glasstec 2026 will open in Düsseldorf on 20 October, bringing together the international glass industry for four days of technology, business and professional exchange. For Daniel Feische, Director of glasstec, the 2026 edition is an opportunity to strengthen the fair’s role as a meeting point for the entire glass value chain.
Feische highlights the sector’s diversity, spanning glass production and processing, machinery, architecture, research and skilled crafts. During his preparations for the event, he met companies and industry representatives across different markets and observed that many are addressing similar challenges: advancing innovation, modernising production and building more future-proof operations.
Three Hot Topics will shape the programme: AI & Digital Technologies, Decarbonisation and Circular Economy. The programme also introduces new formats designed to encourage practical exchange. women in glass will make its debut, creating a dedicated space for networking and discussion, while Connected Machines will demonstrate how machinery from different manufacturers can communicate through standardised interfaces and shared data models.
Feische also points to glass technology live as a key highlight, presenting developments and applications of glass. 
For Feische, the success of glasstec 2026 will ultimately depend on meaningful encounters: connecting the right people, strengthening existing relationships and generating ideas that help companies move forward.
Source: glasstec 2026 with additional information added by Glass Balkan
