Float Glass Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product Type (Tinted Float Glass, Clear Float Glass, Patterned Float Glass, Coated Float Glass, Extra Clear Float Glass and Other Product Types), Raw Material, Application and By Geography

Float Glass Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product Type (Tinted Float Glass, Clear Float Glass, Patterned Float Glass, Coated Float Glass, Extra Clear Float Glass and Other Product Types), Raw Material, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Float Glass Market is accounted for $48.0 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $75.0 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Float glass is a type of flat glass produced by floating molten glass on top of a bed of molten tin, resulting in a smooth, uniform surface without the need for polishing. Developed in the 1950s, it revolutionized glass manufacturing due to its high optical quality, consistency, and versatility. Used in windows, mirrors, and architectural applications, float glass offers clarity, durability, and ease of fabrication. Its production process allows for the creation of large, thin sheets, making it cost-effective and widely used in construction.

According to the Institution of Civil Engineers, the volume of construction output is projected to grow by 85%, with revenue of USD 15.5 trillion across the world in the upcoming decade, led by emerging countries such as India and China and developed countries like the United States.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing demand from building and constructions

As building and construction activities expand, the demand for float glass, a primary material in architectural applications like windows, facades, and interior partitions, also rises and often translates to higher sales volumes and improved revenues for float glass manufacturers. This enables companies to reinvest in research and development, enhance product quality, and expand their product portfolios to meet diverse customer needs. This stability can mitigate the impact of short-term fluctuations in other sectors and contribute to the overall resilience of the float glass market.

Restraint:

Stringent environmental regulations

Environmental regulations may restrict the use of certain raw materials or production processes that pose environmental risks or contribute to pollution. Float glass manufacturers may need to source alternative materials or adopt cleaner production technologies to ensure compliance, which could affect product quality or production efficiency. Moreover float glass manufacturers may need to invest in energy-efficient equipment, such as furnace upgrades or heat recovery systems, to minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during glass production.

Opportunity:

Technological advancements

Body-tinted float glass is a new variety made by adding molten colorants to the glass during the manufacturing process. These glasses possess unique properties to absorb solar radiations, and when used on doors and windows of buildings, they reduce heat penetration and consequently limit the energy consumed for cooling. Initially, flat glasses were used in smaller sizes, as they require high internal structural strength for larger pieces to hold themselves steadily. Currently, flat glasses can be toughened by heat treatments to make them suitable for building applications, thereby boosting their demand, globally.

Threat:

Increasing cost of raw materials

Rising raw material costs may incentivize float glass manufacturers to invest in product development aimed at improving efficiency, reducing material usage, or substituting costly materials with more affordable alternatives. Innovation in glass composition, production processes, or recycling technologies could help mitigate the impact of increasing raw material costs. Additionally customers may seek alternatives to float glass or prioritize cost-saving measures in their projects, impacting demand for float glass products.

Covid-19 Impact

Reduced demand led to decreased sales and production volumes for float glass manufacturers. However, as economies gradually reopened, the market witnessed a recovery, driven by increased construction activities and a resurgence in automotive manufacturing. Additionally, the pandemic accelerated trends towards energy-efficient and sustainable building materials, leading to opportunities for float glass manufacturers to innovate and meet evolving market demands amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.

The tinted float glass segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The tinted float glass segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, Tinted float glass caters to specific market segments, such as architectural applications (windows, facades, doors), automotive industry (windows, sunroofs), and interior design. Depending on the popularity of tinted glass in these sectors, demand for tinted float glass can fluctuate compared to clear float glass. This can be advantageous for glass manufacturers looking to diversify their product offerings and target niche markets that prioritize aesthetics or performance characteristics like solar heat reduction.

The dolomite segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The dolomite segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period, as dolomite is a source of magnesium and calcium, which are essential components in the manufacturing of glass. Its availability and cost can influence the production costs for glass manufacturers. Changes in dolomite availability or pricing can impact the overall cost structure of float glass production. Moreover dolomite-containing glasses may exhibit different optical, thermal, and mechanical properties compared to glasses made from other raw materials. These differences can affect the suitability of the glass for various applications,

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the demand from industries such as building and construction, solar panels, etc., in the countries like China and India. The use of automotive glass in the production of windshields, side windows, and rear windows has significantly improved safety in all parameters. According to the International Trade Organization, China remains the world's largest automotive market in terms of both annual sales and production, with domestic production expected to reach 35 million units by 2025. These developments indicate a positive outlook with respect to the consumption of float glass in the solar industry over the forecast period.


Region with highest CAGR:

Middle East & Africa is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the rising investments in construction activities and automotive production facilities. For instance, in May 2023, Oman’s Sultan Haitham announced the initiation of a new urban project near Muscat, referred to as Sultan Haitham City. The primary objective of this project is to offer affordable housing options for low-income citizens. Upon its completion, the city will have the capacity to accommodate up to 100,000 residents. It will be equipped with essential facilities, including educational institutions, places of worship, healthcare centers, a university, and shopping centers.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in the Float Glass Market include AGC Inc., Asahi India Glass Ltd., BG, Cardinal Glass Industries Inc., China Glass Holdings Limited, China Luoyang Float Glass Group Co. Ltd, Etex Group, Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd., Guardian Glass LLC, Kibing Group, Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd, Press Glass Holding SA, PT Mulia Industrindo Tbk, Saint-Gobain, SCHOTT AG, Şişecam, Taiwan Glass Ind Corp., Viracon and Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited

Key Developments:

In February 2024, AGC and AIST Initiate Collaborative Research on High-Pressure Water Electrolysis Fundamental Evaluation Tests for Cost Reduction in Green Hydrogen Production. This research is expected to contribute to the widespread adoption of hydrogen and achieve carbon neutrality.

In January 2024, AGC to Build New Facility in Kitakyushu City for FORBLUE™ S-SERIES, Fluorinated Ion-Exchange Membrane Suitable for Green Hydrogen Production. This new plant will be AGC's third production site for its chemical business in Japan, following the Chiba and Kashima plants.

In November 2023, China Luoyang Float Glass Group Co. Ltd as been officially announced by the National Ministry of Industry and Information Technology as a state-level specialized special new ""little giant"" enterprise.

Product Types Covered:
• Tinted Float Glass
• Clear Float Glass
• Patterned Float Glass
• Coated Float Glass
• Extra Clear Float Glass
• Other Product Types

Raw Materials Covered:
• Sand
• Soda Ash
• Limestone
• Dolomite
• Other Raw Materials

Applications Covered:
• Architectural
• Automotive
• Solar Energy
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Transportation
• Aerospace
• Marine
• Consumer Goods
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements