The exhibition will cover 19 halls, with more than 200,000 m² of exhibition space dedicated to building materials, construction technologies and integrated building systems. The previous edition, held in 2025, attracted approximately 2,230 exhibitors from 58 countries and more than 180,000 visitors.

The 2027 programme will address four main themes: A Changing Habitat, Materials and Resources, Digitalization and Productivity, and Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation. These topics reflect current industry priorities, including resource efficiency, building renovation, climate-responsive construction and the digitalisation of planning and execution.

Several exhibition areas are particularly relevant to the glass and façade industry. Hall B4 will focus on doors and windows, including aluminium, glass, plastic and wood systems, while Hall C3 will cover glass, lighting systems, building materials and façade-related applications. Hall C2 will include machinery for aluminium and steel processing.

The 2027 edition will also introduce BLACK BOX, a special exhibition format examining construction processes from planning and execution to decision-making.

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Hybrid furnaces combine conventional heating systems with electrical energy, allowing manufacturers to reduce fossil fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions. The proportion of electric and conventional heating can be adjusted according to furnace design and energy availability, providing greater flexibility in managing production costs and energy requirements.

The four orders, received in the weeks preceding the Düsseldorf trade fair, highlight the increasing interest of international glass manufacturers in alternative melting technologies as the industry faces growing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining production efficiency and glass quality.

HORN’s hybrid melting concepts are designed to support this transition by integrating electrical heating into conventional furnace technology. The approach allows glass producers to adapt their energy mix to changing market conditions and environmental requirements.

With these latest contracts, HORN reinforces its position in the development of hybrid glass melting solutions, addressing the industry’s need for more adaptable production systems and lower-carbon manufacturing processes.

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Davies joined FENSA more than four years ago and most recently served as Technical Manager, overseeing the scheme’s technical services. His responsibilities included working with government departments on Mandatory Technical Competence standards, supporting updates to Building Regulations guidance and leading technical support for registered installers.

His career began at the age of 16 and has included roles as a fitter’s mate, fitter, surveyor and service engineer. He also delivered NVQ training and worked as an inspector for RISA for three and a half years.

In his new position, Davies will focus on raising industry standards, strengthening support for installers and improving FENSA’s services.

The appointment comes ahead of FENSA’s 25th anniversary, with plans to further develop its certification services and support for both installers and homeowners.

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The exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals involved in different stages of glass production and processing. Its scope covers a broad range of technologies, machinery and technical solutions used in the manufacture, transformation and decoration of glass.

Exhibitors will present modern production and processing equipment, industrial tools, auxiliary machinery, control and measuring instruments, as well as specialised software for glass industry applications. The exhibition provides an opportunity to examine equipment developments, compare technical solutions and learn about technologies supporting manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

By covering the entire production chain, World of Glass addresses the interests of glass manufacturers, processors, machinery suppliers and other companies operating across the sector. The event also creates opportunities for professional exchange and business contacts between Russian and international industry participants.

World of Glass 2027 will be held at the Timiryazev Centre, one of Moscow’s exhibition venues, over three days. Further information about exhibitors, the exhibition programme and visitor registration is available through the official event website.

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Since the complex opened in 2023, residents have reported multiple cases of glass panels falling onto the street below. The City of Vaughan launched an investigation in June 2025, issuing an unsafe building order and requiring engineering assessments and testing.

The investigation concluded in January 2026, when a professional engineer certified that the balcony guardrail system met or exceeded Ontario Building Code requirements. The city subsequently lifted the order. However, residents report that further incidents have occurred since then.

The cause of the failures remains undetermined. Developer Fernbrook Homes says investigations involved engineers, testing agencies and the railing contractor. However, the broken panels were reportedly removed before they could be examined, preventing investigators from identifying the failure mechanism.

The developer has also requested maintenance records from the condominium corporation and property management company.

The incidents raise questions about the long-term safety, maintenance and performance of glass balcony guardrail systems.

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Architectural Configuration and Functional Programme

The development comprises four building sections with varying heights of 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12 and 16 floors, reaching a maximum height of 62.2 metres. Three underground levels accommodate parking and technical infrastructure.

The functional programme comprises 458 residential units, 253 commercial premises, 113 office units and a hotel. Retail and service facilities, including restaurants and bars, are concentrated at ground level, establishing an active commercial frontage along the surrounding streets. Residential and office accommodation occupies the upper floors, with dedicated circulation arrangements serving the different functions. Four vertical circulation cores incorporate passenger lifts and staircases.

Façade Engineering and Materiality

The external envelope also incorporates ventilated façade assemblies, installed over 20 cm lightweight masonry walls. The architectural detailing addresses the interfaces between glazed openings, aluminium framing, opaque wall sections, floor slabs and suspended ceilings.

Integrated vegetation is another component of the façade concept. Planted balconies and landscaped terraces introduce green surfaces at different elevations, creating a contrast with the predominantly glazed and aluminium exterior. The development also incorporates landscaped communal areas under the Green Oasis concept.

With its combination of residential accommodation, commercial premises, office space and hospitality facilities, Soho Towers follows a mixed-use development model in which multiple urban functions are accommodated within a coordinated architectural composition. Its scale, differentiated building volumes and extensive glazed envelope establish its architectural presence within the Zogu i Zi district.

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According to its Q3 2026 financial results, the Turkish manufacturer achieved full capacity utilisation at its Tarsus solar glass facility and flat glass production line, as well as its coated glass operations in Bulgaria and Italy. These developments mark the completion of the greenfield investments included in the company’s current investment roadmap.

During the January–September period, Şişecam invested $338 million and generated $707 million in exports. International sales accounted for 59% of total revenue, while glass production reached 4.3 million tonnes.

The company also commissioned its second flat glass production line in Egypt and is approaching completion of its coated glass investment in India, further extending its manufacturing capabilities across key international markets.

CEO Can Yücel said the company is now shifting its attention from investment expansion towards maximising the value of its newly established production capacity, improving operational efficiency and strengthening financial performance.

Strengthening Its U.S. Presence

Şişecam has also established Şişecam USA Trading, a wholly owned subsidiary of Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları A.Ş., incorporated in August 2026 with initial capital of $100,000.

The new entity will support the company’s flat glass, solar glass and glassware operations in the United States, focusing on customer acquisition, service development and expanding its commercial reach, particularly in the flat glass segment.

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Held on 20 October 2026 at the ASSA ABLOY manufacturing facility, WFN Industry Inside gave participants an opportunity to explore manufacturing operations and gain a closer understanding of fenestration hardware production.

The programme included a factory tour and hands-on activities, allowing attendees to re-pin a high-security cylinder and assemble a multipoint door lock on Yale’s new MOTUS production line. Participants also met industry professionals, heard about their career experiences and exchanged knowledge with other WFN members.

WFN Industry Inside is a new initiative built around the message “See more of the industry you’re part of.” It aims to give members access to businesses across the fenestration sector, broadening their technical knowledge and understanding of different roles within the industry.

As a founding corporate member of WFN, Yale highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing, professional development and stronger industry connections.

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Founded in 1994, Kristal has developed from a small glass workshop into one of the leading flat-glass processors and distributors in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Led by CEO Nikola Franjić and Executive Director Matea Franjić, the company employs approximately 230 people and operates production facilities covering around 25,000 m² in Vitez, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Trilj, Croatia.

The new installation combines the LiSEC DSC-A cutting system, equipped with LiTEC Temperature Control, and the VSL-A laminated glass cutting system. Together, the technologies support continuous production while improving processing consistency and material utilization.

The DSC-A processes float glass with stepped elements and black enamel coatings, delivering homogeneous edge deletion without visible white lines. Meanwhile, the VSL-A handles laminated glass sheets measuring up to 4,700 × 3,210 mm without operator intervention. Its automatic rotation functions and LiTEC SIR foil heating enable heating times of less than four seconds for 44.2 laminated glass.

Another important feature is the VSL-A’s minimum edge and residual cut of 20 mm, allowing more efficient cutting layouts and reducing glass waste and disposal costs.

The investment builds on a cooperation between Kristal and LiSEC that spans more than 20 years. Over this period, Kristal has integrated several LiSEC machines into its production, including cutting equipment, bending machines, desiccant-filling systems and a butyl extruder.

According to Matea Franjić, the technology helps increase productivity, reduce waste and improve process stability. The latest installation represents another step in Kristal’s strategy to modernize production and strengthen its competitiveness in Balkan and European markets.

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The event brought together professionals from the glass, façade and fenestration industries to explore technologies, exchange expertise and discuss developments shaping the sectors. Exhibitor showcases and conference sessions provided opportunities to discover industry solutions, share technical knowledge and establish new business connections.

A highlight of the third day was the Green Building Index (GBI) workshop, which addressed sustainability in the built environment. Participants who attended the workshop earned two Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, adding a professional learning opportunity to the event programme.

The workshop complemented the wider programme of exhibitions, industry presentations and discussions, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable building practices and technical knowledge across the glass and façade industries.

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