better performance in terms of defect identification precision, ease of use and production speed.
The system also integrates with existing IT lines and systems, in line with the principles of Industry 4.0.
Another project involves the development of a vision software that allows migration towards a multi-process architecture, independent of the software used by smart cameras on the market.
This project will improve the efficiency and performance of vision technology and the implementation of a multi-application process, also thanks to the development of detection algorithms based on Deep Learning.
Applied Vision has been concentrating on projects like ASEBI, which is a collaborative project among group companies aimed at developing an innovative modular machine for inspecting glass containers.
The modular and scalable product architecture will allow for seamless synergies between the manufacturer and the filler.
The Antares Vision Group’s target market has been characterised by a growing demand for product traceability and inspection solutions that ensure real-time product monitoring and transparency throughout the supply chain.
The introduction of increasingly stringent regulations in the field of safety and compliance (such as the EU regulation on the traceability of medicines and the EU legislation for the prevention and mitigation of food safety hazards), as well as the growing attention to economic, social and governance issues, is accelerating the adoption of advanced traceability and inspection solutions.
“Furthermore, continuous digitalisation and automation of processes, together with the use of AI are becoming strategic drivers to optimise processes,” Antares Vision says.
The company’s Agritech Project intends to evolve and extend its inspection, track and trace and big data analytics technologies to
One of the main innovations is the transition from the smart-camera system to a system that uses a PC for processing, offering greater power and the ability to combine multiple inspections, as well as the possibility of increasing the quantity of defects detected and integrating AI for the detection of such defects, thereby improving the performance of the system.
The project called OCR will allow the creation of a Neural Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system based on AI for reading OCR codes via AI tools and verification of the codes required by law (expiry date, batch code, etc.).
With regard to the inspection of the codes, it will be able to scan and assess pressed or debossed texts, thereby extending the functionality of the system.
Recent AVG investments include a stake in Neurala, an innovative start-up based in Boston, operating in AI applied to vision technology for inspection.
Neurala’s research team has created the Lifelong-Deep Neural Network technology, which reduces the data requirements for developing AI models and enables continuous learning ‘in the cloud’ or ‘on the premises’. Neurala’s AI can only be trained on specific categories of inspection problems with product images that are considered ‘acceptable’ or ‘good’, unlike traditional deep learning approaches that typically need examples of both good and bad products.
In this way, the learning process is faster than with traditional approaches, reducing the time, costs and skills required to build and maintain customised AI solutions applied to vision technologies in manufacturing.
As AI moves from pilot projects to plant-wide deployment, it is becoming a defining capability rather than a differentiator for glass manufacturers. From furnace optimisation and defect detection to workforce management and customer engagement, AI is reshaping how glass is made, inspected and delivered. In an industry facing rising costs, tighter sustainability targets and intensifying competition, the ability to predict, adapt and optimise in real time is fast becoming essential. While the pace and scale of adoption may vary, one conclusion is clear: the future competitiveness of the glass industry will increasingly be shaped by how effectively it turns data into decisions.
As glass manufacturers face rising costs and increasing performance demands, digital mould management is becoming critical. SILXMold delivers real-time visibility and data-driven control, enabling glassmakers to improve operational efficiency, protect asset value and remain competitive in a demanding market.
The glass manufacturing industry is facing a period of rapid transformation. Market pressures, rising production costs, increasing quality expectations, and sustainability targets are reshaping the way manufacturers operate. To remain competitive, glassmakers must continuously improve efficiency, reduce waste and gain tighter control over critical production assets. Among these assets, moulds stand out as one of the most influential – and often underestimated – factors in production performance.
Since 1995, Vertech'' has been helping glass manufacturers worldwide respond to these challenges by developing digital solutions specifically designed for the realities of glass production. Its SIL supervision system, now implemented by customers in more than 35 countries, supports digitalised production processes and decisionmaking. Within this ecosystem, SILXMold has emerged as a powerful and specialised module dedicated to optimising mould management, improving productivity, and extending mould lifespan.
judgment. While these approaches may work in the short term, they limit visibility and make it difficult to anticipate issues before they impact production. SILXMold was designed to overcome these limitations by bringing structure, transparency, and data-driven intelligence to mould management.
SILXMold within SIL supervision system
SILXMold is one of six integrated modules within the Vertech’ SIL supervision system. While the SIL platform provides a comprehensive view of production operations, SILXMold focuses specifically on the lifecycle and performance of moulds.
Moulds: Critical lever for quality and productivity In glass production, moulds play a fundamental role in shaping the final product. Their condition directly affects key parameters such as wall thickness, volume accuracy, surface quality and overall conformity. Even minor deviations can lead to defects, increased scrap rates, or customer complaints.
Modern glass plants operate at high speeds, often with tight production schedules and minimal tolerance for disruptions. In this environment, mould-related issues can quickly escalate into costly problems. A mould that fails unexpectedly, is unavailable at the right time or has inconsistent performance can cause unplanned downtime, reduced output and additional strain on maintenance teams.
Despite their importance, moulds have traditionally been managed using fragmented systems, manual records, or experience-based
Mould shop and IS machine
Each mould is uniquely identified and tracked throughout its entire lifecycle –from initial commissioning and daily use to maintenance, repair and eventual replacement. All relevant data is centralised in a single system and accessible to operators, maintenance teams and managers.
This centralised approach eliminates data silos and ensures consistency across departments. Instead of relying on handwritten logs or disconnected spreadsheets, teams work with a shared, real-time source of truth that supports better coordination and decision-making.
Real-time mould traceability and status monitoring
One of the most valuable features of SILXMold is its real-time traceability. At any moment, operators can view the status of each mould through an intuitive dashboard. A clear, colour-coded system highlights moulds that are available, nearing maintenance limits or requiring immediate attention.
This visual clarity allows teams to prioritise tasks efficiently. Decisions about mould installation, removal or servicing can be made quickly and confidently, reducing delays and uncertainty on the production floor.
In addition to current status, SILXMold stores a complete historical record for each mould. This includes dimensional checks, usage data, maintenance actions and repair interventions. Having this information readily available simplifies diagnostics and shortens response times when issues arise.
Enhancing maintenance planning and execution
Maintenance is a critical yet resource-intensive aspect of mould management. Poorly planned interventions can disrupt production, increase labour costs and reduce mould availability. SILXMold helps manufacturers move from reactive maintenance to a more structured and preventive approach.
The system records detailed information about each repair, including the type of intervention, duration and frequency. Over time, this data reveals trends that can be used to improve maintenance strategies. For example, recurring issues may indicate design limitations, improper usage or the need for process adjustments.
By analyzing repair time by category, maintenance managers can optimise workflows, allocate resources more effectively and reduce bottlenecks in the mould shop. This leads to shorter repair cycles, better utilisation of maintenance capacity and reduced overall downtime.
Monitoring mould performance throughout its lifecycle
Beyond maintenance tracking, SILXMold provides advanced performance analysis that supports long-term planning. The module continuously monitors key indicators such as the number of rotations, machine gobs and remaining production potential for each mould.
These metrics give operators a clear understanding of how close a mould is to the end of its effective service life. Instead of waiting for performance to degrade or failures to occur, teams can plan refurbishments or replacements proactively.
SILXMold also records the reasons for mould disassembly, whether due to wear, damage, dimensional deviation or other operational constraints. This contextual information helps identify root causes and supports continuous improvement efforts aimed at extending mould life and improving overall reliability.
Data-driven financial decision-making
Mould-related costs represent a significant portion of operational expenses in glass manufacturing. These costs go beyond initial purchase prices and include maintenance, repairs, downtime, inventory holding and quality losses. SILXMold provides the data needed to better understand and control these costs.
One of the module’s key financial tools is the comparison between theoretical machine cuts and actual machine cuts. This comparison highlights discrepancies between expected and realworld performance, offering valuable insight into mould efficiency and profitability.
When a mould consistently underperforms, decision-makers can evaluate whether continued repairs are economically justified or whether replacement would deliver better value. According to customer experience, ensuring balanced and regular use of moulds within a set can extend the overall lifespan of the set by approximately 15%, resulting in meaningful cost savings.
Optimising mould inventory and stock management
Effective inventory management is a constant challenge in glass
SILXMold is one of six integrated modules within the Vertech’ SIL supervision system.
production. Holding too many moulds ties up capital and increases storage and maintenance costs, while insufficient stock increases the risk of production delays.
SILXMold addresses this challenge by providing real-time visibility into mould availability, condition and usage. With accurate and upto-date information, manufacturers can better plan mould allocation across machines, shifts and production campaigns.
This improved control reduces unnecessary purchases and ensures that moulds are available when needed. Based on customer feedback, the use of SILXMold can result in savings of up to 10% in mould stock value, while also improving responsiveness and production stability.
Strengthening communication across production chain
Smooth operations depend on effective communication between all stakeholders involved in mould handling, from hot-end operators to mould shop technicians. Miscommunication can lead to incorrect mould preparation, delays or quality issues.
SILXMold includes an integrated messaging function that facilitates structured communication across teams. Requests, alerts and status updates can be exchanged directly within the system, ensuring that information is accurate, traceable and accessible to all relevant parties.
This shared communication platform reduces reliance on informal channels and helps align priorities across departments. The result is faster response times, fewer errors and a more coordinated production environment.
Supporting global and multisite operations
Many glass manufacturers operate multiple plants across different regions. SILXMold is designed to support these global operations by offering availability in 23 languages and standardised workflows. This consistency makes it easier for multinational companies to deploy the solution across sites, compare performance, and share best practices. Centralised data and harmonised processes support benchmarking initiatives and help ensure consistent quality standards worldwide.
Strategic tool for future of glass manufacturing
As the glass industry continues to evolve, digitalisation is becoming a cornerstone of operational excellence. SILXMold enables manufacturers to move beyond traditional mould management methods and adopt a proactive, data-driven approach.
By combining real-time traceability, detailed performance analytics, financial insight and enhanced communication, SILXMold transforms mould management into a strategic advantage. Manufacturers gain greater control over their assets, reduce operational risks and improve productivity across the board.
In an industry where uptime, quality and cost control are critical, SILXMold helps glassmakers work more efficiently, extend mould lifespan and make informed decisions that support long-term competitiveness. More than a mould tracking tool, SILXMold is a forward-looking solution designed to meet the demands of modern, high-performance glass manufacturing.
Driven by strong construction demand, abundant raw materials, and growing export capability, Egypt has emerged as one of the most important flat and processed glass manufacturing hubs in the Middle East and North Africa.
