For this project, NorthGlass provided nearly 7,000 m² of jumbo-sized tempered glass, enabling the creation of a highly transparent façade with minimal visual interruption. The advanced glass solution was developed to support the building’s concept of integration between architecture, landscape, and nature, allowing uninterrupted views of the surrounding tea-covered hills and sky.

The most remarkable element supplied by NorthGlass is a 19-metre-high glass panel, manufactured as a 104 mm thick, seven-layer laminated insulating glass unit (IGU) with an approximate weight of 10 tonnes. The oversized glazing demonstrates NorthGlass’s expertise in producing and processing large-format architectural glass while maintaining structural performance, safety, and optical quality.

By reducing the number of glass joints, NorthGlass enabled a façade system that creates a nearly frameless visual effect, strengthening the connection between the interior spaces and the natural environment.

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Covering more than 10,000 m², Hall 3C features a characteristic trapezoidal form and an expressive inclined roof that transitions from 20 metres to 13 metres in height. Beyond its visual impact, the roof geometry contributes to improved acoustic conditions within the exhibition space while supporting enhanced energy efficiency through reduced operational demands. The building provides a flexible environment for international exhibitions while maintaining a strong relationship between architectural form and functional performance.

A defining element of the project is its 3,000 m² glazed façade, which introduces extensive natural daylight into the exhibition hall and strengthens the connection between the interior and surrounding environment. The façade incorporates curved glazing sections, requiring precise engineering and installation expertise to achieve the complex geometry envisioned by the architects. The glazing system was executed by APP, whose technical capabilities supported the realisation of the high-performance transparent envelope.

For the façade, Guardian SunGuard® SuperNeutral (SN) 51/28 solar control glass was selected to achieve an optimal balance between daylight transmission, solar protection and thermal performance. The coated glass provides 51% natural light transmission, allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the interior while limiting excessive solar heat gain. This combination improves occupant comfort, reduces dependence on artificial lighting and contributes to the building’s overall energy performance.

The integration of architectural vision, façade engineering and sustainable technologies helped NürnbergMesse Hall 3C achieve significant environmental recognition, including DGNB Platinum certification. The project demonstrates how advanced glass solutions can support the evolution of exhibition buildings into efficient, comfortable and visually engaging spaces.

With its combination of innovative design by Zaha Hadid Architects, specialist façade execution by APP, and high-performance glazing from Guardian Glass, NürnbergMesse Hall 3C stands as a benchmark for contemporary exhibition architecture where transparency, sustainability and technical excellence converge.

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The company expects alumina production to reach approximately 50% of the refinery’s capacity within the coming days, while aiming to regain the technical capability to operate at full capacity by the end of the year. The pace of further production increases will depend on supply chain conditions and EGA’s broader alumina sourcing strategy.

Production at the Al Taweelah alumina refinery was halted on 28 March following Iranian attacks on Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi. The refinery resumed an important stage of operations on 24 June, when it began producing hydrate, the intermediate material used in alumina production. The restart of alumina production now represents the next phase in the refinery’s return to normal operations.

According to EGA, the recovery of aluminium production at the adjacent Al Taweelah smelter is not dependent on the refinery reaching full output, allowing the smelter to continue operating while the refinery gradually increases production.

The Al Taweelah alumina refinery produced 2.4 million tonnes of alumina in 2025, supplying around 46% of EGA’s total alumina requirements. Alumina is the essential raw material used in aluminium smelting and is transported directly from the refinery to the neighbouring smelter through an integrated conveyor belt system.

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The company first introduced nine electric forklifts during 2025, with the vehicles entering operation in September of the previous year. Building on that initiative, Vetropack Straža expanded its fleet further in May by adding six more electric forklifts, reinforcing its commitment to replacing conventional gas-powered equipment with cleaner alternatives.

According to Robert Vražić, Supply Chain Manager at Vetropack Straža, the transition is driven by the company’s ambition to reduce emissions while supporting its long-term sustainability objectives.

“Sustainability and carbon neutrality are in the focus of our Strategy 2030+ and these are the two main reasons why we are replacing internal gas-powered vehicles with electric ones,” he said.

The electric forklifts have been deployed across key operational areas, including the cold end, the finished goods warehouse and the packaging material warehouse. Equipped with modern lithium-ion batteries, the vehicles provide dependable performance throughout daily operations while incorporating advanced safety technologies designed to improve operator protection and workplace efficiency.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the new forklifts are delivering measurable operational improvements. Electric vehicles require less maintenance than gas-powered models, experience fewer mechanical failures and generate considerably lower noise levels, creating a more comfortable working environment for employees.

“The benefits are evident in our day-to-day operations. In addition to significantly reducing emissions, electric forklifts offer greater reliability, fewer breakdowns, lower maintenance costs and a significant reduction in noise, creating a much quieter working environment,” Vražić added.

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The case concerns The Corniche, a mixed-use residential development in London designed by Foster + Partners. On 2 October 2018, 53-year-old driver Mick Ferris was returning to his vehicle when a large penthouse window, complete with its metal frame, detached from the building and fell approximately 300 feet (around 90 metres), striking and killing him instantly. The window measured roughly 33 inches by 74 inches (84 × 188 cm) and weighed approximately 130 kg.

The trial, which opened on 7 July at the Inner London Crown Court, involves Foster + Partners, Lindner Prater, Wintech Testing and Certification, and St. James Group. The defendants face charges relating to alleged failures under the UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 concerning the design and management of outward-opening penthouse window vents.

According to the prosecution, the windows were originally designed to open inward, but the design was later changed to outward-opening units. Prosecutors argue that the revised configuration created a significant risk, as strong wind pressure could place excessive loads on the hinges and the single metal restrictor designed to secure the window. They allege the system lacked an effective secondary safety mechanism, meaning that if the restrictor failed, the entire window could detach.

The court also heard that a similar window had fallen from the building in 2017. Although nobody was injured in that incident, prosecutors claim it should have triggered a comprehensive review of the façade system rather than simply instructing construction workers and residents to keep the affected windows closed.

Following the fatal accident, the building was retrofitted with inward-opening windows. The case serves as a powerful reminder that façade safety extends far beyond aesthetics and energy performance. Every component, including opening vents, hinges, restrictors, fixings and maintenance procedures, must be engineered with redundancy and thoroughly tested under real operating conditions. Even seemingly minor design changes can fundamentally alter structural behaviour and introduce unforeseen risks.

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Glass is one of the few building materials that can be recycled indefinitely without losing its essential properties. By incorporating recycled content into the manufacturing process, Press Glass UK helps reduce waste, conserve natural raw materials and support the transition towards a more circular economy.

Using recycled glass also requires significantly less energy than producing glass solely from virgin raw materials. This lowers energy consumption during manufacturing and contributes to reducing the overall carbon footprint of construction projects, making it an attractive option for architects, developers and homeowners seeking more sustainable building solutions.

Despite its environmental advantages, recycled glass delivers the same strength, clarity and long-term performance as conventionally manufactured glass. It is suitable for a wide range of residential glazing applications, offering an effective balance between aesthetics, durability and sustainability.

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The project represents a significant investment in Hydro’s downstream aluminium production capabilities and is designed to strengthen the company’s capacity to supply aluminium wire for applications including power transmission, electrical infrastructure and industrial manufacturing.

The new facility will comprise a production hall housing advanced melting furnaces and a modern aluminium wire production line, together with dedicated buildings for storage, maintenance operations and office functions. The scope of work also includes extensive foundation construction, mechanical and electrical installations, utility systems, and integration with the existing infrastructure at Hydro’s Karmøy industrial complex.

