The Society of Glass Technology (SGT) has confirmed the return of its flagship Furnace Solutions Conference, with the milestone 20th edition set to take place in St Helens, UK, on June 3–4, 2026. The event remains one of the most established technical gatherings in the global glass calendar, bringing together furnace specialists, glassmakers, suppliers and end users for two days of high-level knowledge exchange and industry networking.

This year’s theme, “Decarbonisation: What’s the Reality?”, places the spotlight firmly on the practical road to lower-carbon glassmaking. Across the supply chain, producers are facing increasing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining product quality, throughput and cost competitiveness. The 2026 programme is expected to reflect that challenge, focusing on real-world furnace performance, efficiency strategies, fuel alternatives, and the technologies required to enable measurable CO₂ reductions.

SGT has confirmed that the conference will feature a packed technical programme, with presentations delivered by industry experts addressing key topics shaping the next phase of glass melting and furnace operations. Alongside the speaker sessions, the event will include a tabletop exhibition, giving suppliers a direct platform to engage with decision-makers involved in furnace design, rebuilds, upgrades, refractories, combustion, controls and emissions solutions.

Early-bird registration details are expected to be announced soon. In the meantime, companies interested in submitting abstracts, sponsoring, or reserving a tabletop stand are invited to contact Christine Brown.

Beyond the technical sessions, Furnace Solutions is known for the quality of its networking environment, attracting senior personnel from a wide field of global manufacturers, including names such as AGC, Ardagh, Encirc, Euroglas, Guardian, Knauf, NSG Pilkington, O-I, Saint-Gobain, Şişecam, Verallia, Vitro and many others. Accompanying activities, including a civic reception and a tour of the Glass Futures R&D Innovation Centre, will further position the 2026 edition as a must-attend meeting point for the glass furnace community.