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At the Glass Performance Days 2025 in Tampere, it became clear that innovation requires partnership. Miika Äppelqvist, Glaston’s new CEO, welcomed 500 international guests with a clear statement: “It’s good to work with friends.”

NSG Group recently held an opening ceremony for the newest 2-megawatt photovoltaic solar array at its facility in Ottawa, Illinois in the USA which will supply about 3.9 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity annually.

A research project involving the TU Dresden, Folienwerk Wolfen, Schott Glass and the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has just been presented at the Glass Performance Days in Finland: A thin laminated glass that combines defined strength with safe breakage characteristics. This marks a major leap forward in material innovation for facade design. See the details.

The US-based National Glass Association (NGA) recently published a paper titled "Overcoming Challenges of Circularity and Architectural Glass Recycling". This resource provides deeper insights into the North American glass recycling landscape. You can download it here for free! 

The Lisec Group recently presented its new Litros brand, which facilitates entry into industrial glass processing and IGU production with a well-thought-out portfolio. Being part of the Lisec Group, Litros can fall back on decades of expertise in the sheet glass industry. The new brand will be available in many key markets around the world.

As the Pathé Palace, a Belle Époque building in the heart of Paris now restored to its former glory, shows, warm-edge spacers can play many more roles than simply increasing energy efficiency and indoor comfort. There is a growing demand on the aesthetics, processing quality and production-related advantages of the product. See here more details on this stunning project and how Edgetech’s Super Spacers fit the bill.

H.B. Fuller | Kömmerling will be participating in the Glass Performance Days (GPD) in Tampere, Finland, from June 10 to 12, 2025. At the Nokia Arena, the company will be presenting its forward-looking technologies and solutions for the further development of the modern glass industry under the headline “Glass – The In/Visible Impact”.

The Velux Group has signed a multi-year agreement with the aluminium company Novelis for the supply of highly recycled aluminium. Under this partnership, flat-rolled aluminium with over 70 per cent recycled content will be used to manufacture Velux roof windows and accessories to further reduce CO2 emissions.

Lisec strengthens its presence in Mexico with new sales and customer service representatives, Eduardo Cortes and Enrique Lopez, ensuring closer customer connections and enhanced on-the-ground support. This reflects Lisec's commitment to cutting-edge glass processing solutions tailored to local needs.

At the Advanced Building Skins Conference & Expo in Bern on November 3 and 4, 2025, over 100 international architects, engineers, scientists, and representatives of the construction industry will present new projects and developments in building envelope design. Here you will find details and the registration link.

The Quality Association for PVC Window Profile Systems has reorganized its management team. Christian Fischer from Schüco is taking over as Chairman of the Board, succeeding Michael Stöger from Rehau, who has held the position for many years.

For the second year in a row, the National Glass Association, organizer of GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo, announced that high-profile building industry speaker and consultant Stefanie Couch, CEO of Grit Blueprint, will return as the GlassBuild Ambassador for the 2025 trade show, taking place Nov. 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.

Flat glass is one of the most technically demanding materials to move across long distances. It requires precision handling, minimal vibration and robust safety measures – all while accommodating increasingly large glass pane sizes. A brief history of the glass inloader and how the Lannutti Group have just agreed to add a large haul of them to their fleet.

One Flagler, a 25-story, 285,000-square-foot office tower in downtown West Palm Beach, is now a beacon of modern design and sustainability. Developed by Related Ross and designed by SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), the property sets a new standard for luxury office spaces and highlights innovative Solarban R77 Acuity glass by Vitro Architectural Glass.

In cooperation with Keller minimal windows and Kuraray, we at GW News are giving away 6 free tickets to this year’s Nordic Facade Forum in Helsinki. They will be given away on a first-come-first-served basis, so act fast and click here to find out how to win!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in manufacturing by major flat glass producers with a view to optimising processes, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions and securing competitiveness long term. But are AI applications also already of relevance to glass processors and the glazier trade? Read more here.

EuroWindoor calls for more time and clearer guidance on the EU’s updated construction product rules, warning that unresolved issues could disrupt compliance and undermine climate-sensitive building practices. Click here for more details on the implications.