Today, Egypt can boast some of the most advanced downstream glass processors in the architectural and automotive segments.
The Egyptian Glass Company is the country's oldest producer of float glass. Founded in 1995, the company has an installed capacity of 400 tonnes per day of float glass at its plant in Ash Sharqiyah, 10th of Ramadan City. At present, the Egyptian Glass Company operates as a subsidiary of Guardian Glass, an American float glass manufacturing group.
Cairo Glass is a producer of patterned glass in Egypt. The company operates two production lines for pattern glass. The first production line, which commenced commercial production in 2007, produces clear patterned glass with a capacity of 120 tonnes per day. The second production line, dedicated to coloured pattern glass, commenced commercial production in 2014.
Egypt’s vibrant construction sector has resulted in the establishment of a number of value-added glass processing facilities during the past two decades.
Today, Egypt can boast some of the most advanced downstream glass processors in the architectural and automotive segments. The quality and technical capabilities of companies such as Alico Egypt, Aman & Safety Glass Group and Dr. Greiche Glass have earned them strong reputations across the wider region.
Egypt has a number of prestigious ongoing glass projects. The Grand Egyptian Museum, which was officially opened in December 2025, on the Giza Plateau, close to Cairo, was among the most prestigious and demanding projects for the Egyptian flat and processed glass industry. Recognised as the largest archaeological museum in the world, it
Company
Aman
Glassco Egypt Helipolis Architectural glass
Raya Corp 6th of October City Architectural glass
Dr Hawala for Glass & Mirror Giza Architectural glass
Moawad Glass Group Khanka Architectural glass
Smart Glass Giza Architectural glass
Alico Egypt Cairo Architectural glass
Glass House Elkhalafwi Architectural glass
Glass Processing Group Cairo Architectural glass
Façade Solutions 10th of Ramadan City Architectural glass
Alu Nile 6th of October City Architectural glass
El Faran Glass Industry 10th of Ramadan City Automotive glass
Green Line Cairo Architectural glass
Global
will house approximately 100,000 artefacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection.
AGC Glass Europe played a significant role in this project, supplying about 30,000 square metres of the glass used in the construction of the museum.
Egypt has one of the highest quality reserves of silica sand required for the production of flat glass. There are about 16 known occurrences of white silica sand in Egypt. The most important locations are Wadi Qena and Wadi El Dakhl (commercially known as El Zaafarana). Both are located in the Eastern Desert, along with Gebel El Gunnah in South Sinai and El Maadi, which is located in the Cairo suburbs. However, two locations stand out for the finest quality of silica sand for glass making. The Zaafrana area (Wadi Dakhl), as well as northern and southern Sinai, are recognised for their exceptionally high-quality silica sand deposits of suitable for glass manufacturing.
Supported by abundant high-quality raw materials, competitive production costs, and increasingly sophisticated downstream processing capabilities, Egypt is well positioned to strengthen its role as a regional flat and processed glass manufacturing hub. Continued investment in capacity expansion, sustainability initiatives and export-oriented production is expected to further enhance the country’s standing within the global glass industry. Flat
China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has outlined priorities for upgrading traditional industries during the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, signalling tighter capacity discipline, structural adjustment and technological upgrading across key raw material sectors.
In comments issued in late December 2025, the NDRC said traditional industries remain the backbone of China’s real economy, accounting for around 80% of manufacturing value added. Building on progress made under the 14th Five-Year Plan, policy during the next cycle will focus on quality upgrading, structural optimisation and stronger coordination between supply and demand.
Basic raw material industries, including steel, petrochemicals, alumina and copper smelting, were identified as priority areas for reform. For steel and
Tata Chemicals Limited has agreed to acquire Singaporebased Novabay Pte. Limited in a move aimed at strengthening its position in premiumgrade sodium bicarbonate and expanding its specialty chemicals portfolio.
The transaction, announced on 19th December 2025, will see Tata Chemicals International Pte. Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Chemicals, acquire 100% of Novabay’s equity for €25 million under a share purchase agreement. Novabay is described by Tata Chemicals as one of the largest producers of premium sodium bicarbonate in the Asia-Pacific region outside China.
Commenting on the acquisition, the managing director and CEO of Tata Chemicals Ramakrishnan Mukundan said Novabay’s product focus aligned closely with the group’s strategy. “Novabay’s
petrochemicals, the NDRC said the core task is to rebalance supply and demand while improving product structures. Measures include strict control over new capacity, continued regulation of crude steel output and accelerated elimination of outdated and inefficient facilities.
Policy support will increasingly favour high-end and differentiated products aligned with downstream industrial demand, alongside a stronger emphasis on technological innovation. The commission also highlighted the need to strengthen industry monitoring and early-warning mechanisms to prevent excessive investment and disorderly expansion.
For resource-intensive sectors such as alumina and copper smelting, the policy focus shifts to strengthened management and a more rational industrial layout. The NDRC called for a coordinated national approach to project
development, ensuring alignment with resource availability and environmental carrying capacity. Project approval mechanisms will be tightened to curb blind investment, while mergers and consolidation among leading enterprises will be encouraged.
The commission added that technological capability across the value chain should be enhanced, alongside expanded recycling and secondary resource utilisation. In parallel, China will continue to advance overseas resource cooperation to support long-term supply security.
According to the NDRC, these measures reflect a broader recognition that traditional industries are entering a critical adjustment phase. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, competitiveness will increasingly depend on capacity discipline, technological upgrading and more efficient resource allocation, rather
than volume-driven growth. For materials used in glass melting and furnace construction, the policy direction signals tighter management of upstream supply chains. Alumina, identified as a focus sector for consolidation and recycling, is a key input for high-alumina refractories used in glass furnaces. Changes in alumina capacity, project approvals and secondary resource utilisation are expected to influence refractory availability and cost structures. Adjustments in steel and petrochemical sectors may also affect furnace construction, maintenance inputs and energy systems.
The announcement provides an early indication of the regulatory and operating environment material suppliers and manufacturers can expect as China prepares for the formal launch of the 15th FiveYear Plan, covering the period from 2026 to 2030.
focus on premium-grade sodium bicarbonate aligns seamlessly with TCL’s strategy to expand its presence in high-value, noncyclical product segments,” he said. “This acquisition strengthens TCL’s capabilities in the specialty bicarb market and enhances our ability to serve premium customer requirements.”
Novabay supplies high-grade sodium bicarbonate primarily to pharmaceutical, personal care and food markets. The company operates a fully automated facility and holds cGMP, API and related certifications, which are required for regulated end-use applications. Tata Chemicals said Novabay has a current production capacity of around 60,000 tonnes per year, with scope to expand to approximately 100,000 tonnes.
According to Tata Chemicals, demand for premium-grade sodium bicarbonate is supported by structural growth drivers
in healthcare and personal care markets. The company cited rising haemodialysis requirements, improved access to medical treatment and increasing consumption in emerging economies as factors underpinning long-term demand.
Tata Chemicals said it expects the acquisition to support its long-term growth and value creation objectives.
While sodium bicarbonate is not used directly in glass melting, the transaction is relevant to the glass sector because Tata Chemicals is a major global supplier of soda ash and other alkali products used in glass production. Portfolio developments and capital allocation decisions at large alkali producers are closely monitored by glass manufacturers, as they can influence investment priorities, supply strategies and the balance between
commodity and specialty chemical production.
Tata Chemicals forms part of the Tata Group, which reported revenues of more than $180 billion. The company supplies a range of products to glass, detergent, industrial and chemical markets and also has interests in crop protection through its subsidiary Rallis India Limited. Tata Chemicals operates research and development centres in Pune and Bangalore.
The acquisition of Novabay continues a broader trend among large chemical producers of increasing exposure to specialty and higher-margin products, alongside core bulk chemicals. For downstream industries such as glass, these strategic shifts can shape the future availability and economics of key raw materials over the medium to long term.
The Colorado School of Mines has entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Australian-headquartered Bayan Mining and Minerals Limited and its US subsidiary for a portfolio of patented rare earth element processing technologies.
Under the agreement, Bayan gains full rights to deploy, further develop and sub-license four technologies developed by researchers at the Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy at the Colorado School of Mines. The technologies are designed to improve recovery rates and reduce processing costs for bastnaesite-dominant ores, a key source of light rare earth elements including cerium, lanthanum, neodymium and praseodymium.
Bastnaesite is the primary mineral underpinning production at the Mountain Pass mine in California, the largest rare earth element operation in the US. The licensed technologies were in part developed and tested using material from Mountain Pass,
which is geographically close to Bayan’s Desert Star Project. According to the parties, the two deposits share similar geological characteristics, increasing the relevance of the research to Bayan’s development plans.
The technologies address multiple stages of rare earth processing, including leaching, separation, ion exchange and the recovery of ancylite, a lesser-studied rare earth mineral containing strontium carbonate. Research teams reported that early-stage testing achieved rare earth recoveries exceeding 90 per cent in some separation processes.
The Kroll Institute, founded in 1974 through an endowment from William Kroll, is recognised internationally for research in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy. The work was led by Corby Anderson, Harrison Western Professor in Mining Engineering at Mines, with support from researchers at the US Department of Energy’s
Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Development of the technologies was partially funded through the DOE Critical Materials Institute, now the DOE Critical Materials Innovation Hub.
Commenting on the agreement, Walter Copan, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at Colorado School of Mines, said: “This agreement exemplifies how university research is intended to move beyond the laboratory toward commercial implementation to address critical global challenges. By translating decades of fundamental research into deployable technologies, we are enabling more efficient and sustainable recovery of critical materials that are essential to energy and advanced industries.”
Bayan said the licence strengthens its strategic position in the US rare earths sector and aligns with wider efforts to build domestic supply chains for critical minerals. The company operates near established rare earth
mining regions and has stated its intention to support downstream processing capability within the United States.
Bayan executive director Fadi Diab said: “This licence not only gives us a proprietary toolkit designed specifically for bastnaesite-dominant systems like Desert Star, it also positions us to meaningfully participate in the rapidly expanding US critical minerals and downstream supply chain initiatives.”
Rare earth elements are used in a range of speciality glass, coatings and advanced ceramic applications, making developments in processing and recovery relevant to downstream materials industries.
The agreement reflects growing collaboration between academic institutions and mining companies as governments and industry seek to secure reliable sources of critical minerals used in electric motors, wind turbines, electronics and defence applications.
REalloys Inc, the merger target of Blackboxstocks Inc, has entered into a long-term partnership with the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) to expand heavy rare earth processing capacity at SRC’s Rare Earth Processing Facility in Saskatoon, Canada.
Under the agreement, REalloys Inc. has secured 80% of annual output from the upgraded facility through a commercial processing and offtake arrangement. The partnership aims to establish what the parties describe as North America’s first fully integrated, commercial-scale facility for the refining and metallisation of heavy rare earth elements. The expanded operation is expected to be fully operational in early 2027.
The SRC facility, which is nearing completion, incorporates monazite processing, artificial intelligence (AI)-controlled rare earth element separation and advanced metalsmelting systems. It is designed to extract and refine heavy rare earths including dysprosium and terbium, as well as light rare earth
materials such as neodymiumpraseodymium. These materials are critical for high-performance magnets used in defence, clean energy and advanced manufacturing applications.
Rare earth elements are also used in a range of speciality glass and glass-related applications, including optical glass, laser systems, phosphors and advanced coatings, making developments in refining and supply security relevant to downstream glass manufacturing and materials processing.
REalloys plans to invest approximately $21 million to expand the facility, increasing heavy rare earth processing capacity by an estimated 300% and light rare earth capacity by around 50%. Once operational, the upgraded plant is designed to produce up to 30 tonnes per year of dysprosium oxide, 15 tonnes of terbium oxide and 400 tonnes per year of high-purity neodymium-praseodymium metal, with neodymium-praseodymium
(NdPr) output rising to 600 tonnes annually following full expansion.
The agreement positions the facility to supply a compliant North American supply chain ahead of new US defence procurement rules that come into effect on 1st January 2027. Under these regulations, the US Department of Defense will be prohibited from sourcing rare earth metals and related components from China, Russia, Iran or North Korea.
Leonard Sternheim, CEO of REalloys, said: “SRC’s facility expansion changes that –establishing the first fully funded and permitted heavy rare earth facility in the region with zero Chinese nexus. Built on years of proprietary process IP and AI-driven systems integration, the facility provides a near-term pathway to domestic heavy rare earth production and a resilient allied supply chain.”
Mike Crabtree, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Research Council, said the partnership demonstrates Canada’s ability to
deliver critical minerals processing at commercial scale. “Our team’s expertise in metallurgy, process chemistry and systems integration is world-class, and this partnership proves that Canada can execute at commercial scale,” he said.
REalloys is developing an integrated North American rare earth supply chain spanning mining, processing and downstream metals and magnet production, with a focus on serving defence and advanced manufacturing markets. The SRC is one of Canada’s largest applied research organisations, with longstanding expertise in metallurgy, mineral processing and rare earth technologies.
The expanded SRC facility is intended to act as a precursor to REalloys’ planned commercial metals facility in Saskatoon, which is designed to significantly increase rare earth metal output. Together, the developments are positioned to support a secure North American supply of missioncritical rare earth materials.
European trade associations representing the composite materials value chain have jointly outlined their expectations for the forthcoming EU Circular Economy Act, calling for clearer rules and stronger incentives to expand recycling of composite materials, including glass fibre reinforced plastics.
The contribution was released ahead of the European Commission’s legislative proposal and reflects a coordinated position from material suppliers, composite manufacturers, end users in wind energy and boating, and cement producers. The group argues that while composite recycling technologies are already proven, regulatory and economic barriers continue to limit their widespread deployment.
The European Commission is
expected to present its proposal for the Circular Economy Act in 2026, following a public consultation that concluded in late 2025. The Act has not yet been adopted and no entry-into-force date has been set.
Composites play an expanding role in sectors relevant to the glass industry, particularly wind energy, construction and transport, where glass fibres are the dominant reinforcement material. Despite their growing use, most composite components reaching end of life in Europe are still incinerated, landfilled or used for backfilling, rather than being recycled or reused.
According to the joint paper, the main obstacle is not a lack of technology. Several recycling and reuse routes for composites are already operating at scale. Instead, the authors point to the absence of
a supportive regulatory framework that would allow recycling operators to run economically viable business models. They argue that recycled materials are often undercut by lower-cost virgin materials or imports produced under less stringent environmental standards.
The associations’ recommendations are structured around three areas. First, they call for measures that improve the business case for recycled and secondary raw materials, including faster permitting for circular infrastructure, financial incentives such as reduced VAT, and stronger demand-side measures. They also propose progressive reuse and recycling targets for composite waste from decommissioned wind turbine blades, nacelles and boats.
Second, the paper highlights weaknesses in waste classification
and traceability. End-of-life composites currently lack dedicated waste codes, which complicates collection, transport and treatment. The authors recommend introducing specific EU waste codes for composite materials and harmonising end-ofwaste criteria to allow secondary raw materials to circulate more freely across member states. The third focus is technology neutrality. The paper stresses that no single recycling route can manage the full range of composite waste streams. Cement co-processing is presented as an existing large-scale option that can recover both mineral content and energy from glass fibre composites, while chemical and thermal recycling technologies are seen as complementary solutions for more complex waste fractions.
McLaren Minerals has completed the acquisition of a zircon-rich mineral sands project from Iluka Resources in the eastern Eucla Basin of South Australia, expanding its exposure to highvalue heavy mineral feedstocks used across glass, ceramics and refractories.
The transaction covers exploration licence EL6462 and part of EL6461, located northwest of Ceduna. The tenements include the Kalahari, Mojave and Gobi prospects, which will now be collectively known as the Barossa Project. The acquisition was completed through a Tenement Sales Agreement.
The Barossa Project lies around 90 km south-east of Iluka’s Jacinth-Ambrosia mine and sits within the Ooldea and Barton palaeo-shoreline corridors, geological settings that host several established mineral sands operations in the Eucla Basin. Historical exploration by Iluka identified a heavy mineral assemblage averaging around 16% zircon, alongside ilmenite and rutile.
Simon Finnis, managing director of McLaren Minerals, said the acquisition complemented the company’s existing focus on titanium minerals. “While we are
totally committed to advancing the McLaren Titanium Project, projects of this calibre don’t often become available, so it was an opportunity too good to pass up,” he said. “McLaren is a project with a mineral suite dominated by sulphate quality ilmenite, so we have added this advanced project to increase
logical and streamlined fashion."
The Kalahari and Mojave prospects were first identified in 2008 along a mineralised palaeoshoreline, while the Gobi prospect was discovered in 2018 in a southern extension of the same depositional system. Follow-up work by Iluka between 2018 and 2019 included aircore drilling and
'We aim to only work in jurisdictions that support mining, and only on projects that offer a pathway to production. The Barossa project provides that opportunity'
our project exposure and, in due course, also broaden our product offering.”
'We aim to only work in jurisdictions that support mining, and only on projects that offer a pathway to production. The Barossa project provides that opportunity," Finnis added. "We will continue to aggressively move through the development phases at McLaren, with the study due out within the next few days, and we will also progress Barossa in a
a ground-based passive seismic survey, which confirmed an embayment-style placer system with a defined high-grade core at Kalahari.
Across the three prospects, the heavy mineral assemblage is reported to be dominated by ilmenite at around 60%, with zircon at approximately 16% and rutile at about two per cent. The project occupies a basementcontrolled depression between the Barton and Ooldea Ranges, a
geological setting recognised for its ability to trap and retain heavy minerals over long periods.
McLaren Minerals said the Barossa Project offers a clear pathway for staged exploration and development within a proven zircon province. Finnis added: “We aim to only work in jurisdictions that support mining, and only on projects that offer a pathway to production. The Barossa project provides that opportunity.”
For the glass industry, zircon is a key raw material used in opacifiers, frits and speciality glass formulations, as well as in refractories and ceramics. Developments that strengthen supply from established mineral sands regions are therefore closely watched by glass manufacturers and batch suppliers.
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National Aluminium Company Limited hosted a visit by IAS officer Piyush Goyal, secretary (mines) at India’s Ministry of Mines, at its headquarters in Bhubaneswar on 24th December 2025, as part of a review of the company’s expansion plans and operational performance.
The visit marked Goyal’s first to NALCO since assuming charge as Secretary (Mines). He was received by the company’s senior leadership and chaired a review meeting with Brijendra Pratap Singh and members of the board. Discussions focused on ongoing expansion initiatives, production performance and operational efficiency across NALCO’s integrated bauxite, alumina and aluminium operations.
During the meeting, Goyal emphasised the importance of timely completion of expansion projects, achievement of
production targets and systematic improvement in operational performance. He commended the company’s results across key physical and financial parameters and encouraged management and employees to continue setting higher benchmarks. As part of the visit, he also planted a sapling at the headquarters, underscoring the government’s stated focus on environmental stewardship and sustainable mining practices.
NALCO is a Navratna central public sector enterprise with operations spanning bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and captive power generation. It plays a significant role in India’s aluminium and alumina supply chain, with alumina also serving as a critical input for refractories, ceramics and glass manufacturing.
Earlier the same day, Goyal
met with senior officials from the Odisha state government, including the chief secretary, to discuss measures to expedite NALCO’s expansion activities at its mines and refinery complex in Damanjodi and the smelter and power complex at Angul. These projects are central to NALCO’s plans to increase capacity and improve operational resilience.
In addition, Goyal chaired a broader mining sector review meeting with state officials, central government agencies and preferred bidders of auctioned mineral blocks. The discussions focused on accelerating the operationalisation of auctioned major mineral blocks, an issue seen as critical to improving domestic mineral availability and reducing supply bottlenecks.
From an industry perspective, the visit signals continued
government oversight and support for expansion in India’s minerals and metals sector. For downstream industries, including glass manufacturing, developments at NALCO are relevant due to alumina’s role as a raw material for glass batch compositions, furnace refractories and technical ceramics. Any changes in capacity, efficiency or policy direction at large producers such as NALCO can have implications for supply security and pricing across multiple sectors.
Blencowe Resources has reported further deep-hole assay results from the Iyan Deposit at its Orom-Cross graphite project in northern Uganda, confirming what the company describes as a major new graphite discovery adjacent to the existing Northern Syncline deposit.
The results, released on 18th December 2025, cover the remaining deep drill holes completed at Iyan and follow the earlier release of assays from the first deep hole, L909B. According to Blencowe, assays from holes L908B and L910B confirm thick, continuous graphite mineralisation from surface or near surface to depths approaching 100 metres, with all holes ending in graphite. The company said this indicates an open and laterally extensive system.
Blencowe stated that the Iyan Deposit is not included in the current JORC-compliant mineral resource for Orom-Cross, which was reported in November 2025, but will form part of a planned resource upgrade in early 2026. The existing definitive feasibility study for Orom-Cross is based on a 15-year mine life, and the company said the Iyan results support the potential for production over a
significantly longer timeframe.
Drilling at Iyan has identified zones of elevated grade within the broader mineralised intervals. Blencowe highlighted internal zones with total graphitic carbon grades of up to 13.9%, which it said enhance the overall quality and development potential of
step-out holes were completed at Iyan, with assays pending. These results are expected to help define additional near-surface tonnage and support an expansion of the project’s resource base.
A second newly identified mineralised zone, known as Beehive, is also being tested as
‘This points clearly to multi-decade production potential, which is a key message in ongoing discussions with strategic groups seeking secure longterm supply.’
the deposit. The thickness and continuity of the mineralisation are reported to align with the structural trends observed at the Northern Syncline, suggesting that Iyan represents a western extension of the same system.
The Iyan prospect sits within Blencowe’s granted 21-year mining licence and is located close to the proposed processing plant site at Orom-Cross. As part of the current Stage 7 drilling programme, 74 of the remaining 186 shallow and
part of the same programme. Blencowe said deep-hole assays from Beehive are expected shortly, with shallow and step-out results from both prospects due in early 2026.
Executive chairman Cameron Pearce said the latest results reinforced the scale of the discovery. “These follow-up deepholes confirm Iyan as a major new graphite deposit alongside Northern Syncline, with continuous mineralisation to around 100
metres and every hole ending in graphite,” he said. “This points clearly to multi-decade production potential, which is a key message in ongoing discussions with strategic groups seeking secure long-term supply.”
Graphite is used in a range of industrial applications, including refractories, foundry products and high-temperature furnace components, as well as in energy storage. For glass manufacturers, developments in graphite supply are relevant due to its role in refractory linings and carbon-based materials used in glass melting furnaces.
WE Soda was named on CDP’s 2024 Water Security ‘A’ List, placing the company among a small group of organisations recognised for leadership in managing waterrelated risks and impacts.
According to CDP, WE Soda was one of 133 companies worldwide to achieve an ‘A’ score for water security, from more than 6,500 companies assessed globally. CDP said the result reflected demonstrable action on water stewardship, alongside ambition and transparency in environmental disclosure.
CDP, which operates a global disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions, reported that more than 22,700 companies were scored across its assessment categories in 2024. Of these, only around two per cent achieved an ‘A’ List score, underlining the high threshold required to be classified
as a top performer.
The assessment followed the introduction of a single corporate questionnaire by CDP, aimed at simplifying reporting while expanding the depth of environmental data disclosed. CDP said the revised framework was designed to enable companies to integrate environmental considerations into core business decisions, engage more actively with their value chains and set clearer long-term strategies.
In its analysis, CDP reported that companies appearing on its ‘A’ List had, on average, delivered higher stock returns than their peers over the past decade. CDP said this suggested that transparency and environmental performance could translate into longer-term strategic advantages, although it cautioned that broader action across industry remained necessary.
Commenting on the recognition, Alasdair Warren said: “We are delighted that CDP has recognised us as a leader in Water Security. Operating responsibly in every aspect of our business is a priority and one where we will continue to strive to be the best-in-class in our industry and across all industries, worldwide.”
CDP CEO Sherry Madera said at the time that companies achieving top scores were helping to set expectations for environmental performance. “The companies on CDP’s ‘A’ List are not only responding to this demand, but they are also setting the pace,” she said. “They are weaving environmental stewardship into their governance, strategy and operations, and embracing transparency as a tool for growth.”
Madera added that 2025 “must be the year all companies move
decisively from transparency to action”, noting that the scale of environmental challenges required faster progress across sectors.
For the glass industry, soda ash is a core raw material used in container, flat and speciality glass production. Water management at soda ash operations is therefore closely monitored by glass manufacturers, particularly as environmental reporting, supply chain transparency and ESG scrutiny increase across global markets.
Developments in water security performance at soda ash producers can influence long-term sourcing strategies and supplier selection, especially in regions facing water stress. As such, CDP benchmarks remain a reference point for procurement teams and sustainability reporting across the glass value chain.
SOLAR MATERIALS has doubled its annual recycling capacity for end-of-life solar modules to 14,000 tonnes, as the company rolls out a flexible expansion model aimed at accelerating growth across Europe. The move comes amid rising volumes of decommissioned photovoltaic panels and increasing demand for recovered secondary raw materials, including glass.
The company said the capacity increase follows the commissioning of an industrialscale recycling plant dedicated to solar modules, which has been operating since spring 2025. Demand for recycling services has grown rapidly as early generations of solar installations reach the end of their service life and regulatory pressure increases to keep valuable materials within European supply chains.
SOLAR MATERIALS’ recycling line is based on a modular design that allows individual system units to be relocated and deployed within weeks. This approach is intended to enable capacity to be established close to where end-of-life modules are generated, reducing transport requirements and supporting regional recycling infrastructure.
The company’s current expansion strategy prioritises Germany, other core European markets and the United Kingdom.
A central focus of the operation is the recovery of secondary raw
locations in a very short time and build up infrastructure exactly where end-of-life modules are generated,” said Jan-Philipp Mai, CEO, SOLAR MATERIALS. “Every tonne we recycle keeps
‘SOLAR MATERIALS said recovered secondary materials can require up to 95% less energy to produce and generate around 80% fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared with primary raw materials. These factors are increasingly relevant for glass manufacturers seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chains and comply with tightening environmental reporting requirements. ’
materials that can be reintroduced into industrial value chains.
Using a patented mechanical process, SOLAR MATERIALS says it separates and recovers all materials contained in solar modules, including glass, silicon, silver, aluminium and copper. Silicon and silver are widely classified as critical raw materials, while glass represents the largest material fraction by weight in most photovoltaic panels.
“Our technology is ready for the European market. We can deploy our recycling line to new
valuable materials in Europe – silver, silicon, aluminium, copper, glass. That’s not just environmentally responsible; it also strengthens the EU’s economic independence.”
For the glass industry, the expansion is notable because solar panel recycling is emerging as a significant new source of secondary glass. As volumes of decommissioned panels increase over the coming decade, recycled solar glass is expected to become a more prominent component of Europe’s cullet landscape,
with implications for raw material availability, quality requirements and circular economy policy.
SOLAR MATERIALS said recovered secondary materials can require up to 95% less energy to produce and generate around 80% fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared with primary raw materials. These factors are increasingly relevant for glass manufacturers seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chains and comply with tightening environmental reporting requirements.
Founded in 2021 and based in Magdeburg, SOLAR MATERIALS has focused exclusively on recycling end-of-life solar modules. The company has been certified as a specialist waste management operator since 2023 and launched its first dedicated industrial recycling line in April 2025. Looking ahead, SOLAR MATERIALS said it plans to triple overall capacity in 2026 and establish additional sites outside Germany.
As solar deployment continues to expand globally, the availability of scalable recycling solutions is expected to play a growing role in securing secondary raw materials for industries such as glass, metals and electronics.
Titan Mining Corporation has begun graphite processing at its Kilbourne demonstration facility in upstate New York, marking a step towards re-establishing domestic natural flake graphite production in the US.
The company announced on 11th December 2025 that ore feeding has commenced at the Kilbourne graphite plant, located within the existing infrastructure of its Empire State Mine near Gouverneur. Titan said the start-up advances the project towards first graphite concentrate production and represents the first attempt to restore end-to-end US natural flake graphite output in more than 70 years.
Titan is currently an established zinc concentrate producer at the Empire State Mine and is developing graphite as an additional critical mineral stream. The fully permitted demonstration
facility has a design capacity of around 1,200 tonnes per year of graphite concentrate and is intended to support qualification runs and offtake discussions as the project moves towards commercial scale.
Rita Adiani, president and CEO of Titan Mining, said the start of processing had broader implications beyond the company.
“Today is a pivotal moment not only for Titan, but for US critical minerals independence,” she said. “We are delivering on our commitment to re-establish a secure US supply of battery-grade natural flake graphite, a key input for energy storage, defence and strategic industries.”
The Kilbourne Project has been designed with a longer-term target capacity of up to 40,000 tonnes per annum of graphite concentrate. Titan said this level of output could supply close to
half of current US natural graphite demand, depending on market growth. The company positioned the project as a response to supply chain vulnerabilities that have emerged in recent years, including export restrictions from major producing countries.
The start-up follows the release of Titan’s Kilbourne Project Study, which outlined the project’s economics and development pathway. The company also reported increased support from the Export-Import Bank of the United States under its Make More in America initiative. This includes approval of an additional $5.5 million in non-dilutive funding to advance feasibility work, as well as a non-binding letter of interest for up to $120 million in potential project financing.
According to Titan, the technical information associated with the project has been reviewed and
approved by an independent qualified person in accordance with NI 43-101 requirements.
While much of the focus around graphite centres on batteries and energy storage, the material also plays an established role in refractories, furnace linings and high-temperature applications. For the glass industry, graphite is used in refractory systems and ancillary components associated with glass melting and forming operations. Developments that expand secure supply are therefore of interest to glass manufacturers and refractory suppliers alike.
Titan Mining is part of the Augusta Group and continues to operate its zinc business alongside graphite development. The company said its broader strategy is focused on building critical minerals assets that strengthen domestic supply chains.
GreenRoc Strategic Materials
has secured a 30-year exploitation licence for its Amitsoq Graphite Project in southern Greenland, following approval by the Government of Greenland. The licence has been granted to Greenland Graphite a/s, a wholly owned Greenland-registered subsidiary of GreenRoc.
The permit was formally signed on 8th December 2025 by the minister of business, mineral resources, energy, justice and gender equality, Naaja H Nathanielsen, and Stefan Bernstein, who is also director of Greenland Graphite. The signing followed the government’s approval, on 4th December, of the project’s Terms of Reference and associated White Paper.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nathanielsen said the Amitsoq licence was the third exploitation licence issued by the Greenland Government in 2025. She noted the pace of the permitting process, stating: “It is particularly worth noting that the process from submitted application to issued exploitation licence has only taken one year and three months. This is significantly faster than in many other countries and
Stefan Bernstein, director of Greenland Graphite, described the licence as a key milestone for the company. “It is a great pleasure for me today, on behalf of our company, to confirm the grant of the Exploitation Licence for graphite at Amitsoq,”
clearly demonstrates that the revised Mining Act is working as intended.”