Once operational, the production line will have an annual capacity of approximately 110,000 tonnes of aluminium wire, enhancing Hydro’s manufacturing capabilities while supporting growing demand for low-carbon aluminium products.

The contract follows a collaborative interaction phase during which Hydro and Skanska jointly developed and optimised the project before construction commenced.

Pål Aglen, Executive Vice President for Construction at Skanska Norway, described the project as an important milestone and highlighted the close cooperation between the two companies in delivering complex industrial facilities.

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According to Julia Schimmelpenningh, technical engagement manager (architectural) at Eastman, key changes to the 2026 edition center on weathering, referenced standards and scope.

Key updates include:

• The addition of vacuum insulating glazing (VIG) to go along with laminated, tempered, organic-coated, plastic, mirror and bent glass;
• The consolidation of five separate weathering standards (D1435, D2565, D4459, G155, ISO 4892-2) into a single umbrella practice: ASTM C1900;
• The addition of ASTM E903 as an alternate visible light transmittance measurement method; and
• More flexibility to impact tests and classification (2015: Class A/B, four-specimen requirement and same drop heights; 2016: Class A/B, four-specimen, drop heights identical with the addition of VIG impact and rating protocol).

ANSI Z97.1 is developed by the Accredited Standards Committee Z97 and published by the Glazing Industry Secretariat Committee.

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Founded in 2004, the West Yorkshire-based manufacturer has built its reputation on in-house production, rigorous quality control and independent product testing. The company supplies sliding sash windows to installers, housebuilders and merchant partners across the UK, with its flagship Legacy Sash Window range at the centre of its portfolio.

A longstanding collaboration with ERA, now part of Quanex Hardware Solutions, has supported this growth through the supply of UK-manufactured hardware solutions. Central to the partnership are ERA’s F and K spiral balances, which use a stainless steel spiral rod, torsion and tension springs to provide smooth sash operation and maintain balance throughout the window’s travel.

The relationship has expanded beyond balances, with Quickslide also incorporating ERA’s Fab&Fix VS sash window furniture across its Legacy Sash Windows. The hardware range is available in multiple finishes, including Hardex Gold, Pewter, Bronze, Chrome and Graphite, and features the Hardex protective coating designed to resist corrosion, fading and everyday wear.

Over the past six months, ERA has also supplied more than 50 hardware display units to Quickslide’s trade partners, supporting showroom presentation and customer engagement.

Quickslide Managing Director Ben Weber said the partnership has been built on consistency, shared manufacturing values and a commitment to continuous improvement rather than a traditional supplier relationship.

Marc Robinson, Technical Sales Manager at ERA, added that the company aims to provide customers with technical expertise, legislative guidance, testing support and bespoke solutions, helping partners such as Quickslide strengthen their product offering while supporting future growth.

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The collaboration combines Constellium’s expertise in aluminium alloy development with EOS’ industrial metal additive manufacturing technologies. By working together, the companies aim to shorten material qualification cycles, provide customers with validated material and process combinations, and speed up the commercialisation of new aluminium applications.

A key milestone of the partnership is the integration of Constellium’s Aheadd® CP1 alloy into the EOS materials portfolio. The material will be marketed as EOS Aluminium Constellium CP1 and is scheduled to become available through EOS from August 2026. The alloy has been developed specifically for additive manufacturing and offers a combination of high strength, good thermal conductivity and excellent crack resistance, making it suitable for demanding applications with complex geometries.

The partners will also collaborate on accelerating the industrialisation of Al5X1, Constellium’s next-generation high-performance aluminium alloy designed for advanced additive manufacturing applications.

According to Ludovic Piquier, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Excellence and Chief Technical Officer at Constellium, the partnership will help manufacturers reduce qualification times, improve production efficiency and expand the use of lightweight aluminium components. The initiative is expected to support growing demand for additive manufacturing solutions in sectors including aerospace, automotive, defence, industrial equipment and energy, where complex, lightweight and high-performance parts are increasingly required.

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