Source: Viridian with additional information added by GlassBalkan

The post Viridian Strengthens Australian Glass Market Position with Oceania Glass Acquisition appeared first on GlassBalkan.

After graduating from college in 1980, he spent the first 8 years of his glass career with PPG in a variety of positions before joining NSG/Pilkington/Libbey-Owens-Ford (LOF) in 1988. He has held various sales, marketing, operations and management roles, most recently overseeing NSG’s N.A. Architectural float operations and Solar Business Groups. Steve has been instrumental in NSG Group’s value-added growth of the Architectural business and the development of the company’s solar business over many years.

Steve earned his MBA from Villanova University. He has built strong relationships and has worked with customers and other members of the international flat-glass industry.

In turn, Todd Huffman will replace Steve as the Head of Architectural Glass North America and Solar. Todd previously held the role of Global Director of the Solar Business. Todd brings over 40 years of industry experience to the role, having worked in Operations, Quality, Planning, Materials & Logistics, and Finance departments for the Architectural, Solar, and Automotive divisions of NSG/Pilkington/LOF. He started his new role on April 1, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition and handover of responsibilities.

Source: NSG Group with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Products covered include its range of float glass (clear and tinted), laminated glass, and wet coated (mirror) glass.

Third party verified by an independent external verifier (UL), the four EPDs cover the following products:

• Guardian Clear, Guardian Light Green, and Guardian Solar Management Glass float glass
• Guardian LamiGlass laminated glass product range
• Guardian UltraMirror, Guardian UltraMirror Plus and Guardian UltraMirror Life mirror glass
• Guardian Clear, Guardian Light Green, and Guardian Solar Management Glass for automotive applications, according to the Automotive Product Category Rules (PCRs)

The EPD for float glass used in architectural and interior design applications follows a cradle-to-gate (A1-A3) study, conducted in accordance with ISO 21930 and the North American PCRs. It reports an embodied carbon value of 9.97 kgCO₂e/m² for 4 mm glass*.

The EPD for automotive glass follows a cradle-to-gate with Options study (A1-A4, C1-C4), incorporating both transportation from Thailand to Australia and New Zealand (A4) and end-of-life considerations (C1-C4). Developed in accordance with the Automotive & Transport UN PCRs, the total embodied carbon for 4 mm automotive glass is 12.3 kgCO₂e/m². This includes an A1-A3 embodied carbon value of 10.02 kgCO₂e/m² and an A4 transportation impact of 2.16 kgCO₂e/m² for shipments to Australia and New Zealand.

In parallel, Guardian Glass has introduced a new feature to its current Performance Calculator tool, which allows users to calculate the embodied carbon** for the glazing configurations they select. This online tool (part of Glass Analytics) enables the modeling of the thermal and optical properties of glass substrates, coatings and interlayers. The new Performance Calculator feature provides an estimate of the embodied carbon equivalent for a wide number of glazing combinations, as it is available for most float glass, sputter-coated glass, and laminated glass products produced by Guardian Glass in Asia Pacific, North America, South America, Europe and Africa Middle East & India.

Sascha Klengel, Guardian Glass Sales Leader in Asia Pacific comments: “We are excited to increase visibility for the embodied carbon value of our glass products for the construction and automotive sectors. By increasing the understanding and accessibility to the environmental attributes of our glass, we can help our partners make informed glass specification decisions for a positive impact on the performance of their vehicles, facades and interior design projects. Our new EPDs demonstrate our commitment to the Environmental priorities of our Stewardship Framework.”

Download the new EPDs on guardianglass.com/product-declarations.

Access to Glass Analytics and the Performance Calculator – with embodied carbon calculator feature – is via the Resource Hub on the Guardian Glass website guardianglass.com/resource-hub.

_____

* Global Warming Potential of the A1-A3 stages includes the impacts from the raw materials extraction and processing stage, raw materials transportation to the manufacturing site, and the manufacturing of the product. This term is sometimes referred to as the “product carbon footprint” or “embodied carbon.”
**The embodied carbon data is the carbon equivalent in kg per ton or square meter of glass (CO 2 eq.), emitted during the glass production (cradle-to-gate, A1-A3). The calculation is an estimation based on the material’s Embodied Carbon Factor (ECF) which were derived from the scaling factors and results in the Regional Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), third-party, independently verified documents that communicate transparent information about the lifecycle environmental impacts of a product.

Source:Guardian Glass with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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“Ukraine is actively developing its processing industry—we aim to increase its share in GDP to 20% over the next decade in line with OECD standards. This goal is at the heart of the ‘Made in Ukraine’ policy. One of its key instruments is support for large-scale investment projects that foster production growth, attract capital, and stimulate non-commodity exports.

Glass manufacturing is a critical sector within the processing industry, playing a strategic role in construction, industrial production, and the country’s post-war recovery. The construction of this plant will create new jobs and attract additional investment into Ukraine’s industrial sector. The government supports such large projects by offering incentives that reimburse up to 30% of total capital investment costs,” said Andriy Teliupa, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

NovaSklo and UkraineInvest have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. Under this agreement, the government investment office will provide legal, consultative, and analytical support to help the project obtain a special status, making it eligible for tax and customs benefits, as well as partial reimbursement for infrastructure development and network connections.

“UkraineInvest, the government agency responsible for supporting large-scale investment projects, will provide critical assistance to this initiative—both in preparing applications and feasibility studies, as well as throughout the implementation of the special investment agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the investor. Our team will offer NovaSklo legal, consultative, and analytical support to accelerate the realization of its investment goals,” stated Oleksandr Melnychenko, Acting Executive Director of UkraineInvest.

NovaSklo is a project of EFI Group, a Ukrainian investment company, aimed at constructing Ukraine’s first large-scale, modern float glass manufacturing facility. This initiative is poised to attract strategic investment into the country’s industrial development, even amid the ongoing war. The project has a planned investment of €240 million and is expected to create over 300 jobs in its first year.

The project’s financing structure includes investments from EFI Group’s own funds, partners and international credit financing. Specifically, a loan covering 85% of the production equipment cost, amounting to approximately €97 million, will be provided by a bank under the guarantees of Germany’s Export Credit Agency.

A Game-Changer for Ukraine’s Glass Industry

“NovaSklo is not just a factory—it symbolizes Ukraine’s new industrial future. We are among the few in the country building production facilities from scratch with no existing analogs, pioneering the introduction of cutting-edge technologies in our sector. I believe NovaSklo will become a benchmark for efficient, high-tech, and competitive manufacturing.

Glass production is one of the most complex industries, and the risks are enormous. That is why we carefully selected the best technologies and partners. We have chosen the best German technology and equipment from HORN Glass Industries, which will be made entirely of the world’s finest refractories, top-quality rollers, a state-of-the-art furnace, and a cutting-edge lehr — all manufactured directly in Germany. We have assembled an international team of experts with direct experience in launching float glass plants, who have already worked with us for a year. Importantly, we have secured a guarantee that the equipment manufacturer’s specialists will remain on-site for a year and a half after the plant’s launch, ensuring a successful start-up, fine-tuning of operations, and comprehensive staff training to maintain the highest product quality.

Thanks to our strategic location, access to high-quality quartz sand, and support from international financial institutions, NovaSklo will be built faster, more efficiently, and will become a key driver of Ukraine’s industrial independence,” said Igor Liski, Founder of EFI Group and lead investor in NovaSklo.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine consumed 32 million m² of glass annually. By 2023, this figure had dropped to 19.6 million m². NovaSklo’s first production line will have an annual capacity of 25 million m² — less than pre-war demand. With Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts underway, the company anticipates future demand to reach 45 million m², prompting plans for a second production line. The main consumers of this glass will be manufacturers of windows, facades, and related products. This project will establish Ukraine’s glass manufacturing sector and also stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and local communities.

A Global Investment Opportunity

“The investment potential of this plant is global. We will produce high-value coated glass, which is increasingly in demand worldwide due to trends in light and sustainable construction. NovaSklo will manufacture clear float glass with enhanced transparency (mid and low iron extra-clear glass) and coated glass, including solar control (to reduce heat absorption) and low-emission coatings (to improve insulation) from the first year of operation. Additionally, we plan to produce multifunctional glass, mirror substrates, laminated architectural glass, and extra-large format glass panels (Jumbo XXL up to 12 meters). These innovations will expand possibilities for architects and contribute to Ukraine’s high-quality, energy-efficient reconstruction.

Currently, Ukraine is entirely dependent on imported glass. NovaSklo will reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, making the domestic market more resilient and competitive,” emphasized Olga Batova, CEO of investment company EFI Group. The plant construction will involve leading German manufacturers supplying state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, fostering industrial innovation, further integrating Ukraine’s economy into the European market.

Source: efi.ua with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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The company is expediting the cold repair of the furnace at its Northern Italy Flat Glass Production Facility, a move designed to optimize costs and ensure efficiency in the face of fluctuating market demands.

As part of this initiative, the facility’s float line will temporarily cease production on February 7th, followed by the laminated line on March 13th. The company anticipates a swift return to operations upon completion of the necessary repairs.

This decision reflects Şişecam’s agile approach to managing the current dynamics of the European flat glass market. Sales have fallen short of projected targets for the past two years, prompting the company to strategically recalibrate its production-sales-stock balance. By optimizing this balance, Şişecam aims to enhance efficiency and align with its ambitious 2025 objectives.

Furthermore, Şişecam is demonstrating its commitment to its workforce by leveraging Italy’s social security mechanism to provide continued income support to employees impacted by the temporary shutdown.

The proactive measures taken by Şişecam are projected to contribute an estimated 8-10 million Euros to the company’s EBIT profitability in 2025. This significant contribution will be achieved through increased capacity utilization at Şişecam’s other European flat glass facilities, coupled with a continued emphasis on stringent budget discipline.

“When we announced our third-quarter results for 2024, we emphasized our unwavering commitment to navigating today’s market conditions with a sharp focus,” stated Görkem Elverici, CEO of Şişecam. “We have already begun implementing actions aimed at improving both financial and operational efficiency, with the goal of enhancing shareholder value and driving sustainable success for Şişecam.”

Elverici further emphasized the company’s dedication to a swift resumption of operations in Northern Italy, aligned with production and sales projections. He also highlighted the importance of finding constructive solutions for employees at the affected facility, reinforcing Şişecam’s commitment to sustainability and continuity.

In conclusion, Şişecam’s strategic decision to expedite the furnace repair in Northern Italy underscores its proactive approach to navigating market uncertainties. By embracing agile production strategies and focusing on cost optimization and efficiency gains, the company is well-positioned to enhance shareholder value and achieve its long-term growth objectives while remaining committed to its employees and sustainable practices.

Source: Şişecam with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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As the chosen batch house supplier, this milestone marks another significant achievement for Shanghai Precision in the Indonesian market and underscores our continued strong partnership with KCC Group.

This project, spanning two years from initial inspection and negotiation to final commissioning, saw Shanghai Precision assume responsibility for the entire batch house system. Our scope of work encompassed process design, and the supply and installation of equipment for raw material reception, weighing, and mixing systems. Furthermore, we provided on-site installation supervision and commissioning services, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.

The Indonesian project presented unique challenges. The site project team faced demanding local weather conditions, including periods of intense rainfall and extreme heat, which inevitably caused some delays in construction and erection. However, through proactive communication, efficient collaboration with KCC Glass, and the dedicated efforts of our on-site erection team, these hurdles were successfully overcome. The project remained on track, culminating in the timely furnace light-up and the commencement of high-quality batch production.

This collaboration builds upon a long-standing relationship between Shanghai Precision and KCC Group, South Korea’s leading manufacturer of paints and building materials. We have previously collaborated with KCC Group on multiple occasions, supplying raw material batch systems and equipment for their float glass and glass wool production lines within South Korea. This consistent choice reflects KCC Group’s confidence in our expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable solutions.

The successful completion of the KCC Glass Indonesia project reinforces Shanghai Precision’s position as a leading provider of batch house systems within the glass industry. We remain committed to delivering innovative, efficient, and reliable solutions to our global clientele, navigating logistical complexities and challenging environments to ensure the timely and successful execution of projects of this scale.

Source: KCC Glass  with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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With its innovative concept of “360° of Glass Processing,” LiSEC showcased its role as a leader in the field, providing technologically integrated solutions that are relied upon by customers around the globe.

A Holistic Approach to Glass Processing

The “360° of Glass Processing” initiative underscores LiSEC’s commitment to offering an all-encompassing view of the industry through its technological innovations and patented solutions. During the event, 11 testimonial customers highlighted their success stories with LiSEC solutions, exemplifying the efficiency and reliability that the company is known for worldwide. Their presence at the fair served as a testament to LiSEC’s dedication to client satisfaction and industry excellence.

Cutting-Edge Innovations on Display

One of the standout highlights from the fair was the unveiling of the world’s fastest laminated glass cutting system, the *VSL-A double bridge. This remarkable system employs the patented **Selective Infrared (SIR)* foil heating technology in conjunction with *Dynamic Load Balancing (DLB)* to optimize the cutting process. The machine’s impressive capabilities not only streamline the float glass cutting procedure (DSC-A) but also introduce a groundbreaking edge deletion option. Following the cutting, glass sheets are turned and laser-marked through the *C-Mark laser marking station, ensuring precision before fully automated unloading by a robot. Moreover, LiSEC showcased its new **lis.analytics* software, offering real-time insights into production and performance data.

In the processing segment, LiSEC introduced the *combiFIN* production system—a future-proof collaboration that combines the *GLX, **M-RX* with waterjet head, and *topCLEAR grinding machine. This assembly, complemented by the new **SSP storage and sorting buffer*, paves the way for unmanned operations, signifying a monumental step towards automation in the industry.