From London to Tokyo, jumbo glass panels from vandaglas Eckelt GmbH can now be found in very special construction projects all over the world. Find out why the glass finishing company from Steyr (Austria) relies on systron's plant technology for its custom-made glass panels.

From June 10 to 12, 2025, the Glass Performance Days (GPD) will take place in Tampere, Finland, the world's leading glass conference. Technical presentations, workshops, and the Step Change platform for innovation make it a must-attend event for anyone who wants to help shape the future of the glass industry. Click here to register.

Last week, the Glass Alliance Europe organised a policy event to explore ways in which the Clean Industrial Deal could better support the decarbonisation and competitiveness of the glass industry. Here are some key highlights:

Not all safety glass is created equal. When polycarbonate enters the picture, performance, construction and costs shift. We asked certified expert Sebastian Dengg what makes polycarbonate-laminated glazing stand out, where its limits lie, and how it compares to conventional laminated glass solutions. Here are his answers.

The software start-up Lumeso has won two German Innovation Awards: one in the “Excellence in B2B” category and one in the “Transformative Solutions” category. Its AI-based software automates manual processes, particularly in order data entry. Here are the details.

The Board of Directors of the Glaston Corporation has today appointed Miika Äppelqvist as the new President and CEO of Glaston as of 1 June 2025.

Şişecam announced financial results for the first three months of 2025. In the three-month period, Şişecam’s consolidated net sales totalled EUR 1.5 billion. International sales – comprising the total of exports made from Türkey and sales from production facilities outside Türkey accounted for 63 percent of consolidated sales.

Founded in 1990 and located in Los Angeles, California, Western States Glass has grown to become one of the big players in the glass industry of California. In 2020, a new owner took over the company and continued the tradition of excellence as well as the long-term partnership with Lisec.

On May 7 and 8, 2025, the flat glass industry met for its traditional Glass Congress in Dresden. Organized jointly by the German Flat Glass Association (BF) and the Flat Glass Quality Association (GGF), this year's congress once again offered around 160 participants a platform for intensive discussions, exciting presentations, and personal exchanges. The atmosphere was relaxed.

The topic of thin glass especially for new applications in architecture attracted a great deal of interest among trade visitors at the past glasstec and its special show “glass technology live”. On behalf of glasstec the author asked research and industry about the current state of the art, what its limits are and which applications can already be expected by the end of the year: Daniel Pfarr (TU Dresden), Peter Nischwitz (Glaston) and Bernhard Hötger (Hegla) answered.

European manufacturers eyeing the US market can gain valuable insights into NFRC certification and energy efficiency standards at a free online seminar hosted by ift Rosenheim and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) on July 1, 2025.

In the One River North building in Denver, an artificial canyon winds its way through the 16-story structural glazing facade – a spectacular architectural detail and a complex function for the facade glass. These were implemented using the Ködispace 4SG warm edge system, which ensures energy efficiency in accordance with IGU units under the extreme climatic conditions of the city.

Glass producer Şişecam just announced that its CEO Görkem Elverici had suddenly resigned on April 30. A replacement has already been found: Can Yücel.

Lansing Unitra GmbH has added a new crane trailer to its range, which has been specially developed for the safe and efficient transport of glass and windows. The payload is up to 2 tons.

On 29 April 2025, the Statistics & Market symposium took place in cooperation with the German Flat Glass Association (BF) and the Window + Facade Association (VFF). After two difficult years, the general consensus at the event was that a tentative turnaround is on the horizon for the glass and window industry. Nevertheless, the industry had to cope with noticeable declines last year, but there is a silver lining at the horizon. Having said that, glass could now become scarce.

The owner of the charming country house La Quercetta sought the advice of PMO KE to find a solution that combined functionality and aesthetics, blended perfectly with the rustic style of the building and offered guests a new atmosphere of conviviality during their stay. Thanks to the collaboration with the KE Store Arredocasa, a tailor-made project was realised that transformed the various terraces of the building.

A few days ago, Lisec held its annual School Day, giving around 140 students and pupils from the surrounding area of its Austrian headquarters the opportunity to get to know the company better. This included offerings that were both fun and informative.

James O’Callaghan, co-founder of Eckersley O’Callaghan, is recognized as a leading pioneer in structural glass. More recently, he has played a crucial role in designing the world’s tallest hybrid timber building: the Atlassian Tower in Sydney. He will be a keynote speaker at Nordic Facade Forum 2025 in Helsinki. Here are some insights you can expect from him.

Facade contractor Gartner has secured the contract for the design, supply and installation of the exterior facade for the 50 Fenchurch Street high-rise project in London. The 36-storey building was designed by Eric Parry Architects. As part of this project, Gartner will work closely with its British colleagues of Permasteelisa UK.

Lisec recently announced that Brett Bedford has become the new head of Lisec UK & Ireland Limited, sharing the responsibility with longtime managing director Georg “Bobby” Mair. Mr Bedford’s professional experience gives him a strong foundation to lead Lisec UK & Ireland.

The Velbert Institute for Locks and Hardware (PIV) testing institute has expanded its team: Jamal Boumouchoun (52) joined the certification body as an auditor at the beginning of April. The experienced quality expert brings with him in-depth knowledge gained from 27 years at car manufacturer Ford and other positions, and will be responsible for monitoring certified customers in future.

Around 400 Velux Modular Skylights were installed as part of extensive renovation work on the ‘Les Bains des Docks’ swimming centre in Le Havre. The daylight solution was chosen because of its corrosion-resistant materials and maintenance-free components, which are ideal for humid environments, according to the planners.

Glass facades and window fronts can quickly become deadly traps for birds, as they do not perceive the glass as an obstacle and fly into it. Bird protection glass can significantly reduce this risk. Hegla boraident offers a mobile laser application that can be used to apply a protective pattern to glass retrospectively, which is an interesting new field of work for installation companies and facade builders.

There is a leadership change at GIMAV, the Association of Italian Manufacturers and Suppliers of Machinery and Equipment for Glass Processing, as well as the organizing body of the Vitrum trade show. Starting in June, Lucia Masutti will take over as General Director of both institutions. Here are the details..

With ‘AGC Recycle Glass’, AGC Glass Europe is now launching a new service to strengthen flat glass recycling. The new company actively collects glass waste from processing plants and end-of-life insulating glass from refurbishment projects. The used glass is processed and remelted in the flat glass production process. To this end, AGC works with a network of transporters, recyclers, waste disposal companies and dismantling companies.

Butylver TPS, the Fenzi Group's thermoplastic spacer bar for insulating glass, has officially received CEKAL certification. This emphasises the Fenzi Group's commitment to supplying products that meet the highest standards of quality, durability and energy efficiency.

Lisec was one of the first companies in Austria to be awarded the new Cyber Trust Platinum label for NIS2 companies. This award highlights Lisec's efforts to achieve high cyber security standards. Here are the details.

A new architectural landmark now graces the beach promenade of the popular Belgian seaside resort of Knokke-Heist: The Heldentoren with its two sister buildings offers its residents panoramic views to the sea. Insulating glass featuring the Swisspacer Ultimate warm edge spacer ensures living comfort behind the glass facades.

The situation concerning tariffs in the US is currently unpredictable. Against this background, the question arises as to whether it would make sense for European suppliers for the glass industry to establish additional branches elsewhere in North America, e.g. in Canada, a highly developed and mature market. And with tariffs also impacting Canada, it may be in the country’s interest to open up to the wider world. Our expert Val Voznyi lives in Canada and has answers.

The reuse of glass is becoming increasingly important for the construction industry. In order to promote glass recycling, Schüco and Saint-Gobain Glass Germany are now entering into a partnership to jointly utilise used glass from existing buildings for the material cycle and bundle material flows.

The National Glass Association in the US has refreshed its technical paper on glass characteristics for photovoltaic systems, supporting both manufacturers and end users with up-to-date insights.

The London skyscraper 8 Bishopsgate combines a striking tiered design with high-tech sustainability features – from active facades with intelligent glass to energy reuse systems. Its use of AGC Interpane glazing and cradle-to-cradle materials helps it earn top environmental certifications.

In this video, Dutch architect Frank Willems discusses the design approach behind this residence, currently under construction. See how Keller minimal windows facilitated the integration of the building into its surroundings.

With rising security concerns and evolving threat scenarios, the demand for advanced security glazing is growing rapidly. From urban buildings to storefronts, how are new materials and hybrid solutions redefining what modern safety glass can do? Security specialist Sebastian Dengg has 3 answers.

A Belgian family wanted to renovate their Art Nouveau villa from the early 20th century in an energy-efficient and stylish way. One of the focal points was to replace the monoglasses of the 30 or so antique wooden mullion windows with 86 new Fineo vacuum-insulating glass units. Here are the details.

Viprotron North America has announced a newcomer to the team: Kingston Eck will be joining the company as the President. With his extensive industry experience and expertise, he will be a great addition, says Kai Vogel.

With the new thermfix vario RC4 and omnia RC3 systems, Forster aims to set new standards in security and energy efficiency. The burglar-resistant thermfix vario variant offers protection up to RC4, while the multifunctional omnia window combines high insulation values with burglar resistance up to RC3. Both systems are available in Low Carbon Emission Steel, here are the details.

Biesse has completely overhauled and restructured its entire portfolio in all areas and expanded it in the glass and stone sector in particular. The new machines offer improved performance, a modern, uniform design and are also equipped with a new, intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI), as the manufacturer emphasises.

Vitrochaves, one of the leading glass processing companies on the Iberian Peninsula, has successfully implemented a new, fully automatic LiSEC system comprising a glass storage, glass cutting, and insulating glass line. In this video, Managing Director Joaquim Chaves shares insights into the project and the advancements in the new production hall.

With regard to trade within North America, the economic situation continues to get worse, triggered by the US government's tariffs. It is currently impossible to predict how this will develop. A further escalation, which is not unlikely, would have an even stronger impact on machine manufacturers and suppliers to the glass and facade industry. Our expert Val Voznyi has 3 answers.

Founded in 1874, heroal has grown from a small craft business into an international manufacturer of aluminium system solutions for building envelopes. With a strong focus on innovation, in-house production and efficient services, heroal provides architects, planners and fabricators with integrated, high-quality solutions for modern construction.

Glass for Europe is stepping up its influence in the construction sector by becoming a full member of Construction Products Europe (CPE) in 2025. This move aims to highlight the role of sustainable building materials in key EU housing policies. As an active participant in CPE’s working groups, Glass for Europe will help shape strategies for a more competitive and sustainable construction industry.

With Compactwall TR, PV mounting specialists Aerocompact have recently expanded their range of mounting solutions for solar facades. This system specifically designed for sandwich panel walls allows for a better weight distribution.

The Willy Bogner chalet in the Austrian alps has been converted and extended by a living area with prime panoramic views of the mountains. Here is a short video for your enjoyment.

Lisec announces that the company has received the bronze medal from EcoVadis for outstanding sustainability performance. This award is a milestone on the road to greater sustainability and underlines Lisec’s commitment to the environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

Here is a deep dive into solar panel technology and the latest industry trends from Satinal, an Italian company that produced interlayers for laminated safety glass. In 2020, they introduced the Strato Solar PV Encapsulants for PV modules. Here, Satinal offer a brief technical explanation of the technology behind such products and their latest offerings.

The safety and performance characteristics of building products have to be guaranteed. This also applies to window and facade elements. However, it is not always possible to put these usually large objects through their paces to meet the applicable standards. In Germany, there are only a few window and facade test stands in institutes that are authorised to carry out the tests in accordance with the regulations.

With its spectacular architecture, the luxury hotel ‘Koenigshof, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Munich’, designed by the Spanish architectural firm Nieto Sobejano, provides an exciting counterpoint to the historic buildings on Munich's Stachus. The architects chose highly selective functional glass from Saint-Gobain for the glazing of the five-star hotel.

The Wainscott Home is a unique project from the USA, which impresses with its meticulously executed architecture. A significant aspect of its allure is attributed to the strategically positioned minimal windows sliding systems, seamlessly integrated within the walls. In this video, Bates Masi + Architects explain the background.

