The process of glassmaking has made significant strides since the time glass was first discovered thousands of years ago. Today, the field of glassmaking has depicted considerable improvements, as is evident in the escalating demand for glass products in almost every sector. Automotive and construction – sectors that are considered as the building blocks of an economy are among the top contributors toward the global flat glass market share.

However, while several sectors are exploiting the benefits of flat glass and its various forms to manufacture different products, the environmental concerns with respect to glass waste are growing. Populations across the world are becoming aware of the hazards of improper glass disposal. According to the Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the U.S. disposes off an astounding 10 million metric tons of glass every year. However, only one-third of this waste gets recycled.

Another surprising study by Eco Watch states that glass bottles are causing more pollution than plastic ones since it is mined from rare materials and consumes more fossil fuels to manufacture and ship to other places. An article by Forge Recycling states that the glassmaking process releases various harmful gases, such as sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxide.

Therefore, the concept of glass recycling is picking up the pace in many regions. The article further suggests that recycling the glass waste can reduce CO₂ emissions by nearly 314 tons and save up to 345,000 kWh of energy.

Green building construction gains momentum:

The concept of eco-friendly construction is gaining traction among customers and companies alike to reduce their carbon footprint. Various advanced technologies are being introduced in the process of glassmaking which has made flat glass among the most preferred products in the construction of green buildings. According to glass and windows solutions company AIS, conventional buildings can consume nearly 40% of energy and the construction itself can cause the generation of solid waste, which can disturb the natural ecosystem.

Several countries are overcoming this challenge by achieving their goals in the construction of green buildings. For example, in 2020, India achieved 75% of the ‘Green Building Footprint’ target, as per a report by the Indian Green Building Council. This creates opportunities to use various advanced versions of flat glass products.

Solar control glasses are being manufactured by leading companies as they reflect heat or UV rays, which can make the buildings more energy efficient. Moreover, 100% of glass can be recycled, which automatically makes it an ideal product in green buildings. Glass can also reduce the overall weight of the building and offer advanced thermal insulation, thereby increasing its demand among architects and construction firms.

Use of glass in interior designing:

The field of interior designing is ever-evolving as new designs and trends make way for more sophisticated yet stylish home settings. Many reputed interior designers have taken cognizance of the importance of combining environmental sustainability with advanced designs. They are incorporating broken glass shards into their designs that will not only help them achieve their glass recycling and sustainability goals but also enrich a dull space with beautiful colors and shapes.

Ceramic glass is becoming popular among interior designing experts as they are being heavily used to construct fireplaces. Fireplaces often pose the threat of accidental fires, on account of which contractors use this glass as a shield as it can withstand extreme heat.

Demand for laminated glass rises:

Laminated glass may hold a significant share of the global flat glass market by 2027. Laminated glass is being extensively used by several end-user sectors as it can act as an effective alternative to conventional glass due to its high strength and uniformity in construction. It is typically used in buildings that require robust security, such as police stations & vehicles and government establishments.

Laminated glass can also be used in buildings that are at a high risk of being affected by hurricanes or other natural calamities. Its other advantages include reduced emissions, high security, decreased noise pollution, and wide range of designs, which make it highly useful for end-users.

The global flat glass market trends will be positively impacted in the coming years as the demand for advanced technologies in glassmaking is growing. Moreover, several end-users in the construction and interior design sectors are shifting towards combining environmental sustainability in their designs and blueprints to fulfill the need for eco-friendly homes and workspaces among consumers.

The automotive sector across the world is expanding at a strong pace, considering the immense demand for vehicles among the younger generation. This has greatly influenced the demand for auto glass to produce unbreakable yet stylish windows.

Reputed organizations, such as Schott AG, Saint Gobain, Astro Cam, Dillmeier Glass Company, CSG Architectural, Corning Inc., Euroglas GmbH, Oldcastle Building Envelope, Paragon Tempered Glass, and GrayGlass Company, among several others, are producing cutting-edge versions of flat glass for a wide range of sectors.

They are also entering into partnerships and merger & acquisition agreements to strengthen their production capabilities and enhance their customer base. For instance, Germany’s specialty glass manufacturing company Schott AG and the Serum Institute of India (SII) came together in a joint venture in August 2021 to enhance SII’s global supply of pharmaceutical products with the help of Schott’s high-quality pharmaceutical packaging.