The project centred on the hot over-coating of the entire float furnace, a highly specialised process carried out while the furnace remains at operating temperature. This type of repair is designed to reinforce the furnace superstructure, reduce heat losses and extend the furnace’s operational campaign without requiring a costly production shutdown.

To execute the project, Forglass deployed a team of 115 experienced hot repair specialists, who managed every phase of the operation, from planning and logistics to on-site execution. Detailed coordination and strict adherence to safety procedures ensured the repair was completed efficiently and according to schedule.

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The new Low-Carbon Stratobel range delivers exceptionally low Global Warming Potential (GWP) values measured on a cradle-to-gate basis (A1–A3) in accordance with EN 15804+A2:2019. Low-Carbon Stratobel 33.1 achieves a GWP of just 9.1 kg CO₂ equivalent per square metre, while Low-Carbon Stratobel 44.2 records 12.9 kg CO₂ equivalent per square metre. These figures are verified through AGC’s third-party certified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Generator, providing independently validated environmental data for project teams.

Beyond reducing embodied carbon, the products also demonstrate a high level of material circularity. Both Low-Carbon Stratobel 33.1 and 44.2 contain 62% recycled content, calculated according to ISO 14021 and the Glass for Europe methodology. The recycled content combines recycled glass within the substrate and recycled material incorporated into Eastman’s Saflex LiteCarbon Clear PVB interlayer, creating one of the most circular laminated glass solutions currently available for the construction sector.

AGC has also made lower-carbon PVB the standard specification across the entire Low-Carbon Stratobel Clearlite range. Available in all clear glass and PVB thickness combinations, the solution eliminates the need for customers to request a special sustainable option, allowing architects, façade consultants, glass processors and installers to specify lower-carbon laminated glass without additional lead times or design changes.

To support sustainable building projects, AGC provides complete environmental transparency through project-specific EPDs generated via its verified EPD Generator. Consolidated data covering Global Warming Potential and recycled content is also available on invoices or through comprehensive reports upon request.

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AGC’s Low-Carbon Glass now achieves a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 4.8 kg CO₂ equivalent per square metre for 4 mm glass thickness under the Cradle-to-Gate (A1–A3) lifecycle assessment defined by EN 15804+A2:2019. This represents 50% lower emissions than the 2025 European average of 10.3 kg CO₂ eq./m², establishing one of the lowest carbon footprints currently available for architectural glass in Europe.

The product also contains more than 60% recycled content, calculated according to ISO 14021 and the Glass for Europe methodology, excluding internal process cullet. Manufactured at industrial scale without volume restrictions, the glass can be laminated, coated with solar control or thermal insulation technologies, and processed into double or triple glazing units.

AGC has also enhanced the environmental performance of its Planibel standard float glass. The updated product now records a GWP of 9.8 kg CO₂ eq./m² for 4 mm thickness, making it 5% below the European average and 12% lower than some of the least sustainable glass products currently available on the European market. The range, including clear, extra-clear and coloured Planibel glass, now features 11.2% recycled content across all markets.

Supporting these improvements is AGC’s externally verified EPD Generator, integrated into the Glass Configurator. The digital platform provides project-specific Environmental Product Declarations with the latest verified environmental data, allowing customers to access updated GWP values directly, receive them on invoices, or request comprehensive sustainability reports.

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The project, carried out between January and May 2026, focused on upgrading critical equipment within the tin bath to improve production stability, process control and operational efficiency. A major achievement was the successful ribbon pull on 29 April 2026, confirming the successful commissioning of the modernized system and allowing production to resume on schedule.

As part of the modernization, HORN supplied and installed a comprehensive package of process equipment designed to optimize tin bath performance. The scope included 14 top rollers equipped with integrated camera systems for enhanced ribbon monitoring, a new pusher, a tweel upgrade for improved glass thickness control, an upgraded exit cooler and a new dross box hood to enhance process reliability. HORN also delivered a complete SCADA-based control system, integrating all newly installed equipment with Guardian Glass’ existing automation infrastructure to provide centralized monitoring, improved diagnostics and greater operational control.

Beyond automation, HORN carried out extensive refractory repair and replacement work throughout the tin bath. The refurbishment included bottom blocking as well as repairs to the tin bath roof using new refractory materials and replacement heating elements, ensuring long-term thermal stability and extending the operational life of the installation.

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For the new production line, Düzce Cam has selected Horn Glass Industries as the supplier of key hot-end technologies. The scope of supply includes the engineering and construction of the glass melting furnace, tin bath, annealing lehr, hot-end automation system, and protective gas station, forming the core process units of the float glass manufacturing operation.

The high-capacity furnace will be designed to support continuous production of architectural and industrial flat glass, while the tin bath and annealing lehr will ensure precise ribbon formation and controlled cooling to achieve the required optical quality and dimensional stability. The integrated automation system is expected to optimize process control, operational efficiency, and production consistency.

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The expansion, scheduled for completion by mid-2028 (subject to project execution timelines), represents a significant capacity and technology upgrade aimed at meeting accelerating demand for architectural and value-added glass across India’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

The new air-fuel fired float line will add 1,000 metric tons per day of production capacity. It is designed to manufacture a broader portfolio of float glass, including multiple thickness ranges and large-format sheets intended for high-performance façade systems. The upgraded line is also expected to improve glass yield efficiency, reducing wastage during downstream processing for processors and façade contractors.

