Global Flat Glass Market Outlook, 2029

Global Flat Glass Market Outlook, 2029

Flat glass, a cornerstone of the building and construction industry, plays a pivotal role. It offers clarity, ushering in natural light, and bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces. This enhances occupant well-being and reduces the need for artificial lighting. Its versatility shines as flat glass can be easily cut, shaped, and treated to meet diverse aesthetic and functional demands. Whether tinted, reflective, or energy-efficiently coated, modern flat glass stands out for its strength, scratch resistance, and durability against weathering. Additionally, flat glass is not only recyclable but can also be crafted with recycled content. For instance, the Government of India has launched a Smart Cities Mission for the development of 100 smart cities. The mission includes the improvement, renewal, and extension of cities, for which the government has allocated USD 9.62 billion in its 2023-24 budgets. Most of the plate glass produced is soda-lime glass, by using the float process. This type of glass has a higher content of magnesium oxide and sodium oxide as compared to container glass, and a lower content of calcium oxide, silica, and aluminum oxide. As of November 2023, the total utilized fund stood at USD 8.55 billion, i.e., 90% of the allocated fund has been utilized. Such developments are anticipated to boost the demand for the product across the world over the forecast period. The rising awareness of saving electricity has led to the use of products with low energy ratings and extensive use of available natural sources of energy. The use of this glass in residential and commercial buildings has allowed the use of natural light and reduced the cost and consumption of artificial light. The governmental push toward aligning itself with the global decarbonization goals, in line with the 2021 Paris Agreement, has accelerated the production of EVs across the world. Several incentives have been provided for its sales and purchase. By 2035, automakers have committed to converting their existing production lines into EV production facilities.

According to the research report ""Global Flat Glass Market Outlook, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Global Flat Glass market was valued at more than USD 105.38 Billion in 2023, and expected to reach a market size of more than USD 212.19 Billion by 2029 with the CAGR of 6.03%. The growing construction activities and infrastructural development have led to a rise in demand. Flat Glass is utilized in roofs, windows, and facades. It is also used for internal partitions as an architectural feature. It provides excellent properties, including acoustic insulation and thermal insulation to the building structures. These properties are creating a demand for different flat glass products in the building & construction industry. For instance, a building code in China called Design Standard for Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings in the Hot Summer and Warm Winter Zones was established in 2003, especially for the warmest southern regions of China. Various technologies are being adopted to contribute to the energy efficiency of buildings. One such technology is the low-emissivity (low-E) window which is estimated to play a critical role in contributing to energy savings. Low-E glasses are coated with metallic and/or metal oxides to exhibit better solar control performance and promote energy efficiency. The renewed investment in the global building & construction industry and strict enforcement of building codes across the globe is predicted to significantly boost the flat glass market. The standard is aimed to reduce the energy consumption of HVAC systems by 50% by improving energy efficiency, passive cooling, and natural ventilation. New solar capacity expansions will positively impact the demand for glass. The growing trend of floating solar farms is further anticipated to boost requirement for solar panels. There is growing emphasis across the globe to increase the energy efficiency of buildings. According to the IEA, commercial, residential, and public buildings account for 36% of the global final energy consumption.

Market Drivers

• Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Rapid urbanization is a significant driver of the flat glass market. As cities expand and populations grow, there is an increasing demand for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Flat glass is used extensively in modern architecture for windows, facades, and partitions, which contributes to its growing demand. Large-scale infrastructure projects such as airports, commercial complexes, and public buildings require significant amounts of flat glass.
• Technological Advancements and Innovation: There is a growing emphasis on energy-efficient and green buildings, driven by environmental regulations and consumer preferences. Innovations such as low-emissivity (low-E) glass, which improves insulation and reduces energy consumption, are increasingly popular. Advances in smart glass technology, which includes electrochromic, photochromic, and thermochromic glass, offer dynamic control of light and heat, enhancing comfort and reducing energy costs. These technologies are gaining traction in commercial and residential applications, driving growth in the flat glass market.

Market Challenges

• Supply Chain Disruptions: The flat glass industry relies on raw materials like silica sand, soda ash, and limestone. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials can impact production costs. Moreover, geopolitical tensions and trade disputes can affect the availability and cost of these materials. The global supply chain for flat glass can be complex and vulnerable to disruptions. Issues such as transportation delays, logistical challenges, and natural disasters can impact the timely delivery of glass products and increase costs for manufacturers.
• Environmental and Regulatory Challenges: The flat glass industry faces stringent environmental regulations related to emissions, waste management, and energy consumption. Compliance with these regulations can increase operational costs for manufacturers. For instance, regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions may necessitate investments in cleaner technologies and processes. Managing glass waste and improving recycling rates is a challenge. The industry is under pressure to enhance the recyclability of glass products and reduce waste, which requires investment in recycling technologies and systems.

Market Trends

• Growth of Green Building Standards: The trend towards sustainable construction and green building standards, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), is driving demand for environmentally friendly glass products. This includes energy-efficient glass solutions and materials that contribute to a building’s overall sustainability.
• Increasing Demand for Customized Glass Solutions: There is a growing trend towards personalized and aesthetically pleasing glass solutions in architecture and interior design. Consumers and architects are increasingly seeking customized glass products that offer unique designs, colors, and functionalities. This trend is encouraging innovation in glass manufacturing and processing technologies.

Based on the report, the glass type is segmented into Basic Float Glass, Tampered Glass, Laminated Glass, Insulated Glass, Coated Glass, Others. Tempered glass is leading due to its superior safety features and versatility in various applications.

Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, undergoes a rigorous heating and cooling process that significantly enhances its strength compared to standard float glass. This process not only increases its resistance to impact but also allows it to withstand higher temperatures and thermal stresses. For instance, tempered glass is commonly used for side and rear windows, as it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, thus reducing the risk of injury during accidents. This safety characteristic has led to its widespread adoption in passenger vehicles, aligning with the industry's growing emphasis on passenger safety and regulatory compliance. Tempered glass is utilized in a variety of applications, including windows, doors, and facades. Its ability to provide thermal insulation and energy efficiency makes it an attractive option for modern buildings, which increasingly prioritize sustainability and energy conservation. The demand for energy-efficient buildings has been bolstered by governmental regulations promoting green building practices, further driving the adoption of tempered glass. Additionally, its aesthetic appeal, combined with its functional benefits, makes it a popular choice among architects and designers. The versatility of tempered glass extends beyond traditional uses; it is also employed in household appliances, commercial refrigeration, and even in the food service industry for cooking and baking equipment. Furthermore, the rise of smart technologies and electronic displays has led to innovations in glass products, including the integration of tempered glass in smartphones and tablets, enhancing its market presence.

Based on the report, the end-user is segmented into Construction & Infrastructure, Automotive & Transportation, Solar Energy, Others. Construction and Infrastructure due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing building materials.

The flat glass market is significantly driven by the booming construction and infrastructure development globally, fueled by urbanization, population growth, and rising middle-class incomes. Flat glass is a fundamental component in modern architecture, utilized in windows, facades, doors, and interior design elements. Its ability to allow natural light into buildings not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the well-being of occupants by creating a more inviting and healthier indoor environment. This is particularly important as more people recognize the benefits of natural light in reducing energy consumption and improving mental health. The versatility of flat glass, which can be manufactured in various forms such as tinted, reflective, or energy-efficient coated glass, allows it to meet diverse architectural demands and energy standards, making it an attractive choice for builders and architects alike. For instance, ongoing developments, such as the Arkade Aspire Residential Complex in Mumbai, highlight the growing trend of high-rise buildings that require significant amounts of flat glass. In the United States, the construction sector also shows robust growth, with reported increases in construction spending and a surge in both residential and commercial projects, including notable initiatives like the construction of a major data center by Meta Platforms in Indiana. These developments underscore the critical role that flat glass plays in meeting the demands of modern construction. The push towards sustainable building practices has further cemented the position of flat glass in the industry. As governments and regulatory bodies impose stricter energy efficiency standards, the demand for advanced flat glass solutions that contribute to green building certifications has surged. Flat glass is not only recyclable but can also be produced using recycled materials, aligning with the industry's shift towards sustainability.

Based on the report, the end-user is segmented into Float Glass, Sheet Glass and Rolled Glass. Float Glass due to its superior quality, versatility, and cost-effectiveness compared to other flat glass manufacturing processes.

The float glass process, developed in the 1950s by Sir Alastair Pilkington, revolutionized the flat glass industry by producing high-quality, distortion-free glass at a lower cost than traditional methods. In this process, molten glass is poured onto a shallow pool of molten tin, where it spreads and forms a smooth surface due to the effects of gravity and surface tension. The resulting glass ribbon is then carefully annealed, cut, and processed into various products. This method allows for the production of large, thin sheets of glass with consistent thickness and superior optical properties, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Float glass can be tinted or laminated to provide additional benefits like solar control, safety, and security. These versatile properties have made float glass the material of choice for architectural applications, accounting for approximately 80% of the total flat glass demand. The float glass process also offers significant cost advantages compared to other manufacturing methods. The large-scale production capabilities and continuous operation of float glass lines allow for economies of scale, resulting in lower production costs per unit of glass. Furthermore, the high-quality output of float glass reduces the need for extensive post-processing and minimizes waste, further contributing to its cost-effectiveness. The dominance of float glass in the market is evident from the fact that over 90% of the world's flat glass is produced using this method. Major manufacturers like AGC, Saint-Gobain, Guardian Glass, and Asahi Glass have invested heavily in float glass production facilities worldwide to meet the growing demand from the construction, automotive, and solar industries.

The Asia Pacific region is leading the flat glass industry primarily due to its rapid urbanization and significant investments in construction and infrastructure development.

The Asia Pacific flat glass market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by a combination of factors that include increasing urbanization, a burgeoning middle class, and substantial government investments in infrastructure projects. As cities expand and populations grow, the demand for residential and commercial buildings has surged, leading to a corresponding rise in the need for flat glass. This glass is essential for a variety of applications, including windows, facades, and interior partitions, which are crucial for modern architectural designs. Countries like China and India are at the forefront of this trend, with China being the largest producer and consumer of flat glass globally. The Chinese construction sector is projected to spend around USD 13 trillion on building projects over the next several years, significantly boosting the flat glass market. Moreover, the ongoing trend of developing smart cities across the region is further propelling the demand for flat glass. These smart city initiatives focus on creating sustainable urban environments that incorporate advanced technologies and energy-efficient building materials. Flat glass plays a vital role in achieving these goals, as it can be manufactured with energy-efficient coatings that help reduce energy consumption in buildings. The increasing emphasis on green building practices and the use of sustainable materials is also driving the adoption of flat glass, as it is recyclable and contributes to energy savings. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing a surge in the adoption of flat glass for solar energy applications, including photovoltaic panels. As countries strive to meet renewable energy targets and reduce carbon emissions, the demand for flat glass in solar technology is expected to grow, providing an additional boost to the industry.

• March 2024: Guardian Glass collaborated with Velux Group to develop tempered vacuum insulated glass (VIG). Under this agreement, Guardian and VELUX will collaborate to enhance their manufacturing processes and capabilities to satisfy the increasing demand for VIG.
• In October 2023, Vitro announced that it had signed an additional contract with First Solar to provide high-tech glass front sheets for the solar panels that First Solar manufactures in North America. Vitro will invest approximately USD 180 million in adapting its current facilities to meet the demands of the new contract expansion. The expansion is expected to generate additional sales of approximately USD 1.3 billion over the next 10 years, in addition to the initial 1.2-billion-dollar contract.
• In July 2023, Cardinal Glass Industries Inc. made an announcement regarding the consolidation and expansion of Cardinal CT Company’s Custom Tempering Operations in the Western United States. Cardinal CT had acquired the Dixon, California tempering facility less than two years ago and has recently completed the planned building expansion, improved floor layout, and installed new equipment at the site. All of these changes have resulted in increased capacity, efficiency, and productivity.
• February 2023: AGC Inc. and Saint-Gobain announced collaboration on the design of a pilot breakthrough flat glass line that is expected to reduce direct CO2 emissions significantly. As part of this R&D project, AGC Inc.’s patterned glass production line in Barevka, Czech Republic, was decided to be entirely refurbished into a high-performing and state-of-the-art line that targets to be 50% electrified and 50% fired by a combination of oxygen and gas. This is a technical breakthrough compared to current technology used in flat glass furnaces fired by natural gas.
• In December 2022, Saint-Gobain India announced its plans to invest around USD 215 million towards its capacity expansion plans in 2023. This is part of its long-term plans to spend up to USD 970 million between 2022 and 2025.
• In June 2022, Saint-Gobain introduced MIRASTAR REFLECT, a new highly reflective glass featuring exceptional opacity and reflection properties. With only 0.1% light transmission and 55% light reflection, it offers durability in high-humidity conditions. This product is ideal for mirrored wall-fixed applications, providing enhanced aesthetic appeal and functionality
• In March 2021, SCHOTT AG presented innovative tempered glass solutions for home appliances at the Appliance & Electronics World Expo 2021 trade show. This showcase enhances the company's visibility and attracts new customers, ultimately contributing to future revenue growth through expanded market reach and increased product adoption.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Flat Glass market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Glass Types
• Basic Float Glass
• Tampered Glass
• Laminated Glass
• Insulated Glass
• Coated Glass
• Others (Reflective Glass, Low-E Glass)

By End-Use Industry
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Automotive & Transportation
• Solar Energy
• Others

By Technology
• Float Glass
• Sheet Glass
• Rolled Glass

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Flat Glass industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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