She added that the aim of the revised framework was to streamline procedures while maintaining environmental, safety and social standards. “Today’s exploitation licence is the result of focused political efforts to make Greenland more attractive for responsible investments, while seriously taking into account the concerns for people and the environment,” Nathanielsen said.
Amitsoq, also known by its local placename Piiaaffik Amitsoq, was previously mined for graphite around a century ago. GreenRoc said the project contains proven graphite resources with the potential to support production
over several decades, positioning it as a long-life asset within Europe’s emerging critical minerals supply chain.
Bernstein described the licence as a key milestone for the company.
“It is a great pleasure for me today, on behalf of our company, to confirm the grant of the Exploitation Licence for graphite at Amitsoq,” he said. “This is a very important milestone for GreenRoc on the road to making graphite production in Greenland a reality again, 100 years after the closure of the Amitsoq mine.”
He added that while graphite is widely associated with batteries and the energy transition, Europe currently lacks secure access to the material. “At Amitsoq, we have proven graphite ore for
many decades of operation,” Bernstein said, while stressing the importance of ensuring benefits for local communities in southern Greenland.
Although the exploitation licence represents political approval of the mining project, further regulatory steps remain. Before construction and mining can begin, Greenland Graphite must secure approval for an Environmental Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessment, an Impact Benefit Agreement and a Mine and Closure Plan. The company has until 31st December 2028 to submit its mining and decommissioning plan and is required to commence mining by the end of 2030, unless extensions are granted.
RHI Magnesita has strengthened its presence in the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META) region with the opening of a new regional head office in Dubai, marking a further step in the company’s regional expansion strategy.
The global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions has established a dedicated META business unit, headquartered in Dubai, to support customers across the region. The new office was officially inaugurated by Gustavo Franco, global chief customer officer of RHI Magnesita, alongside Hakimuddin Ali, regional president for META, in the presence of senior executives from customer industries including steel and cement.
According to the company, the Dubai office is intended to serve as more than a corporate base. It will operate as a regional coordination hub, bringing together sales, commercial, technical and operational teams to improve collaboration and customer engagement across META markets. The move reflects a broader effort to align regional decision-making more closely with
customer requirements.
Speaking at the opening, Hakimuddin Ali said: “The META region continues to evolve rapidly, and our customers expect strong local presence backed by global expertise. The opening of our Dubai office reflects our commitment to being closer to our customers, strengthening collaboration across the region, and building a platform for long-term growth and partnership.”
RHI Magnesita identified the META region as an important pillar of its global footprint, with demand driven by large-scale industrial activity and ongoing investment in energy-intensive sectors. Customers in the region are increasingly focused on securing long-term supply reliability, consistent product performance and operational stability, particularly in industries operating at high temperatures.
Türkiye plays a central role in the company’s regional strategy. RHI Magnesita maintains an established manufacturing presence in the country, including refractory production facilities and a magnesite mine located in Eskişehir and Söğüt. The company stated that this local production capability,
combined with its global technology base, allows it to respond efficiently to regional market requirements while maintaining quality and service standards.
The Dubai office is expected to support coordination across these assets and strengthen links between regional customers and the company’s wider global network. While the office itself does not add manufacturing capacity, it is positioned as a strategic base for managing growth and supporting industrial customers across META markets.
RHI Magnesita supplies refractory materials used in high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C across a range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass. Globally, the company operates more than 65 production sites, including raw material facilities, alongside recycling plants and a network of sales offices.
The opening of the Dubai office underscores the continued importance of the META region within the global refractory supply chain, as industrial producers seek closer technical support and more resilient supply relationships.
A hot repair has been successfully completed on a glass melting furnace at Ritzenhoff’s production site in Marsberg, Germany, following a 21-day programme carried out in September 2025.
The work was undertaken by Horn Bau & Service, a subsidiary of Horn Glass Industries AG, at the facility of Ritzenhoff, one of Germany’s wellknown producers of drinking glasses and designled glass products.
Ritzenhoff, which traces its glassmaking heritage back more than 120 years, operates a range of melting furnaces at its Marsberg site. The repair focused on an 80-tonnes-per-day furnace and was carried out without allowing the unit to cool, a process that required careful planning and continuous operation.
According to Horn Bau & Service, the furnace was fully drained of glass in a controlled manner to allow extensive work to be carried out on critical components, including the doghouse, throat and distributor. These areas are subject to high thermal and mechanical stress and are central to stable furnace operation.
One of the main challenges of the project was coordinating multiple repair activities simultaneously
while maintaining furnace temperature. Several teams worked in parallel, with operations running around the clock in multiple shifts to meet the tight schedule. The throat and distributor were completely dismantled and rebuilt, while a separate team renewed the doghouse palisades, including corner sections, and carried out plating work on other critical zones.
Continuous endoscopic inspections were carried out throughout the repair process to assess wear conditions and verify the quality of the work being undertaken. Following completion of the structural repairs, Horn carried out the controlled heat-up of the furnace. The forehearth remained hot during the entire process, allowing the furnace to be restarted after only a few days.
The project was completed on schedule after 21 days, enabling Ritzenhoff to resume production with minimal disruption. The company said the close coordination between all parties involved was a key factor in achieving the planned timeframe.
Ritzenhoff is known internationally for its high-quality glassware and emphasis on design, supplying customers in both domestic and export markets. Maintaining furnace availability
and performance is critical for such producers, particularly in segments where consistency and product quality are closely linked to melting conditions.
Horn Bau & Service specialises in furnace repairs, rebuilds and maintenance for the glass industry, supporting container, tableware and speciality glass producers. Hot repair projects, such as the one completed in Marsberg, are increasingly used by manufacturers seeking to extend furnace campaign life while avoiding the downtime and energy costs associated with full cold repairs.
SILICON has signed a joint venture agreement with AlOtaishan Holding to establish a local production base for refractory anchoring systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, marking a step towards localisation of specialised furnace components in the Middle East.
The agreement was signed on 23rd December 2025 at the Made in Saudi event in Saudi Arabia. The newly formed entity, SILICON AL-OTAISHAN, is intended to become the first core production facility for refractory anchoring systems within the GCC, serving regional industrial markets.
According to the companies, the joint venture is designed to provide locally based manufacturing capability alongside installation services for refractory anchoring systems, which are used in high-temperature industrial furnaces and kilns. Such systems play a critical role in securing refractory linings and maintaining furnace integrity in sectors including glass, cement, petrochemicals and metals.
SILICON said the partnership represents a strategic move to deepen its presence in the GCC market and support regional industrial development. The company views the joint venture as a platform to combine technical expertise with local market access, enabling closer support for customers operating energy-intensive processes.
In a statement issued following the signing,
SILICON said: “An exciting moment at the Made in Saudi Event, where we officially signed our Joint Venture Agreement with AlOtaishan Holding.” SILICON business developer Mohamed H Rashed, who played a key role in establishing this partnership, represented SILICON during this milestone event.
The SILICON statement added: “The newly formed SILICON AL-OTAISHAN corporation will be the first anchor production facility within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This marks a significant step forward as we bring localised expertise in refractory anchoring systems and installation services directly to the region.”
AlOtaishan Holding is a diversified Saudi-based group with interests across industrial and commercial sectors. Through the joint venture, the partners aim to align with regional localisation initiatives and reduce reliance on imported components for critical industrial infrastructure.
The GCC region continues to invest heavily in glass manufacturing, petrochemicals, cement and metals, all of which rely on refractory systems capable of withstanding sustained high temperatures. Local production of anchoring systems is expected to support shorter lead times, improved technical support and greater flexibility for furnace maintenance and repair programmes.
While the joint venture does not involve raw
material extraction, it forms part of the downstream refractory supply chain, linking materials engineering with furnace design and installation. For industrial operators, anchoring systems are a key element in extending furnace campaign life and ensuring operational safety.
The establishment of SILICON AL-OTAISHAN reflects a broader trend towards regionalising specialised industrial manufacturing in the Middle East, as producers seek to strengthen supply resilience and technical capability closer to end users.
Calderys has marked the internal opening of its new Innovation Center in Neuwied, Germany, expanding its research and development capabilities for refractories serving high-temperature industries across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, including glass manufacturing.
The opening event took place on 19th December at the Neuwied site, which is the group’s largest production location in Europe. The new facility, covering around 3,000 square metres, is located adjacent to the manufacturing plant and is intended to improve collaboration between innovation, quality control and production teams, particularly in the development and industrialisation of refractory materials.
The Innovation Center is equipped for hightemperature testing, chemical and mineralogical analysis, and advanced materials characterisation. These capabilities are relevant to glass furnace applications, where refractory performance directly influences furnace lifetime, energy efficiency and product quality. Modular laboratory spaces have been designed to adapt to evolving research needs, while the proximity to production
allows for faster scale-up and validation under industrial conditions.
The centre will support Calderys’ core markets, including foundry, iron and steel, aluminium cement and glass. For glass producers, the focus is expected to include materials that withstand increasingly aggressive furnace environments, higher cullet ratios and tighter emissions constraints, as manufacturers seek to reduce energy consumption and carbon intensity.
Senior management attended the internal opening, including Michel Cornelissen, president and CEO, and Bruno Touzo, global vice president innovation and technology. Touzo, who oversaw the construction of the centre, acknowledged the teams involved in delivering the project. He said: “I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this project: from design and construction to equipment, safety, IT, HR and operations, as well as the local and global teams who supported it along the way. A special thanks to Jong Won Shin, EMEA Innovation Center director who has been instrumental in building this new center. This centre is the result of strong cross-functional collaboration and a shared
commitment to innovation.”
Neuwied has been a focal point for Calderys’ European operations since the 1950s and is positioned within a region with a strong metallurgy and refractory heritage. The location offers proximity to other Calderys sites producing monolithics, steel casting fluxes and moulding solutions, enabling coordinated development and scale-up activities. The company also highlights links to academic and industry bodies, including RWTH Aachen University and the European Centre for Refractories.
The Neuwied facility becomes Calderys’ third major innovation centre globally, joining existing R&D hubs in the United States and India. The group is also expanding laboratory capacity in Odisha, India, alongside the development of a large greenfield production site.
Commenting previously on the investment, Cornelissen said: “We are reinforcing our commitment to delivering tailored, cutting-edge solutions to our customers, with a special focus on innovation that supports their green energy transition needs.”