Advancements in Software Solutions

Beyond impressive machinery, the trade fair also emphasized LiSEC’s advancements in software. By procuring comprehensive company processes through LiSEC’s software solutions, customers witnessed firsthand the advantages of a unified approach. Exciting presentations in the *LiSTEN LiSEC LiVE* auditorium demonstrated the transition to the next generation of LiSEC software products, reinforcing the importance of connectivity between machines, software, and service.

Engaging Workshops and Insights

LiSEC’s commitment to education was clear through its engaging workshops that ran throughout the fair. Participants had the opportunity to experience hands-on demonstrations in edge deletion techniques and deepen their understanding of the scientific aspects of glass cutting, with expert trainers sharing insights on minimizing waste and extending product longevity. Attendees left with invaluable knowledge, reflecting LiSEC’s dedication to empowering its customers through continuous learning.

Focus on the Balkans: A Promising Market

The feedback from industry players was overwhelmingly positive, especially from the team at *GlassBalkan*, who expressed keen interest in LiSEC’s innovations. With projected investments of billion euros in the Balkan region by 2035, discussions centered around its potential as a key market for LiSEC. Enea Durollari, Sales Manager of LISEC SOLUTIONS ITALY S.R.L., confirmed this focus, noting that the Balkan market is divided between established companies modernizing their operations and new entrants investing in state-of-the-art technologies. No matter the category, LiSEC is ready to support each step of their journey.

With over *5,000 visitors* to its welcoming and informative stand, LiSEC’s presence at Glasstec 2024 has solidified its position as a frontrunner in the glass processing industry. The company’s commitment to innovation, customer success, and market expansion is evident, and the future looks exceptionally bright. LiSEC is poised to continue its support and partnerships as the glass industry evolves, embracing the changes and challenges that lie ahead.

As we look to the future, it is clear that LiSEC is not just a participant in the glass processing sector but a dedicated partner ready to lead the charge into a new era of technological advancement and customer success.

Source:LiSEC with additional information added by GlassBalkan

The post LiSEC’s : A New Era in Flat Glass Processing appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The six EPDs cover the following products:

• Guardian NEX 6 lower carbon glass;
• Guardian NEX 9 lower carbon glass;
• Guardian UltraClear low-iron float glass;
• Guardian ExtraClear float glass;
• Guardian LamiGlass and Guardian Bird1st Lami laminated glass product ranges; and
• Coated glass, including SunGuard, ClimaGuard and Guardian Sun products.

“By publishing EPDs, we support architects and designers who strive to understand the environmental impacts of the buildings they design through the products they specify,” says Jonathan Brunette, ESG and Certification manager. “The goal is to give them the information they need to calculate their building’s Whole Life Carbon emissions and make informed decisions.”

Guardian Glass officials say the new unprocessed flat glass EPD, which covers Guardian ExtraClear standard float glass produced in Europe, has a cradle-to-gate (A1-A3) embodied carbon value of 9.64 kg CO2eq/m2 for 4 mm glass. A new EPD for Guardian UltraClear low-iron float glass produced at the Guardian Glass Bascharage, Luxembourg, plant is expected in mid-2025.

Officials add that EPDs are also now available for the new lower-carbon glass range of products. Guardian NEXA 6 and Guardian NEXA 9 each have their own EPD, with embodied carbon values for 4 mm glass of 6.38 kg CO2eq/m2 and 8.58 kg CO2eq/m2, respectively. Compared to the average European float glass dataset, this represents a reduction in embodied carbon of more than 40% for Guardian NEXA 6 and 20% for Guardian NEXA 9.

Brunette explains that the EPD data is “helpful for companies working to attain their carbon emissions reduction objectives, whether these targets are voluntary or driven by local regulations such as the Building Whole Life Carbon regulations that are in effect across several countries in Europe, including Denmark, Sweden, France and The Netherlands. The data can also help achieve credits in building environmental certification assessment methods such as LEED or BREEAM.”

Guardian Glass also added a new feature to its Performance Calculator tool, which allows glass processors and specifiers to estimate the embodied carbon equivalent for various glazing combinations.

Source:Guardian Glass with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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GSE (Glass Solutions Engineering) understands this, offering a comprehensive suite of engineering and project management services to glass manufacturers worldwide. Leveraging the combined expertise of industry leaders Nikolaus Sorg and Grenzebach, GSE provides holistic solutions for float, solar, and container glass production, complemented by robust lifecycle services.