Building-integrated PV modules are interesting alternatives to standard facade elements, and not just for new-build facades. Experience shows that such PV elements are only accepted by building owners and planners if they are visually appealing. The new ColorQuant glass colours were specifically developed to give PV elements a colourful design. Holger Geisler, Managing Director at Ceramic Colors Wolbring GmbH, has 3 answers.

The amended Construction Products Regulation (EU CPR), which came into force on 7 January 2025, will bring far-reaching changes to the European construction sector, which will also have an impact on fire protection. ‘Fire protection³’ is the motto for this year's ift Fire Safety Conference on 4 and 5 June in Nuremberg, Germany. Here is what to expect as well as some programme highlights.

The Wicona project study TEmotion NG with ‘Water-filled Glass’ is designed to ensure outstanding energy efficiency and an optimised carbon footprint. Together with Water-Filled Glass Ltd, Wicona has developed TEmotion NG, a revolutionary facade solution that was recently presented as a study.

Living conditions are changing - and require existing living space to be adapted to new needs. For example, sport and work have long been among the activities that people pursue in their homes. Balcony glazing takes account of this increasingly multifunctional use of living space, as it ensures that balconies are more conveniently connected to the living space and thus create additional usable space.

The Austrian manufacturer Sunbooster has developed bifacial solar strips that can be threaded into existing garden fences. Vertical solar allows harvesting power from the sun particularly when homes need it the most: in the mornings and evenings.

When it comes to building-integrated PV elements for the facade, the visual appearance is crucial for architects to use such systems. At the same time, in addition to the aesthetic requirements, functional and, increasingly, environmental aspects must also go hand in hand. Holger Geisler, CEO of Ceramic Colors Wolbring, the only company in the world that can provide an almost unlimited range of colours specifically for solar modules, explains the details.

Discover how minimalist architecture seamlessly connects living spaces with nature. In this video, architect Dirk Jan Postel explores his latest residential design in the Netherlands, where expansive minimal windows erase boundaries between indoors and outdoors. With a carefully curated material palette and a focus on spatial flow, the house blends effortlessly into its surroundings. Watch to see how architectural simplicity enhances both aesthetics and functionality, creating a breathtaking sense of space and tranquillity. A must-watch for experts and enthusiasts in windows and facade design!

Sustainability and security are a key feature of facade construction today. With this in mind, Wicona (Ulm) and Sommer Fassadensysteme - Stahlbau - Sicherheitstechnik (Döhlau) have agreed a strategic partnership. Here you can find out what the aim of the new co-operation is.

The German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt) recently granted general type approval (aBG) for Fineo vacuum insulating glass (VIG). Here are the details.

The European Commission has unveiled its Clean Industrial Deal, promising to accelerate decarbonisation and boost competitiveness in energy-intensive industries. But does it go far enough? Industry leaders warn that without urgent action on energy costs and carbon leakage, the flat glass sector faces an uncertain future.

The Turkish glass and chemicals group Şişecam can look back on a successful 2024. Despite global economic uncertainties, the company was able to increase its turnover and push ahead with strategic investments. Here are the latest company figures for 2024.

The Glass Performance Days (GPD) 2025 will take place from 10 to 12 June at the Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland. The world's largest glass conference brings together specialists and entrepreneurs from the glass industry to present and discuss the latest technologies, products and innovations.

Facade design with coloured solar modules: Holger Geisler of Ceramic Colors Wolbring explains how building-integrated PV elements can now be implemented in almost any colour. This is made possible by ColorQuant technology. A special advantage: maximum design freedom with minimum loss of solar module performance. Holger Geisler, CEO of Ceramic Colors Wolbring, the only company in the world that can provide an almost unlimited number of colours specifically for solar modules, gives 3 answers.

Lisec’s GSA system – GSA-CF for float glass and GSA-CL for laminated glass – automates glass crushing and cullet disposal, ensuring a seamless production process. Key benefits include enhanced safety, reduced labour costs, automated cullet management and optimised workspace efficiency. Here is a short video with more info.

EuroWindoor has submitted detailed feedback on the revised draft Annexes of the EU standardisation request for windows and doors. The industry organisation calls for streamlined processes, clear guidance and practical standards to support innovation and competitiveness in the European market.

The Nordic Facade Forum, a one-day seminar on the future of facade construction, will take place in Helsinki on 9 June 2025. At the event, international experts from the facade industry will show how facade construction is evolving and what role sustainability, design, new materials and safety aspects play in this. The organiser is Jorma Vitkala, GW and GW-News.eu are media partners.

AGC Glass Europe and Nokia have partnered for the middle East region to transform the way telecom service providers expand network coverage. Through this partnership, Nokia will integrate AGC’s WAVE by AGC glass antenna technology, delivering a seamless connectivity solution designed for modern urban environments.

The IFN Group is taking over the Lithuanian window manufacturer Roda, thereby securing its supply chain in Scandinavia. But this is just the beginning: Find out how the ‘window network’ has big plans for growth.

Renovation is key to reducing CO₂ emissions in the construction sector – this is the conclusion of a new study by DGNB. The analysis shows that new buildings generate significantly higher emissions over their lifecycle. Here are the key findings to the study, along with the free download link.

Glaston is looking for a new CEO, since Toni Laaksonen has very recently announced his intention to resign his position. Glaston is already hard at work finding a replacement.

Next Energy Technologies, a pioneer in organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology, has upgraded its production line to produce 1.0 by 1.5 metres (40 by 60 inches) laminated transparent windows employing the Next OPV coating and manufacturing process. These new units are the largest transparent OPV windows produced anywhere in the world. Find out more on this here.

Lisec is integrating cericom GmbH into its all-in-one solutions portfolio, further strengthening its technological expertise and market presence. Here the details.

Two German major players in the building envelope sector are joining forces: heroal and Solarlux are launching a strategic partnership that offers building owners and specialised companies real added value. The starting signal was given at BAU in Munich - with exciting prospects.

The Italian machinery manufacturer Forel has established its own subsidiary, Forel North Europe GmbH, to strengthen its market position in Germany and Northern Europe. Leading the new branch is Stéphane Soudais, a well-known industry expert who will represent Forel in this key region.

What began as a modest operation with just 400 employees focused on fulfilling Turkey’s essential glass needs has evolved into a global leader. Today, Şişecam operates 45 production facilities across four continents and employs over 24,000 staff worldwide. A short history.

Maltha Glass Recycling, a European company in glass recycling and a subsidiary of Renewi, recently announced the success of a groundbreaking pilot project in collaboration with Saint-Gobain. See here for more details.

Glass facades are an integral part of modern architecture, but often pose a danger to birds as they do not recognise reflective or transparent glass surfaces as an obstacle. To minimise this risk, the glass facade of the Futurium in Berlin was fitted with bird protection glass. Find out here which product was used.

The new Gealan-windowfit product range provides tested connection profiles with outstanding thermal insulation properties and maximum moisture protection. Window manufacturers benefit from a comprehensive range from Meesenburg that makes planning and processing extremely easy.

York Minster, one of the UK's most iconic landmarks, has embraced renewable energy by integrating a photovoltaic system into its historic building envelope. The project, led by the Chapter of York Minster in collaboration with Solarwatt and installation company Associated Clean Technologies (ACT), aims to address climate change while preserving the cathedral's heritage. See here for more details.

Family friendliness as a corporate value: Lisec was recently awarded the ‘berufundfamilie’ state quality mark in Vienna. The award, organised by Familie & Beruf Management GmbH, recognises companies that are actively committed to improving the work-life balance of family and career.

Coloured solar panels for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and solar facades took centre stage at BAU 2025, Europe's leading trade fair for construction in Munich, with exhibitors presenting a wide array of solutions.

Glaston introduces a new technology for producing ultra-thin triple insulating glass with a centre pane as thin as 0.5 mm. This patented process enhances energy efficiency, reduces weight, and simplifies renovation projects, setting a new benchmark in the glass industry.

At the ift stand at BAU 2025, an impressive demonstration of vandalism caused quite a stir. It showed how resistant windows can be in extreme scenarios - for example, when violent groups at major events such as demonstrations uncover potential that goes far beyond typical burglary norms. Watch the video of the vandalism simulation here!

Glaston and Miru, a leading developer of smart window technologies, are now partnering to accelerate the development and production capabilities of the next generation of dynamic electrochromic glass (‘eWindows’).