The Materials Processing Institute is progressing a major upgrade of its pilot-scale Electric Arc Furnace at the Green Steel Centre, following the delivery of initial components for the £2.9 million project in December 2025. The programme involves the dismantling and replacement of key furnace systems and refractory linings and is intended to support research into lowcarbon melting and high-temperature processing under industrially realistic operating conditions.
The Institute reported that the first shipment of components arrived by rail in early December, with further deliveries planned as the project moves into the installation phase. The upgrade centres on the Institute’s seven-tonne Electric Arc Furnace, described as the only research facility of its kind in the UK capable of operating at pilot scale while closely replicating industrial conditions.
According to the Institute, the upgraded furnace is intended to provide a platform for developing, testing and refining advanced low-carbon processing technologies. By bridging the gap between laboratory research and full-scale production, the facility is expected to support the transition towards more sustainable melting routes, supported by existing secondary refining and casting capability that allows a wide range of steel grades and specialist alloys to be produced.
Preparatory work on the upgrade began more
than 18 months ago, starting with an assessment of future research requirements and the development of detailed technical specifications. Major components associated with the upgrade include the furnace body and platform, electrode masts and arms, control panels, charging systems and hopper systems.
The project scope includes the removal of existing refractory materials, the extraction hood and the concrete roof structure, ahead of the installation of the new furnace system. The Institute has indicated that dismantling, installation and commissioning activities are planned to take place in stages, followed by cold and hot commissioning trials and final production readiness testing once the new system is in place.
The upgrade builds on earlier improvements to furnace control systems completed two years ago and introduces a range of additional capabilities aimed at improving efficiency, safety and process control. These include automated powder injection into molten material and slag while the furnace remains powered, continuous charging systems for alternative feedstocks such as DRI and HBI, and remote, on-power temperature monitoring.
Further enhancements include improved control of carbon inputs, additional instrumentation to support more precise tapping and slag removal, and electrode magnetic drives designed to improve
control over electrode movement. Integrated digitalisation and modelling tools are also being incorporated to provide real-time monitoring and predictive insights into furnace operation.
From a refractories and furnace technology perspective, the upgraded Electric Arc Furnace is expected to generate valuable data on lining behaviour under evolving operating conditions. Changes in slag chemistry, thermal cycling and charging practices associated with lower-carbon melting routes are all factors that influence refractory performance across high-temperature industries, including steel and glass.
Once fully commissioned, the facility is expected to strengthen the Institute’s ability to deliver bespoke specialist melting services for sectors such as nuclear, defence, offshore, aerospace and engineering, producing alloys to precise customer specifications and tonnage requirements.
Grecian Magnesite has completed the development of a new mobile mixer and application system designed to support on-site trials of its water-based cold-setting tundish mass, GRECMAGN TUN CS, as part of its refractory product development activities.
The system was engineered and assembled at the company’s facilities in Greece by its in-house engineering and workshop teams.
According to Grecian Magnesite, the mobile unit is intended to enable practical demonstrations and application trials directly at customer sites, allowing refractory performance to be assessed under real operating conditions rather than laboratory environments.
The first deployment of the system is planned at a major European steel plant, with trials scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. The company said the unit is designed to be transportable and adaptable, enabling future demonstrations at additional plants worldwide as interest in cold-setting tundish solutions grows.
GRECMAGN TUN CS is a water-based, cold-setting dry tundish mass developed for steelmaking applications. The product has already been used in operational conditions, including at HBIS Serbia, where it has been applied in tundish linings. Cold-setting tundish masses are typically used to simplify installation, reduce curing time
and improve working conditions compared with traditional systems.
The new mobile mixer and application system is intended to support these benefits by allowing controlled, repeatable on-site trials. By mixing and applying the tundish mass directly at the customer’s facility, Grecian Magnesite aims to demonstrate consistency, installation efficiency and performance characteristics under production conditions.
Pantelis Vetoulas, commercial manager of Grecian Magnesite, said the project reflects the company’s focus on closer collaboration with end users. “The development of this mobile mixer and application system marks another step in strengthening our collaboration with the steel industry,” he said. “It allows us to bring our refractory expertise closer to our customers, ensuring they can evaluate the benefits of our solutions under real operating conditions.”
In-house testing of the mobile system has now been completed, and the unit has been cleared for shipment to customer sites. The company did not disclose technical specifications of the system but indicated that it has been designed to replicate standard application practices while offering flexibility for different site layouts and operating requirements.
While the immediate focus is on steelmaking
tundishes, developments in cold-setting, waterbased refractory systems are of broader interest across high-temperature industries. Similar monolithic installation concepts are increasingly relevant in glass and other process industries, where ease of application, reduced downtime and improved workplace conditions are becoming more important considerations.
Shinagawa Refractories and Italy-based engineering group Danieli & C Officine Meccaniche have agreed to establish a new mould flux manufacturing plant in Italy, extending their longstanding collaboration into the European market.
The project will be developed through a joint venture company, Shinagawa Danieli Advanced Materials, known as SHINDAN. The new entity will be headquartered in Trieste, with Shinagawa holding a 51% stake and Danieli%. The initial capital investment is set at €100,000, and the facility will focus on the manufacture and sale of mould fluxes for continuous casting operations.
Shinagawa’s mould flux production is currently based in Japan, China and the United States. The company’s technology has been developed over several decades alongside advanced steelmaking practices in Japan and is widely used in high-end steel production across East Asia and the Americas. The new Italian plant marks the first time Shinagawa’s mould flux technology will be manufactured locally for customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Danieli, founded in 1914 and headquartered in Buttrio in north-eastern Italy, is a global supplier of integrated steelmaking plants and equipment. In recent years, the company has strengthened
its position in high-speed continuous casting technology. The partnership is intended to combine Shinagawa’s product expertise with Danieli’s casting equipment know-how, aligning consumable materials more closely with casting system design.
According to the companies, the Trieste facility will incorporate modern automation and dedicated research and development capabilities. Its proximity to a major port is expected to support logistics and distribution, enabling the site to function both as a production base and as a regional supply hub.
In a joint statement, Shinagawa said the project represents a further step in its global expansion strategy. “Combining our decades of product expertise with Danieli’s casting equipment technology know-how, SHINDAN will introduce cutting-edge Japanese mould flux technology to the European, Middle East and African steel markets,” the company said. It added that the physical presence in Europe is intended to strengthen customer relationships by improving proximity and technical support.
Mould fluxes play a critical role in continuous casting by controlling heat transfer, lubrication and surface quality at the interface between molten steel and the mould. Although primarily associated with
steelmaking, mould flux technology forms part of the wider refractory and high-temperature materials landscape, which also serves glass, non-ferrous and cement industries.
For glass manufacturers, the relevance lies not in the end-use sector but in the shared materials base and process knowledge. Flux behaviour, thermal control and interfacial reactions are common considerations in both steel casting and glass melting, and developments in one high-temperature industry are often monitored closely by others.
The establishment of SHINDAN follows a broader trend of refractory and functional materials suppliers investing closer to end markets, particularly in Europe, where supply chain resilience and technical support have become increasingly important.
Refratechnik Group has completed its first global, multi-standard certification cycle in partnership with NQA, marking a milestone in the company’s approach to quality, environmental and energy management across its international operations.
The formal handover of the certificates took place on 3rd December 2025 at NQA’s headquarters in Dunstable, UK, following audits conducted across Refratechnik’s global network of sites. The certification programme covered four internationally recognised management system standards: ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, and ISO 50001 for energy management.
Refratechnik said the collaboration with NQA enabled its operations worldwide to be audited under a unified framework, rather than through multiple regional certification bodies. The company described this approach as providing greater consistency and comparability across sites, while also improving transparency for customers and other stakeholders.
The audits were carried out by NQA teams
led by Laura Fletcher, with coordination across Refratechnik’s operations overseen by Axel Westermann on behalf of the group’s global management. According to the companies, the certification process was designed not only to verify compliance with the standards, but also to identify opportunities for improvement and to highlight operational best practice within the group.
In addition to assessing formal management systems, the audits focused on areas such as process efficiency, energy use and workplace safety.
Refratechnik said the outcome of the first certification cycle demonstrated a group-wide commitment to continuous improvement and operational discipline.
Refratechnik has been developing, manufacturing and installing refractory products and industrial minerals for more than 75 years. The group supplies more than one million tonnes of refractory products annually and serves customers in sectors including cement, steel, non-ferrous metals, ceramics and glass. For glass manufacturers, refractory suppliers’ compliance with recognised quality and environmental standards is a key factor in supplier qualification, given the critical role refractories play
in furnace performance, campaign life and energy efficiency.
NQA, founded in 1988 and now part of the Kiwa group, provides accredited certification and training services worldwide. The organisation manages more than 150,000 certificates across over 90 countries and works with companies across a wide range of industrial sectors.
Both companies indicated that the completion of the certification cycle is intended to form the basis of a longer-term working relationship. Refratechnik said it sees value in using a single certification partner to support the ongoing development of its management systems as regulatory and customer expectations continue to evolve.
While the certification itself does not involve changes to production capacity or product design, it provides an external benchmark of how Refratechnik manages quality, safety, energy and environmental performance across its global footprint. For downstream industries such as glass, this type of certification is increasingly relevant as manufacturers place greater emphasis on supply chain governance and sustainability.
A new automatic refractory brick press has commenced operation following a three-year project delivered through a collaboration between DSF and Siemens. The commissioning marks an investment in automated forming technology intended to strengthen refractory brick production capacity and consistency for high-temperature applications.
The project followed around two years of planning and due diligence before site preparation and installation began. Groundworks started in January 2025, with a new production building constructed by Robinsons Longcliffe. Lifting and materials handling systems were supplied and installed by Street Crane, while Hunter Engineering delivered steel hoppers, designed the flooring and coordinated civil engineering works alongside Beighton’s.
The brick press itself was supplied by Laeis, drawing on its experience in refractory forming equipment. DSF said Laeis engineers provided on-site technical support during installation and start-up. Automation and control systems were delivered by Kautenburger, with Siemens supporting system integration and project delivery.
According to DSF, the new press is designed to improve forming accuracy, repeatability and throughput compared with older equipment. Automated brick pressing is widely used in
refractory manufacturing to achieve tighter dimensional control and more uniform density, both of which are critical for furnace performance and lining life.
The project was completed without reported incidents and is now fully operational. DSF said the investment will enable the development of new refractory products and support future growth. Part of the funding was provided through a £100,000 grant from the Invest to Grow programme, delivered via the University of Derby, which supports capital investment and innovation among regional manufacturers.