Our approach differentiates us from general contractors. We don’t merely manage projects; we *engineer* them. This integrated approach, encompassing all aspects of the manufacturing process, ensures unparalleled quality and efficiency. By directly providing state-of-the-art technologies, we eliminate the complexities and potential bottlenecks associated with relying on third-party suppliers. This results in streamlined project execution, from initial concept to final commissioning and ongoing production support.

Greenfield and Brownfield Solutions:

GSE’s expertise extends across the entire spectrum of glass manufacturing projects. For greenfield projects*, we offer a complete end-to-end service, guiding clients through every stage: site selection, architectural planning, engineering, construction management, and ultimately, production support. We navigate regulatory hurdles, financial complexities, and logistical challenges, ensuring a smooth transition from initial concept to fully operational facility.

For brownfield projects*, we focus on optimization, expansion, or relocation of existing plants. A thorough cost-benefit analysis, coupled with a careful assessment of complexity and risk, forms the basis of our recommendations. We help clients enhance the performance and profitability of their current operations, maximizing return on investment.

Unmatched Expertise and Global Reach:

GSE’s strength lies in its people. Led by Managing Directors Ralf Czeschka and Robert Homer, both with extensive experience in high-profile projects, our team brings unparalleled industry knowledge to the table. Backed by the combined global technical teams of SORG and Grenzebach – boasting over 1,000 engineers – we possess the capacity and expertise to handle even the most complex requirements. Our global footprint ensures we can provide flexible and responsive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each location and project.

The GSE Advantage:

Integrated Solutions: Seamless project execution from start to finish, eliminating the complexities of multiple contractors.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Direct access to the latest technologies, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
Global Reach: Support for clients worldwide, adapting to local regulations and market conditions.
Unmatched Expertise: Leveraging the combined knowledge of industry leaders and a vast team of experienced engineers.

GSE is more than just a service provider; we are a strategic partner committed to helping glass manufacturers achieve their business objectives. Contact us today to discover how we can help you optimize your glass production operations.

Source:GSE with additional information added by GlassBalkan

The post GSE: Delivering Comprehensive Glass Manufacturing Solutions Globally appeared first on GlassBalkan.

This innovative solution, branded as the Prium Float-Melt furnace, incorporates Fives’ pioneering Lower Energy Melter (L.E.M.) technology, marking a crucial milestone in the quest for sustainable industrial practices.

The Prium Float-Melt furnace is equipped with a sophisticated heat recovery system designed to optimize energy use. This system preheats pure oxygen and natural gas, significantly enhancing the furnace’s efficiency. Notably, the facility has been operational since the end of 2023, producing lower carbon glass while setting an industry benchmark for energy consumption.

One of the most compelling benefits of this new furnace is its projected reductions in operational costs and environmental impact. Fives anticipates that, over time, the technology will reduce gas consumption by 25% and CO2 emissions by 20% compared to traditional air-fuel furnaces. Such substantial reductions position this furnace as one of the most energy-efficient options available in the glass manufacturing sector today.

Guus Boekhoudt, Executive Vice President of Guardian Glass, expressed his enthusiasm for this development, noting, “This new float system heralds an exciting era for the plant in Luxembourg, as it is Guardian Glass’ most energy-efficient furnace. We trusted Fives to implement a new technology, as they have extensive experience with electric and hybrid melting for various glass applications.”

Furthermore, the introduction of the Prium Float-Melt furnace enhances the operational capacity of the Bascharage facility, allowing for increased production of both Guardian ExtraClear float glass and Guardian UltraClear low-iron float glass. This dual capability ensures that Guardian Glass can meet expanding market demands while also upholding its commitment to sustainability.

Fives’ L.E.M. technology is specifically designed to minimize heat loss and gas usage without compromising glass quality. As a result, the new system achieves record low emissions, including damaging pollutants such as NOx, CO2, SOx, and particulate matter. Alexandre Brusset, Vice President of Glass at Fives, highlighted the significance of this project, stating, “This is the first float furnace of its kind in technology and capacity for both Fives and Guardian Glass, and represents a notable milestone in the carbon emission reduction strategy for the glass business worldwide.”

The successful implementation of the Prium Float-Melt furnace aligns seamlessly with the sustainability strategies of both Fives and Guardian Glass. Each organization is committed to optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and improving manufacturing processes—a shared vision that emphasizes environmental responsibility in industrial operations.

As the global community increasingly prioritizes sustainable practices, initiatives like the one undertaken by Fives and Guardian Glass exemplify the potential for innovation to drive significant change in high-impact industries. The progress made at the Bascharage plant stands as a testament to what is achievable when companies come together with a common goal: to foster a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Source: Jess Mills with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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