The global glass industry gathered in Istanbul on June 18–19 for the 40th Şişecam International Glass Conference, one of the sector’s longest-running and most respected platforms for knowledge exchange and innovation. Organized under the theme “United to Innovate: A Future-Focused Transformation of Energy & Glass,” the event brought together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and technology experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of glass manufacturing.

This year’s conference focused on key transformation topics including decarbonization, energy efficiency, digitalization, and sustainable industrial development. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and technical sessions, participants explored strategies to accelerate the transition toward a lower-carbon and more resource-efficient glass industry.

Opening the conference, Şişecam CEO Can Yücel emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the environmental and operational challenges faced by the energy-intensive glass sector. He highlighted sustainability as a central priority across the industry’s value chain and reaffirmed Şişecam’s commitment to leading technological advancements through its strong research and development capabilities.

Among the keynote speakers was Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), who outlined the implications of the global energy transition for industrial sectors and presented pathways toward low-carbon glass production. A special session featuring Dr. Birol and Gianpiero Nacci, Managing Director for Climate Strategy and Delivery at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), examined financing mechanisms and investment strategies needed to support industrial decarbonization.

The conference also featured insights from Davide Cappellino, President of AGC Architectural Glass Europe and Americas, and renowned architect Murat Tabanlıoğlu, who discussed sustainability, innovation, and the evolving role of glass in architecture.

Marking the 50th anniversary of Şişecam’s R&D journey, the event showcased breakthrough technologies in furnace design, energy-efficient coatings, hybrid electric furnaces, and lightweight glass solutions, underlining the company’s commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for the global glass industry.