In a statement marking the completion of the project, DSF acknowledged the role of its partners in bringing the press into operation. The company said collaboration across engineering, construction, automation and equipment supply had been central to delivering the installation to schedule.
The introduction of new refractory manufacturing capacity is relevant to industries that rely on high-temperature linings, including glass, cement and metals. In glass manufacturing, refractory bricks are used extensively in furnace superstructures, ports and regenerators, where dimensional accuracy and material consistency are essential to maintain thermal efficiency and campaign life.
Nigeria
African Refractory and Allied Products has commissioned Nigeria’s first monolithic refractory production plant, marking a new addition to the country’s industrial manufacturing base. The facility, located in Ogijo, Ogun State, represents an investment of N1.3 billion and is intended to supply refractory materials to a range of process industries.
African Refractory and Allied Products, known as ARAP, is a subsidiary of the African Industries Group. The commissioning ceremony took place in October 2025 and was carried out by Sola Arobieke, special adviser to the Ogun State governor and deputy director-general of the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency.
Speaking at the event, Arobieke described the plant as a significant development for Nigeria’s industrial sector, particularly for steelmaking. She said the project was “a laudable effort by the company” and referred to it as “a game changer for the nation’s steel industry”, adding that local refractory production would help reduce reliance on imported materials and add value to steel products
manufactured within the country.
According to ARAP, the plant is designed to serve multiple industries, including steel, cement, glass, aluminium and food processing. Monolithic refractories are widely used in furnaces, kilns and high-temperature processing units, where they play a critical role in thermal efficiency, lining durability and operational safety.
For the glass industry, access to locally produced monolithic refractories can support furnace construction, maintenance and repair activities, particularly in regions where imported materials are subject to long lead times or currency volatility. The company said the facility is expected to contribute to job creation and support small and mediumsized enterprises within the local supply chain.
Addressing guests at the commissioning, Don Terblanche, director of ARAP, said the company was prepared to meet domestic industrial demand. “Our company is fully on ground and ready to deliver high-quality refractory products according to global standards to satisfy the industrial demands that
Automation in refractory production is increasingly important as customers place greater emphasis on quality assurance, traceability and supply reliability. New pressing technology can also support the manufacture of more complex shapes and higher-performance products as furnace designs evolve.
While the project does not involve changes to raw material sourcing, it reflects continued investment in downstream refractory manufacturing within the UK. For glass producers, developments in refractory production capability can influence lead times, product availability and long-term maintenance planning.
would come from various sectors of the economy,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Taiwo Okeowo, director of corporate affairs at African Industries Group, said the new plant reflected the group’s longer-term commitment to industrial development. He said the investment demonstrated AIG’s intention to support Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and contribute to economic growth in Ogun State.
The commissioning was attended by senior executives from ARAP and African Industries Group, including Arindam Gupta, chief operating officer of ARAP, alongside other company directors and stakeholders.
The opening of the Ogijo facility comes amid wider efforts in Nigeria to strengthen local manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on imported industrial inputs. For refractoryconsuming industries such as glass, steel and cement, domestic production has the potential to improve supply security and support future capacity expansion.
Glassman Italy 2026 is set to be a landmark event in the glass manufacturing calendar. Taking place on 4–5 February 2026 in the historic city of Bologna, this exclusive edition marks the first time the Glassman series will be hosted in Italy. It’s an unmissable exhibition and conference for professionals in the hollow and container glass sectors to converge, collaborate, and catalyse innovation.
Asia’s glass industry enters 2026 at a moment of quiet but decisive transition. After years defined by capacity additions, furnace upgrades and cost pressures, the centre of gravity is shifting towards the market-facing end of the value chain. Architectural glass is emerging as the segment that will determine where value is created and who leads the industry’s next phase, as façades, rather than furnaces, begin to shape competitiveness across Asia.
A new decision-making phase is emerging
For much of the past decade, strategic focus across Asia’s glass sector has been firmly internal. Capacity utilisation, furnace life, energy efficiency and cost control have dominated executive attention. These priorities remain relevant, but they no longer explain where future differentiation will come from.
As 2026 begins, the more telling signals are emerging at the market interface. How glass is specified, valued and integrated into buildings is changing. The industry is moving from a production-led cycle towards one increasingly shaped by downstream demand, and architectural glass sits at the centre of that shift.
This change is subtle, but it is structural.
Architectural glass is influencing decisions earlier
One of the clearest signs of this transition is the point at which architectural glass enters the decision-making process. Previously, glass was often selected late, with availability and price carrying disproportionate weight. Today, it is being specified far earlier and judged on performance contribution.
Facades are increasingly treated as engineered systems rather than aesthetic shells. Glass selection affects cooling loads, daylight performance, acoustic comfort, safety compliance and sustainability outcomes. As a result, architectural glass has moved from being a passive material choice to an active design variable.
This shift alters the balance of influence within projects and, by extension, the sources of value within the supply chain.
Megacities are driving performance-led demand
Asia’s megacities provide the clearest illustration of why architectural glass is gaining prominence. Dense urban environments place extreme demands on buildings, particularly in terms of thermal management, energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
In these conditions, uncontrolled transparency is no longer acceptable. Solar control, low-emissivity, laminated and acoustic glass are increasingly treated as baseline specifications rather than premium options. In parallel, regulatory frameworks are reinforcing this direction by embedding performance criteria into building approvals.
Demand is therefore evolving not just in volume, but in expectation. What glass must deliver now goes well beyond enclosure.
Standardised solutions are losing relevance
Another defining characteristic of architectural glass demand in Asia is diversity. Climatic conditions, regulatory priorities and design cultures vary widely across the region, and glass solutions are becoming more localised as a result.
Hot and humid cities prioritise solar control and glare reduction. Seismic zones emphasise safety and lamination. High-density urban corridors demand acoustic performance. Cooler climates focus on insulation and condensation control.
This fragmentation is reducing the relevance of one-size-fits-all products. Manufacturers and processors that can adapt specifications and engage technically are better placed to move up the value curve.
Design ambition has returned with greater discipline
Asia’s cities have never lacked architectural ambition, and glass remains central to how that ambition is expressed. Landmark buildings, transport hubs and mixed-use developments continue to push visual boundaries.
What has changed is the context. Aesthetic impact is now expected to coexist with energy efficiency, durability and compliance. Reflective facades, colour treatments and complex geometries are being pursued within much tighter performance frameworks.
This creates opportunities for advanced coatings, fritted and digitally printed glass, and high-precision processing. These are not massvolume products, but they are margin-rich and relationship-driven.
Why this shift matters beyond capacity cycles
From an industry perspective, the rise of architectural glass matters because it alters risk dynamics. Capacity-led growth is inherently cyclical, exposing producers to price pressure when demand softens.
Design-led demand behaves differently. It is more closely tied to longterm urban development, regulation and sustainability policy. It rewards consistency, technical credibility and delivery capability rather than sheer output.
This has direct implications for how future investments are justified, including in furnaces, coatings, processing lines and digital systems.
Technology is responding to market pull
Many recent technology investments make greater sense when viewed through this architectural lens. Coating lines, lamination capacity, inspection systems and digital design tools are responses to evolving specifications rather than abstract innovation.
Digitalisation, in particular, is enabling closer collaboration with architects and facade consultants through simulation, modelling and performance verification. Automation is delivering the consistency required by high-specification projects.
Technology adoption is therefore being shaped by demand realities, not technological fashion.
Competitive positions across Asia are shifting
These trends are beginning to redraw competitive lines within Asia’s glass industry. Leadership is becoming less about scale alone and more about alignment with architectural demand.
This does not diminish the importance of efficient production. Asia will remain the world’s largest glass-producing region. However, capability, credibility and collaboration are increasingly determining which producers capture value.
For suppliers of equipment, materials and services, architectural glass is creating new entry points and longer-term partnerships.
"The opportunity is not just to produce more glass, but to produce glass that matters more."
It would be easy to view this transition as a challenge. For some players, it will be. But at an industry level, the move towards design-led demand represents an opportunity to rebalance growth away from relentless price competition.
Architectural glass encourages investment in skills, technology and differentiation. It aligns glass manufacturing with sustainability objectives and long-term urban development. It offers a more resilient foundation for future growth.
As the year begins, the Asian glass industry faces a clear choice. It can continue to define success primarily in terms of tonnes and utilisation, or it can adopt a broader definition of value shaped by performance, precision and partnership.
Architectural glass does not replace the need for efficient furnaces. It gives those furnaces purpose.
There is reason for confidence. Asia’s cities will continue to build. Sustainability expectations will intensify. Design ambition will remain strong. Glass sits at the intersection of all three.
If recent years were about strengthening the industry’s foundations, the next phase is about shaping its facade, both literally and strategically. Architectural glass offers a route towards stronger margins, deeper customer engagement and a more stable growth trajectory.
For an industry often defined by cycles, this represents a genuine opportunity to reset the narrative. The challenge now is to seize it.
After three decades defined by expansion and capacity building, Asia’s glass sector is entering a more confident and deliberate phase. Scale is no longer the sole measure of success. What matters now is intent, selectivity and leadership, as the region decides how it wants to shape the global glass industry in the decade ahead, observes Isaac Hamza, editor, Asian Glass.
There comes a point in the development of every major industrial sector when momentum alone is no longer the most interesting part of the story. For Asia’s glass industry, that moment has arrived. After years of rapid expansion, heavy investment and deep integration into global supply chains, the region now occupies a position of maturity that allows for a different kind of conversation. Asia no longer needs to demonstrate that it can produce glass at scale. That capability is proven beyond doubt. The more meaningful question now is how that capability is exercised.
For much of the past 30 years, success in Asian glass manufacturing was measured in furnaces built, tonnes melted and markets supplied. Growth was both the objective and the validation. That approach made sense in a world defined by urbanisation, infrastructure build-out and accelerating globalisation. It also delivered extraordinary results, transforming Asia into the undisputed centre of global glass production across flat glass, containers, fibres and, more recently, solar applications. Yet industries evolve, and so do the conditions that shape them. Energy markets are less predictable, environmental expectations are more demanding and customers are more discerning. In this environment, leadership is no longer expressed purely through volume. It is expressed through judgement.