In parallel, GGL will install a wet coater with an annual capacity of 72,000 metric tons. The facility will support advanced mirror and coated glass production, incorporating both single and double paint coating technology. The system will be fully automated, including robotic handling, automated packing lines, and integrated logistics infrastructure to improve throughput consistency and reduce manual variation in finishing quality.

Once operational, the Ankleshwar site will function as a fully integrated production hub for float glass, mirror products, and value-added coated solutions. The consolidation of multiple production stages in one location is expected to enhance supply chain reliability and shorten lead times for customers across India.

Speaking on the development, Guus Boekhoudt, Executive Vice President of Guardian Glass, emphasized that the investment combines capacity expansion with process modernization, strengthening local supply security while supporting advanced façade and glazing applications.

The facility will also produce GGL’s established product lines, including MODIGUARD, SunGuard, ClimaGuard, and ShowerGuard, reinforcing its position in India’s premium architectural glass market.

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In February, the ITA found that float glass imports from both countries were likely sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. As a result, antidumping duties will be applied to Chinese imports, alongside countervailing duties on subsidized production from China and Malaysia. However, the ITC found that imports from Malaysia were negligible and terminated the antidumping investigation against the country, though countervailing duties for subsidies will still apply.

The ITC’s full report, expected by April 17, 2026, will include detailed data and the Commission’s reasoning. Chinese exporters face high duty margins, including a country-wide antidumping rate of 181.5% and company-specific rates around 151.3%. Countervailing duties average 19.8%, with some companies facing rates above 100%.

Affected Chinese companies include Xinyi Group, Shandong Jinjing Science and Technology Stock Company, Hubei Sanxia New Building Materials Company, Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington Glass Group Company, and Shenzhen New Kibing Technology Company.

The case was initiated by Vitro Architectural Glass, which claimed that low-priced imports were harming domestic producers. The ITC and ITA findings signal a major enforcement step for U.S. trade in float glass, with potential impacts on supply chains, pricing, and market competitiveness.

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The conflict has increased uncertainty around energy supply in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route through which around 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass. Any disruption to this corridor can quickly influence global energy prices and market stability.

Energy markets have already reacted with increased volatility. European natural gas prices traded on the Dutch TTF hub, the benchmark for gas prices in Europe, have surged sharply in recent months. Prices have risen from around €25 per megawatt hour in late 2025 to nearly €65 per megawatt hour in early March 2026, representing an increase of more than 150 percent. The rise reflects growing concerns about supply disruptions and tighter competition for global LNG shipments.

Glass manufacturing is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes. Float glass furnaces must operate continuously at temperatures above 1,500–1,600°C to melt raw materials such as silica sand, soda ash and limestone.

To maintain these temperatures, most glass furnaces rely heavily on natural gas, making the industry particularly sensitive to fluctuations in energy prices. In many European glass plants, energy can account for 20 to 35 percent of total production costs, and this share can increase significantly during periods of high gas prices.

When energy costs rise, manufacturers face higher operating expenses for furnace operation, raw material melting and thermal processing. As a result, producers may adjust glass prices or optimise production in order to manage the increased costs.

Higher energy prices can eventually influence the broader construction supply chain. If gas prices continue to rise, glass manufacturers may face pressure to increase prices for products such as float glass, coated architectural glass and insulated glass units.

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The project involved casting a 10-ton crown in place using Metpump AP, the company’s colloidal silica–bonded refractory material designed for glass furnace upper structures. In addition to the crown installation, the work scope also included repairs to the furnace’s upper structure, supporting long-term operational stability.

The installation demonstrated significant efficiency advantages compared with conventional refractory block systems. The Metpump AP material was delivered to the site within seven days of order placement, while the crown casting process itself was completed in approximately four hours. The material reached full hardness within 24 hours, enabling a faster return to operation and minimizing furnace downtime.

Because Metpump AP is a monolithic refractory, the crown can be cast without multiple joints or seams. This design improves thermal efficiency, helping reduce energy consumption and associated emissions during furnace operation.

Another key feature of the material is its lime-free composition, which enhances resistance to alkali attack and erosion while lowering maintenance requirements and reducing the need for hot repairs.

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Designed by Studio Progetti Cillara Rossi, the project required a façade solution capable of blending seamlessly with the surrounding alpine environment. The architectural concept called for perfectly neutral glazing with excellent thermal insulation, high structural performance, and maximum visual clarity, essential qualities at extreme altitude where temperature fluctuations, wind loads, and snow exposure are significant.

To meet these requirements, the façades and curtain walls were specified with Planibel Clearvision, AGC’s low-iron extra-clear glass. Thanks to its high light transmission and superior colour rendering, the glass eliminates the typical green tint of standard float glass, ensuring pure transparency and allowing visitors to fully appreciate the 360-degree views.

The glazing package incorporated Planibel Extra Clear Clearvision, combined with Stratobel laminated safety glass and Stratophone acoustic laminated glass. In total, nearly 2,000 square metres of glass were cut to size, with each unit manufactured in a different dimension. The elements were assembled as triple-glazed units by AGC Interpane in Plattling to guarantee optimal thermal performance.

Logistics posed an additional challenge. Due to the hostile terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, the glass panes were transported to the summit using a pulley system during limited installation windows between May and October.

The completed façade delivers exceptional clarity, safety, and energy performance, transforming the stations into transparent observatories suspended above the Alps. The Skyway Monte Bianco stands as a benchmark project demonstrating how advanced glazing technology enables architecture to coexist harmoniously with extreme natural landscapes.

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