Global Glass Market - 2023-2030

Overview

Global Glass Market reached US$ 260.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 379.1 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The global glass market is diverse and dynamic and has many different applications. It includes the manufacturing and distribution of glass goods utilized in a variety of industries, including packaging, electronics, construction and more. Sustainability and rising demand for energy-efficient glass are two key market-driving drivers.

Furthermore, improving the use of smart glass technology and growing investments in the adoption of advanced technologies for glass manufacturing are other prominent factors contributing to the growth of the global glass market.

One of the energy-intensive industries is the glass industry. Although it has consistently increased its energy efficiency, the production process' reliance on high temperatures places restrictions on how far the available technologies may advance. New furnaces that could be heated with renewable electricity are tested in Europe in pilot projects and research looks into the usage of hydrogen.

Many locations throughout Europe have glassworks which has made it contribute nearly 26.7% to the global market. However, the investments required to reduce emissions for smaller businesses in these areas are extremely difficult, particularly for vital infrastructure like hydrogen pipelines. Thus government is providing support to improve the development of advanced glass manufacturing in the market leading to future growth prospects.

Dynamics

Increasing Demand for Energy-Efficient Glass and Sustainability

Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, often known as energy-efficient glass, helps reduce heat transfer via windows and facades. The implies that less energy is needed in buildings for heating and cooling, which lowers energy consumption and lowers energy costs. Glass solutions that might help minimize energy usage are becoming more and more in demand as energy efficiency becomes a priority for both residential and commercial structures.

Companies are also investing in adopting energy-efficient glasses. For instance, in 2020, The Switch2Save project, financed by the European Union, is creating reasonably priced smart glass systems that fit well with huge windows and glass facades. After a year of the experiment, preliminary findings indicate that these energy-smart insulating glass units (IGUs) can reduce a structure with a lot of glazing by up to 70% in terms of primary energy use. Electrochromic (EC) and thermochromic (TC) window technologies are combined with clever switching protocols in the Switch2Save smart glass solutions.

Technological Advancements in Glass Manufacturing

Technological advancements such as smart glass, self-cleaning glass and lightweight glass are major factors contributing to the market of glass. Switchable glass, commonly referred to as smart glass, is a type of glass that can alter its light transmission characteristics in response to an electric current or other stimulus. Since this technology offers considerable advantages for energy efficiency, privacy, aesthetics and comfort, it is anticipated to advance and become more prevalent during the next five years.

Currently, there are three main categories of smart glasses: 1) electrochromic 2) Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC); and 3) Suspended Particle Device (SPD). The performance, size and affordability of Smart Glass technologies are anticipated to improve with continued advancements, opening up a wider market. Smart Glass can be utilized for interior partitions as well as windows, doors and skylights. Maximum size restrictions continue to be the key challenge for many projects.

Environmental Concerns

According to a researcher from University of Southampton in UK, glass has to melt at temperatures higher than plastic and aluminum. The environmental impact of virgin glass is further increased by the release of greenhouse gases during the melting process of its raw components. Over 60 megatonnes of CO2 are released annually by the flat-glass and container sectors, according to the International Energy Agency. It might come as a surprise, but according to Brock's research, plastic bottles are less harmful to the environment than glass ones.

Furthermore, The fact that recycling glass does not eliminate the remelting process-which uses the most energy during glass production-is one of its main issues. It makes up 75% of the energy used in the production process. Glass is generally classified as single-use even though it may be reused an average of 12-20 times. Glass that has been thrown away once-and-for-all all all in landfills may take up to a million years to degrade. Globally, glass recycling rates differ greatly. The average recycling rate in U.S. was 31.3% in 2018, compared to 74% and 76% in the EU and UK. Thus the above factors are the potential factors hampering the growth of the glass market.

Segment Analysis

The global glass market is segmented based on type, raw material, application, end-user and region.

Growing Investment Drives the Flat Glass Segmental Growth

Flat glass is a growing market based on types and is expected to cover more than 40.9% market share in the forecast period. Research & development investments result in innovations in flat glass manufacturing. Innovations in float glass production methods, coating technologies and the development of energy-efficient and smart glass are instances of these developments. Customers seeking exceptional glass products are drawn to advanced technology, fueling the segment's expansion.

For instance, in August 2022, Mexican glass manufacturer Vitro explored the development of a flat and container glass plant. The Mexican container and float glass manufacturer intends to invest US$ 400 million in a free zone framework in a 350,000m2 flat glass production and a 150,000m2 container glass facility.

Geographical Penetration

Partnership Among Key Players Supplements the Regional Market Growth

Europe has been a dominant force in the global glass market and is expected to reach up to 40.1% in 2022 in terms of revenue. Collaborations between important stakeholders frequently involve the exchange of technology and research capabilities. It can result in the development of innovative glass products and manufacturing techniques, with the potential to open up new markets and applications.

For instance, in February 2023, AGC and Saint-Gobain will collaboratively design a pilot flat glass production that will lower each company's direct CO2 emissions. AGC's patterned glass production plant in Barevka, Czech Republic, will be completely rebuilt and modernized. The line's objective is to be 50% electrified and 50% fueled by a mix of oxygen and gas. The is a technological breakthrough when compared to current technology utilized in natural gas-fired flat glass furnaces.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Manufacturing of float glass has been impacted by COVID-19, much like the rest of the glass industry. Difficulties with the supply chain and possible closures as a result of state orders to stay at home and shelter in place have affected the industry. With a few exceptions, the majority of float manufacturing facilities in U.S. seem to be still in operation as of right present. When the coronavirus first started to spread and stay-at-home restrictions were put into place, the majority of American corporations with float facilities issued statements about worker safety and material supply. Companies pledged communication about disruptions brought on by the pandemic, reassured clients that there was a sufficient supply of raw glass and highlighted worker safety precautions.

Nevertheless, COVID-19 has had consequences, mostly because of the economic effects of the pandemic.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

Commodity and energy price volatility can be caused by geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions. Energy price fluctuations, such as natural gas, can have an impact on glass producers' production costs. The European glass industry is energy-intensive and energy prices account for a considerable portion of production costs. Geopolitical events can have an impact on energy prices, thereby raising production costs.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine may disrupt supply chains, reducing the availability of raw materials, particularly minerals and chemicals required in glass manufacture. If European glass manufacturers rely on regional imports, disruptions could result in supply shortages and price instability.

By Type

• Flat Glass
• Container Glass
• Fiber Glass
• Specialty Glass
• Others

By Raw Material

• Soda-Lime Glass
• Borosilicate Glass
• Fused Silica
• Aluminosilicate Glass
• Others

By Application

• Architectural Glass
• Automotive Glass
• Electronics and Display Glass
• Food and Beverage Packaging
• Pharmaceutical Packaging
• Solar Panels
• Optical Glass
• Others

By End-User

• Building and Construction
• Automotive
• Electrical & Electronics
• Packaging
• Solar Energy
• Aerospace
• Healthcare
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• On August 19, 2023, By enhancing the circularity of electric light-duty vehicles, the ZEvRA (Zero Emission Electric Vehicles Enabled by Harmonised Circularity) project was started with Sisecam as one of its partners to contribute to a sustainable and competitive future. The Horizon Europe program of the European Union provided funding for this creative endeavor for EUR 250,000.
• On 03 March 2023, During Research and development (R&D) tests at the Herzogenrath factory in Germany, Saint-Gobain became the first company in the world to produce a test batch of flat glass utilizing more than 30% hydrogen. Saint-Gobain has demonstrated for the first time in the world that it is technically feasible to produce flat glass containing a large amount of hydrogen. It will complement existing decarbonized energy sources and cut the site's direct CO2 emissions (scope 1) by up to 70%.
• By 06 February 2023, AGC and Saint-Gobain, two of the top flat glass producers in the world concerning comes to sustainability, announce that they are working together to design a groundbreaking pilot flat glass line that will drastically cut its direct CO2 emissions. AGC's patterned glass production line in Barevka, Czech Republic, will be completely renovated as part of this R&D project to create a high-performing, cutting-edge line that aims to be 50% electrified and 50% fueled by a combination of oxygen and gas. Compared to the technology now employed in natural gas-fired flat glass furnaces, this represents a technological advance.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include: Saint-Gobain, Asahi India Glass Limited, Corning Incorporated, Nippon Sheet Glass, Guardian Industries, SCHOTT AG, Central Glass Co., Ltd, PPG Industries, Vitro S.A.B. de C.V, Cardinal Glass Industries and others.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global glass market segmentation based on type, raw material, application, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of glass market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global glass market report would provide approximately 69 tables, 81 figures and 226 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies