Recognised as the world’s leading trade fair for the glass industry, glasstec covered everything from glass manufacturing and processing machinery to finishing technologies, software, measurement and control systems, and new architectural applications.

GlassBalkan followed developments across the exhibition, from live machinery demonstrations and automation to glass innovation, sustainability and the companies connecting these technologies with real production needs.

Three hot topics ran throughout this year’s programme: AI & Digital Technologies, Decarbonisation and Circular Economy. Together, they reflected the industry’s efforts to improve production efficiency, reduce environmental impact and expand the possibilities of glass in buildings and other applications.

DAY 1 — 20 October

Glass manufacturing, live technology and circularity. The opening day combined industrial technology with discussions about the future of glass production, material efficiency and environmental responsibility.

At the centre of the programme, CircuClarity Two, under the motto Beyond Progress: From Practice to Impact, addressed how circular economy initiatives can move beyond pilot projects and become scalable industrial solutions. The discussion was particularly relevant to a sector working to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and make greater use of circular approaches across the glass and façade supply chains.

Manufacturing technology was prominent across the halls. Horn Glass Industries AG, at Hall 13, Stand C32, represented the glass manufacturing equipment segment, while Keraglass, at Hall 16, Stands B14/C13, brought glass-processing technology into the exhibition mix.

Live demonstrations also gave visitors the opportunity to see machinery operating rather than simply compare technical specifications. Glaston Corporation and Schiavo Tech featured in our coverage of live demonstrations, offering a practical view of the equipment and processes supporting modern glass production.

Beyond machinery, the first day introduced women in glass, a networking format for women working across production, technology, research, design and management. The programme combined a keynote, panel discussion and networking.

The glass melting pot programme connected research with industrial practice, while the first GlassPrint LIVE session focused on developments in glass printing and finishing. These discussions highlighted how new production methods and finishing technologies can create opportunities for both functional and decorative glass applications.

The opening day established the wider direction of glasstec: manufacturing performance, material innovation, circularity and collaboration are closely connected.

DAY 2 — 21 October

Smarter production, automation and quality control

Digitalisation moved further into focus on the second day, with artificial intelligence, connected machinery and process monitoring among the key themes.

The Connected Machines special area, organised by VDMA in Hall 15, Stand C28, demonstrated how equipment from different manufacturers can communicate through standardised interfaces and shared data models. The objective is to improve interoperability between machines and support more integrated production environments.

For glass processors, this has practical implications. Better communication between equipment can support production monitoring, improve access to operational data and help coordinate different stages of processing.

The glass trends sessions examined AI and digital technologies alongside decarbonisation and circular economy initiatives. HEGLA and boraident were part of our coverage of developments in intelligent manufacturing, including discussions on AI applications and real-time monitoring of glass-cutting processes.

Another perspective on production intelligence came from Forel Advanced Diagnostics 2.0, highlighting the growing importance of diagnostics and quality control. Identifying production issues and understanding process performance can help processors maintain consistency, reduce avoidable losses and improve operational efficiency.

On the exhibition floor, Yinrui Intelligent presented a live demonstration, adding to the practical machinery coverage from Düsseldorf.

The day also featured the second programme day of CircuClarity Two, culminating in the CircuClarity Award 2026. The Start-Up Zone in Hall 11 and the BMWE Young Innovators joint stand presented emerging businesses and technologies, while glass technology live connected research and prototypes with potential industrial and architectural applications.

Across these activities, one priority stood out: digital tools and automation are most valuable when they deliver measurable improvements to glass manufacturing, processing and quality control.

DAY 3 — 22 October

Architectural innovation, safety and the possibilities of glass

The third day brought greater attention to glass applications, building performance and the relationship between research and architectural practice.

At glass technology live in Hall 11, Stand C28, prototypes, mock-ups and full-scale exhibits demonstrated new approaches to glass in architecture and technology. NorthGlass presented advanced glass products and equipment, including two world-first innovations in the exhibition’s technology area.

The wider showcase illustrated how research and engineering continue to expand the possibilities of glass, from advanced glazing concepts to solutions addressing energy performance, façade design and building functionality.

The architectural discussion extended beyond appearance. The ift Rosenheim programme addressed security, climate resilience and sustainability, combining live testing, digital applications and operational exhibits. These topics are central to modern façade design, where glass must meet demanding technical and safety requirements alongside architectural expectations.

Research also remained part of the conversation through glass melting pot, bringing researchers and industrial partners together to discuss developments in glass technology, design and production.

Meanwhile, the creative side of glass was visible in glass-made paintings and souvenirs. These applications offered a reminder that glass is not limited to façades, windows and industrial products; its optical qualities, transparency and versatility also make it a distinctive medium for art and design.

For architects, engineers, processors and façade specialists, the developments seen on Day 3 highlighted the importance of bringing design ambitions together with manufacturing capabilities and verified technical performance.

DAY 4 — 23 October

Building safety, bird-friendly glass and the next steps for manufacturing

The final day of glasstec 2026 brought the focus back to building performance, environmental responsibility and the changing requirements facing machinery manufacturers.

The ift Rosenheim sessions addressed environmental life-cycle assessment, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and fire protection with glass. Life-cycle assessment and EPDs provide information for evaluating the environmental impacts of construction products, helping manufacturers, architects and façade specialists make more informed specification decisions.

Another important topic was bird protection. The bird protection forum examined how bird collisions with glass surfaces can be prevented, bringing together current requirements, tested solutions and practical knowledge for architects, planners and the glass industry.

This topic has direct implications for façade design and product selection. Bird-friendly glazing needs to be considered during the planning stage, with attention to suitable products, testing and the requirements of the individual project.

The GIMAV Roundtable addressed the implications of artificial intelligence, software and cybersecurity for machinery and equipment. Discussions focused on the new European Machinery Regulation and what its requirements mean for manufacturers, suppliers and operators, including questions around technical documentation, software-related risks and responsibility for machinery safety.

The day also included sessions connecting research and education with industrial practice, alongside further presentations at Handwerk Live and glass technology live.

Company developments provided another perspective on the technologies shaping the sector. HEGLA celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of developing glass-processing solutions. Glaston Corporation highlighted automated processing technologies, including robotic glass loading, intelligent batch optimisation and an AI assistant for insulating glass production.

As glasstec came to a close, Day 4 reinforced an important point: the industry’s future depends not only on processing speed and automation, but also on safety, regulatory compliance, environmental performance and the practical application of new technologies.

Beyond the exhibition halls

The companies and professionals we encountered throughout glasstec added another dimension to the exhibition. LiSEC, marking 65 years of activity, highlighted the role of international partnerships, while SmartLift and Denver Stone and Glass Machines represented specialised businesses serving different needs across the glass industry.

Our coverage also included Guardian Glass and Grenzebach, alongside visits from professionals representing Doan Glass, Roland Glass and Vetro Italia.

These encounters reflected the breadth of the international glass community, bringing together equipment manufacturers, processors, suppliers and other professionals whose work spans different stages of the value chain.

For GlassBalkan, these connections matter beyond the exhibition itself. The technologies and relationships developed at international trade fairs can influence equipment investments, production capabilities, supplier relationships and cooperation opportunities throughout the Balkan region.

What glasstec 2026 means for the glass industry

Across four days, glasstec presented an industry addressing several connected priorities.

Digitalisation and automation are changing how production lines communicate, how quality is monitored and how manufacturers use operational data.

Decarbonisation and circularity are pushing the industry to improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact and develop more practical approaches to reuse and recycling.

Architectural innovation is expanding the role of glass in façades and buildings, while placing greater emphasis on safety, energy performance, environmental considerations and bird protection.

International cooperation remains essential for sharing expertise, developing technologies and connecting manufacturers with the processors, architects and contractors who apply them.

For the glass, aluminium, façade and fenestration sectors in Southeast Europe, these developments offer opportunities to strengthen technical capabilities, evaluate new technologies and build relationships with international industry partners.

glasstec 2026 may have concluded in Düsseldorf, but the technologies, discussions and business connections established during the exhibition will continue to influence the industry.

GlassBalkan will continue connecting the Balkan industry with the companies, technologies and ideas shaping the future of glass.

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Throughout the exhibition, the company welcomed visitors and industry partners at Hall 15, Stand F48, sharing the space with Cimec Oy and collaborating with Chris Kemp. The conversations provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives, explore industry developments and strengthen professional relationships.

Sparklike also extended its thanks to everyone who visited the stand, with special appreciation for its partners who joined the team in Düsseldorf and contributed to a memorable evening, as well as Cimec Oy for sharing the exhibition space.

Although the exhibition is ending, the discussions will continue beyond Düsseldorf. Sparklike plans to follow up on the conversations initiated during the event in the coming weeks, keeping connections active and exploring opportunities for further cooperation.

For those who could not attend, the team remains available to continue discussions online.

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Novelis won the Sustainable & Low-Carbon Manufacturing category with its Ideal Furnaces programme, which scales furnace-efficiency technologies across melting and casting operations to reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

AMAG took the Technology & Product Innovation award for CrossAlloy.57, an aluminium alloy combining high strength with formability, weldability and corrosion resistance. Its design also supports greater recycled content and more resource-efficient production.

Novelis secured a second win in Smart Manufacturing, Automation & Connectivity for Advanced Predictive Maintenance (APM). Using IoT sensors and real-time data analytics, the system identifies potential equipment failures early. At its Pindamonhangaba plant in Brazil, it has helped prevent more than 130 hours of unplanned downtime.

The runners-up included Hydro Aluminium, Raffmetal, Primetals Technologies Germany and Presezzi Extrusion. Their shortlisted solutions addressed low-carbon aluminium, recycled alloys, extrusion performance and connected manufacturing.

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The system organizes information across four levels: Factory Plant, Lines, Machines and Components. Operators can move from an overview of the entire facility to individual components, making it easier to locate issues and understand their impact on production.

Advanced Diagnostics 2.0 combines several tools. Stand-Alone Diagnostics monitors machine alarms, while EDGE Diagnostics provides a complete plant overview with remote access. The Maintenance module supports both planned and unplanned maintenance, helping teams identify what needs attention, where and when.

A dedicated Utilities function tracks energy consumption through data reporting, while Forel AI brings artificial intelligence into operational support.

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From bottles to the aerospace industry, glass plays a key role in sectors that may seem worlds apart. What connects them are the technologies, expertise and companies that make these applications possible. This is the foundation of VITRUM 2027’s ambitious vision: to increase participation, bring together market demand and innovation, and create new business opportunities for the glass industry.

Officially presented to the international press during the press dinner on 22 October, the upcoming edition of the Milan-based exhibition introduces an industrial partnership with Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), new projects dedicated to industry segments and applications, and a business-oriented internationalization program.

VITRUM 2027 will also take place alongside MADE Expo, creating an opportunity to bring together the glass industry and the construction sector, with the aim of fostering new synergies between complementary industries and expanding business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors.

At the heart of this vision is the Glass Economy: the economic ecosystem generated around and through glass, encompassing machinery, products, expertise and end-use industries. This perspective brings a fundamental question to the exhibition: where will the next wave of demand for glass emerge, and which technologies will be needed to meet it?

Partnering with IEG to Drive Growth

The industrial partnership with Italian Exhibition Group represents a key driver of growth for VITRUM 2027. The goal is to increase company participation and expand exhibition space, strengthening the event’s ability to attract businesses and industry professionals.

IEG’s trade fair expertise and extensive network of industry connections will complement VITRUM and GIMAV’s in-depth knowledge of the glass industry and their long-established relationships across the sector. This joint effort aims to increase exhibitor participation, enhance the visibility of the various industry segments and strengthen the exhibition’s international positioning.

More companies, more technologies, more opportunities to connect: the expansion of exhibition space will be supported by a comprehensive program of content and networking opportunities designed to deliver greater value to participants.

Glass4Space: Where Glass Meets the Aerospace Industry

The Glass Economy initiative will begin with Glass4Space, a project specifically dedicated to exploring the relationship between glass and the aerospace industry.

This initiative brings VITRUM into dialogue with a sector where precision, reliability and performance are critical. Glass4Space will highlight the contribution of glass to the aerospace industry and the opportunities that collaboration between different industries can create for materials, manufacturing processes and technologies.

Aerospace thus becomes the first focus of this new approach: connecting the capabilities of the glass industry with the needs of end-use sectors, identifying new development opportunities and fostering relationships with potential partners.

The next business opportunity for a glass company could come from a market it has never engaged with before. VITRUM aims to make that connection possible.

FORMAE: A New Identity for the Industrial Strength of Hollow Glass

With FORMAE, VITRUM 2027 will provide a distinctive and dedicated space for the entire hollow glass and glass packaging ecosystem: machinery, technologies, processes and products, from bottles and vials to containers and tableware.

The scale of the market highlights the significance of this initiative. According to the FEVE 2025 Annual Report, European production of glass containers for food and beverages reached 73.3 billion units, representing 2% growth.

The glass packaging ecosystem, including packaged products, also generates over €140 billion in added value across the European Union and supports more than 850,000 jobs. These figures demonstrate how closely glass is linked to the competitiveness of industries such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and perfumery.

FORMAE has been created to showcase the technologies driving this ecosystem and encourage discussion of its key challenges: energy efficiency, productivity, quality, automation and product innovation.

Internationalization: Bringing Global Markets to the Exhibition

VITRUM will reaffirm its role as a meeting point between companies and leading international industry players, further strengthening its focus on global market demand.

For 2027, the goal is to attract at least 150 international buyers through an incoming buyer program focused on the quality of participants and the business opportunities available to exhibitors.

Alongside business meetings, the country presentations will provide valuable insights into emerging markets, exploring local demand, investment prospects, technological requirements and market entry opportunities. This approach will complement business networking with the knowledge and information needed to understand where and how commercial relationships can be developed.

This strategy builds on VITRUM’s ongoing international activities, including trade missions, incoming buyer programs and Italian glassWAYS, the initiative launched at glasstec to promote the Italian glass industry internationally, with plans to continue at major global industry events, including China Glass and GlassBuild America.

VITRUM will be the place where these relationships can translate into business meetings, projects and new opportunities for companies.

Technologies at the Core, New Markets on the Horizon

“With VITRUM 2027, we want to give companies concrete reasons to participate: qualified business contacts, access to international markets and opportunities to engage with industries capable of generating new demand,” says Barbara Antonini, President of VITRUM.

“Our partnership with IEG supports our growth ambitions. Glass4Space and FORMAE bring substance to the Glass Economy concept. Our international program brings buyers and valuable market insights directly to the exhibition. All these elements are part of a single, integrated project: to increase the commercial and industrial value of VITRUM for everyone involved.”

For an exhibition that has connected glass technologies with the world for more than forty years, 2027 marks another step forward: expanding its ability to attract industry players and turning new applications into growth opportunities for the entire glass value chain.

From bottles to space, market demand is evolving. VITRUM 2027 is bringing together the technologies needed to meet it.

The figures presented in the FORMAE section are drawn from the FEVE 2025 Annual Report, published on 24 July 2026. The €140 billion in added value and 850,000 jobs include products packaged in glass, as specified in the text.

VITRUM

VITRUM is the international trade show dedicated to technologies, processes and applications for the glass industry. The event brings together companies, professionals, buyers, institutions and stakeholders from across the value chain, fostering the development of relationships, business opportunities and content focused on innovation.

The next edition will take place from 16 to 19 November 2027 at Fiera Milano.

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The German manufacturer showcased solutions designed to improve efficiency, optimise workflows and expand the possibilities of glass manufacturing. Among the technologies highlighted was Galactic TG, a cutting system developed for ultra-thin glass, with applications including triple insulating glazing. HEGLA also presented its ProLam Neo LSR system for automated cutting of laminated safety glass, focusing on processing performance and edge quality.

Beyond machinery, HEGLA’s portfolio includes software solutions developed through HEGLA-HANIC, supporting more connected and efficient production processes. The company also participated in the Glass Trends Sessions, where its experts addressed artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring in glass processing.

Held from 20–23 October, glasstec brought the international glass industry together in Düsseldorf, providing a platform for manufacturers to demonstrate technologies shaping the future of glass production.

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The new float glass line, operated through a joint venture between Saint-Gobain and Şişecam, doubles the production capacity of the existing Ain Sokhna site. The expansion reinforces the companies’ manufacturing presence in Egypt and increases local capacity to serve the construction industry.

In Sadat City, a new plasterboard manufacturing facility is scheduled to launch in November 2026. Integrated with Saint-Gobain’s existing plaster line, the facility will form a comprehensive gypsum solutions hub, broadening the Group’s product offering and improving service to customers.

Saint-Gobain has operated in Egypt since 2006. Today, the Group runs four major manufacturing hubs, employs approximately 900 people and generates annual revenue of around €150 million. Its revenue has tripled over the past eight years.

The expansion comes as Egypt faces growing demand for construction driven by population growth and urbanisation. The country plans to develop 37 new smart cities by 2050 to accommodate an expected 30% increase in its population of approximately 120 million.

Beyond expanding production, the investments mark a broader development in Saint-Gobain’s Egyptian business, extending its activities into plasterboard while building on its established positions in glass, plaster and construction chemicals. The projects also support the Group’s “Lead & Grow” strategic plan, focused on accelerating profitable growth and strengthening its role in light and sustainable construction.

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Designed and engineered with VIA, The MonoGlith is a cast-glass structure measuring 2.5 × 5.7 × 4.5 metres, assembled from 11 glass slabs. Its scale challenges conventional limits in cast-glass fabrication and explores new approaches to architectural form and material expression.

Cloud Multi-Curved Glass demonstrates another technical achievement, featuring a continuously twisting surface with an arch height of ±150 mm. Produced using NorthGlass’s latest automated multi-curved glass tempering line, the installation combines complex geometry with optical consistency, structural strength and lamination safety.

Other exhibits include Lighting Cast Glass, Retractable Skylight Spherical Glass, J-shaped curved glass and smart dimming glass, alongside structural and bulletproof solutions.

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Walking through the exhibition, you can also find glass transformed into paintings, decorative objects, souvenirs and unique artistic creations. Through colour, texture and creative techniques, this familiar material becomes something entirely different.

These pieces reveal a side of glass that often goes unnoticed in an industry focused on performance, precision and innovation. Beyond its structural and functional role, glass offers endless possibilities for artistic expression, combining transparency, light and colour in unexpected ways.

At glasstec, these smaller details offer a different perspective on a material that continues to inspire industries far beyond construction.

Because glass is not only about what we build with it, but also what we can create from it.

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Three Topics Shaping the Future of Glass

This year’s exhibition placed AI and Digital Technologies, Decarbonisation, and the Circular Economy at the centre of industry discussions.

Artificial intelligence, automation and connected machinery highlighted opportunities to improve production efficiency, quality control and data exchange. Decarbonisation remained a major priority, with technologies and strategies aimed at reducing emissions and energy consumption. Meanwhile, circular economy initiatives explored recycling, reuse and remanufacturing as ways to improve resource efficiency and extend the service life of glass products.

Beyond the Exhibition Floor

The supporting programme added further depth to the event. The GIMAV Roundtable addressed challenges surrounding the new Machinery Regulation, including AI, cybersecurity and liability. GlassPrint LIVE presented developments in digital and screen printing on glass, while the Connected Machines special area demonstrated approaches to interoperability and data exchange in production.

The CircuClarity Two conference examined the practical implementation of circular economy principles, while the women in glass initiative created opportunities for professional discussion and networking across the sector.

A Global Platform for the Glass Industry

Throughout the four-day exhibition, glasstec brought together companies and professionals to exchange expertise, explore new solutions and build business connections across international markets. Its combination of machinery, materials, research and architectural applications demonstrated how closely technological innovation and industry collaboration are linked.

For the global glass sector, the event offered an opportunity to assess current priorities and explore the technologies expected to influence manufacturing, processing and the use of glass in the years ahead.

GlassBalkan followed glasstec 2026 from Düsseldorf, covering participating companies, live machinery demonstrations and developments across the industry, with a focus on innovations and business opportunities relevant to the Balkan glass, aluminium and façade markets.

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