From expansion to intention
Asia’s glass sector grew in parallel with the rise of modern Asian economies. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the focus was clear and understandable: build capacity, reduce reliance on imports, serve domestic construction booms and participate in global trade. Float glass plants multiplied, container furnaces expanded, and technical capability improved at pace. Over time, Asia moved from filling gaps in supply to defining supply itself. This period was characterised by urgency. Demand was strong, capital was available and markets rewarded those who moved decisively. Glass followed demand, and Asia followed opportunity. Plants became larger, more efficient and increasingly sophisticated. Export networks deepened, and Asian producers became familiar names across global value chains. That phase required speed, capital and a tolerance for risk. It rewarded those who could build quickly, operate efficiently and scale relentlessly. It also created an industrial base of unprecedented depth. Asia became indispensable to the
global glass industry, not just as a low-cost supplier, but as the backbone of availability, reliability and, increasingly, innovation.
Today, the context is more complex. Energy costs are volatile, regulatory scrutiny is higher and sustainability is no longer a secondary consideration. Customers want not just competitive pricing, but consistency, traceability and long-term performance. Against this backdrop, the industry’s focus is shifting away from acceleration and towards optimisation.
Across the region, producers are investing in furnace efficiency, campaign life extension, yield improvement and digital process control. These are not cosmetic changes. They reflect an industry that understands the next phase of competitiveness will be won through precision rather than speed, and through reliability rather than sheer output.
China’s confidence lies in restraint
China remains the anchor of the global glass industry. Its scale, technical capability and integrated supply chains are unmatched, and its influence continues to shape global pricing, technology adoption and capacity distribution. Yet the most telling characteristic of China’s glass sector today is not its dominance, but its restraint.
New capacity additions have slowed, regulatory oversight has tightened and consolidation has become a defining feature. This is not a retreat from ambition. It is a sign of maturity.
China’s glass industry has reached a stage where it can prioritise optimisation over expansion and influence over volume.
Existing assets are being upgraded rather than replaced. Efficiency improvements, automation and quality enhancement are taking precedence over sheer scale. This approach reflects confidence in the industry’s position and an understanding that long-term leadership depends on discipline as much as capacity.
In solar glass, this maturity is especially evident. Chinese producers have invested heavily in thinner substrates, higher light transmittance and advanced coating technologies. These investments are not about increasing output, but about improving performance. As solar technologies evolve, glass quality becomes a critical variable in module efficiency and longevity. China’s response has been to align industrial capability with global energy ambitions in a way that reinforces its central role in the renewable transition.
China’s leadership is also increasingly expressed beyond its borders. Investments across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa are embedding Chinese expertise into regional markets. This outward expansion is not opportunistic. It reflects a strategic understanding that proximity to customers, resilience of supply and local integration matter as much as domestic scale. Influence is becoming more distributed, not diluted.
brings balance through demand
If China provides industrial gravity, India provides balance. India’s glass sector is growing from the inside out, driven by domestic demand rather than export necessity. Population growth, urbanisation, infrastructure investment and automotive production are creating a broad and resilient base for glass consumption.
This demand-led trajectory matters. It allows investment decisions to be made with longer horizons and clearer end markets. It also encourages diversification into higher-value products rather than reliance on commodity output alone. Architectural coated glass, automotive glazing and specialised containers are all benefiting from this environment. India’s renewable energy ambitions add another layer of opportunity. As solar deployment accelerates, interest in domestic solar glass production is growing. This is not simply about replicating existing models, but about integrating glass manufacturing into a wider industrial ecosystem that values security of supply, domestic capability and long-term planning.
India’s glass industry is not competing directly with China’s. It is complementing it, adding depth, demand certainty and structural balance to Asia’s overall position.
Together, these two markets form a more diversified and resilient regional foundation.
Southeast Asia strengthens resilience
Southeast Asia plays a quieter but increasingly important role in Asia’s glass story. Rather than scale, it offers flexibility. Rather than dominance, it offers balance. Countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are attracting glass investment aligned with construction growth, manufacturing diversification and regional trade.
New facilities in the region are being designed with modern efficiency and environmental standards from the outset, avoiding many of the legacy constraints faced elsewhere. For producers, Southeast Asia offers geographic diversification without sacrificing access to growing markets. For host countries, glass manufacturing supports industrial capability, skills development and broader economic resilience.
Southeast Asia may never rival China in scale, nor does it need to. Its value lies in reinforcing the resilience of Asia’s glass ecosystem, providing optionality and flexibility in a world where supply chain robustness is increasingly prized.
Solar glass as a marker of maturity
Solar glass has emerged as one of the most strategically important segments of the modern glass industry. Once a niche product, it is now central to global energy strategies and industrial policy. Asia’s leadership in this field reflects integrated supply chains, sustained investment and a willingness to align industrial development with long-term global trends.
The evolution of solar glass illustrates the broader shift underway in the industry. Quality, consistency and performance matter more than ever. Glass is no longer a passive component. It actively contributes to efficiency, durability and system performance.
Asian producers have embraced this reality. Investment in coating technology, precision melting and research capability demonstrates a commitment to long-term relevance rather than short-term gain. These are deliberate choices, aligned with decarbonisation goals and energy transition strategies.
Trade policy will continue to shape solar glass markets, but Asia’s integrated capabilities position it well to adapt. Localisation, partnership and technical leadership provide flexibility in an increasingly complex environment.
time monitoring and closer collaboration with downstream processors. These developments improve consistency, reduce waste and accelerate innovation. They also reinforce trust, an increasingly valuable currency in global supply chains.
Digitalisation is not just about efficiency. It is about confidence. Knowing that a furnace, a production line or a finished product will perform as expected over time underpins long-term relationships and repeat investment.
Asia in a global context
Why standards now matter more than scale
One of the most significant changes in the global glass industry is the shift from capacity-led competition to standardsled leadership. Customers increasingly value predictability, consistency and long-term reliability over marginal price advantages. This favours producers who can deliver to tight specifications, maintain quality across large volumes and perform reliably over time.
Asia is increasingly setting these standards, often quietly and incrementally. Product tolerances, coating performance, delivery reliability and technical support expectations are being shaped by Asian producers who now sit at the centre of global supply networks. This influence is subtle, but powerful.
Standards leadership is less visible than capacity expansion, but it is more enduring. It anchors customer relationships, stabilises markets and reinforces confidence. In this respect, Asia’s glass industry is moving from being the engine of production to the reference point for performance.
Technology as the quiet differentiator
Beyond solar, technology is reshaping the entire glass landscape. Architectural glass is becoming smarter, safer and more energy efficient. Low-emissivity coatings, laminated solutions and dynamic glazing are increasingly standard across Asia’s expanding cities, driven by regulation, customer expectation and climate realities.
Producers are investing in digital control systems, real-
Asia’s glass industry does not operate in isolation. Europe continues to set benchmarks in sustainability and highperformance glazing. North America is refocusing on manufacturing resilience and domestic supply. The Middle East and Africa are investing heavily in construction and renewable energy infrastructure. What has changed is Asia’s role within this global network. Asian producers are no longer just suppliers. They are partners, investors and standard setters. Their decisions influence how capacity is distributed, how technology evolves and how supply chains are structured worldwide. This interconnectedness benefits the industry as a whole. It encourages alignment rather than competition on fundamentals, and collaboration rather than fragmentation.
Sustainability is now embedded in how Asia’s glass industry operates. Energy efficiency, emissions reduction and circularity are commercial realities rather than aspirational goals.
Investment in efficient furnaces, increased cullet usage and alternative energy solutions reflects both economic logic and environmental responsibility.
Asia’s scale gives it the ability to lead by example. Incremental improvements applied across large production bases have global impact. This is leadership expressed through action rather than declaration.
The most important shift underway in Asia’s glass industry is not technical or geographical. It is cultural. The industry has reached a point where it can act with patience rather than urgency, and with confidence rather than momentum.
The next decade will not be remembered for how much glass Asia produced, but for the standards it set and the discipline it showed. Having proven it can build at scale, the region now has the opportunity to lead with intent.
If it chooses wisely, Asia will not simply remain central to the global glass industry. It will help define how that industry thinks about growth, quality, responsibility and long-term value in a more measured and confident era.
■ Structural Glass – The rise of facade articulation
■ Asia’s beverage packaging: what’s next?
■ Low-E coatings: powering efficiency across Asia’s glass plants
■ Government policy: Regulatory hurdles and compliance
TECH FOCUS: Digital transformation: AI in glass manufacturing
COUNTRY FOCUS: Egypt: Opportunities in North Africa’s glass industry
GLASSMAN EUROPE 2026
■ Automotive glass: Safer, smarter mobility - Asia shifts gears
■ Decorative glass: Smart cities are reshaping Asia’s architecture
■ Raw materials surge: Asia’s demand pushes up prices
■ Pharma glass evolves: from commodity to speciality
■ Glass moulds in Asia: Capacity, technology and competition
COUNTRY FOCUS: China: Market overview and growth hotspots
SUPPLEMENT: Freight forwarding and logistics: Streamlining Asian deliveries
■ Inspection: Asia raises the glass quality bar
■ 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
SUPPLEMENT: Supply Chain: Transparency, reliability and costefficiency across Asia’s glass sector
GLASSBUILD AMERICA 2026
AFGM 2026
TECNA 2026
GLASSTEC 2026
GULF GLASS 2026
■ IGUs surge in Asia: efficiency drives expansion
■ Middle East container glass: capacity and momentum
■ Raw materials: Local vs. global sourcing - how Asia balances cost, risk and sustainability
■ Glass recycling in Asia: Environmental impacts
TECH FOCUS: Software reshaping glass manufacturing
COUNTRY FOCUS: UAE: A key hub for glass manufacturing and trade CHINA GLASS 2026
2026
■ Flat glass demand in APAC on the rise?
■ ASEAN container glass: Drivers, innovation and export potential
■ Oxy-fuel: Emissions and efficiency in Asia's furnaces
■ Ultra-thin and speciality glass: Precision at scale in Asia
2026
TECH FOCUS: Smart glass: Innovations in architecture and automotive in Asia
COUNTRY FOCUS: Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030
SUPPLEMENT: Refractory: High performance solutions
GLASSTECH ASIA 2026 ZAK GLASSTECH 2026
■ Safety glass in ASEAN: Standards and market demand
■ India’s container glass: challenges and next steps
■ Advances in Float Glass Processing –“Europe to Asia”
■ Raw materials: Silica sand - securing Asia’s glass production future
■ Smarter packaging: Greener outcomes
COUNTRY FOCUS: Turkiye – rising glass industry powerhouse linking Europe and Asia
SUPPLEMENT: Sustainability: Advancement towards ESG goals and a greener glass industry in Asia
Throughput –Up to 100+ bottles per hour
Consistency –Each bottle measured exactly the same
