All latest news

A+W Software recently announced a strategic partnership with Bohamet S.A., a Polish manufacturer of glass for marine, architectural and security applications, with a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. Here are more details on the deal.

EuroWindoor has submitted an opinion to the European Commission’s public consultation on the delegated act defining the rules for service providers involved in the Digital Product Passport (DPP) with relevance to construction products.

The Historical Museum of the Palatinate in Speyer, Germany, has been given a new glass roof. The construction, realized by Hunsrück-based glass refiner Wagener, now makes the traditional event venue usable all year round. Read how printed glass made it possible to dispense with external shading.

Facade specialist Aliplast has taken a significant step and is now using 100 per cent green electricity for production. This is made possible by combining the continuously expanded own solar power production and the purchase of certified green electricity. But this is only the beginning.

Kuraray's Advanced Interlayer Solutions (AIS) division has announced that its new CertiPly blockchain-based technology will offer even greater security to all users of its SentryGlas ionoplast interlayers, according to the manufacturer, as it provides complete traceability for laminate applications.

Fineo has become the first and only vacuum insulating glass with a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Read here how the brand of AGC Glass Europe achieved the low value of 18.9 kg CO2 eq./m².

C.R. Laurence (CRL) recently opened a new branch in Denmark. The company is now supplying customers in Scandinavia and the Baltic states from its new warehouse location in Kolding, southern Denmark. Here are the details.

As one of the first passive house-certified residential buildings in Argentina, Casa Biguá demonstrates how modern versions of traditional construction methods can bring building concepts into harmony with the natural environment. Read more on how the Schüco Living 82 MD PVC-U system made this possible.

The Lisec Group has just announced that the products of Schraml Glastechnik GmbH will from now on be marketed under the Litros brand. To find out more about what will change and what will remain the same, read here.

NSG Group has just announced that Pilkington Polska Sp. z o.o., a member of NSG Group, is planning to install an advanced architectural glass coating line at its facility in Sandomierz, Poland. Read all about what that means here.

Balcony glazing specialist Lumon has completed the first renovation project in Finland using Lumon eRailing. This is a new type of balcony railing in which solar modules are integrated between the glass layers. The new technology combines the advantages of solar energy generation with an aesthetically appealing glass railing and offers the opportunity to significantly reduce electricity costs.

At Vitrum 2025, Adelio Lattuada will be presenting exciting new products from September 16 to 19, 2025, with which the Italian grinding machine specialist aims to set new standards. Find out here what you can see at the Lattuada stand.

With glasspex India and glasspro India, one of the world’s most dynamic glass markets is opening its doors to innovation, investment and networking. On 10 - 12 September 2025, the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai will become the meeting place for the international glass industry.

Fire protection is an essential part of building safety. However, high requirements and regionally varying specifications make implementation complex. With Schüco Fire Resist, fire and smoke protection requirements can now be met safely and in accordance with standards. Here you can find out what Schüco Fire Resist has to offer and we present a new fire door.

When Vitrum 2025 opens its doors in Milan/Rho from September 16 to 19, Hegla will also be there as an exhibitor. We asked Hegla Managing Director Bernhard Hötger what his company will be presenting.

Volvo Cars' new innovation center in Torslanda near Gothenburg combines architectural design with climate-friendly construction. This also includes the facade glass from IGU manufacturer Glasgruppen, which is equipped with the Ködispace 4SG warm edge system from H.B. Fuller | Kömmerling.

With over 40 years of experience, Ramos Industria del Vidrio is now one of Spain's leading glass finishers. With the new 5025proHD + WM from systron, the glass specialist has now been able to significantly expand its technological capabilities. How? Find out in the following article.

Preserving historical structures while also meeting modern energy efficiency requirements calls for customized solutions. Fineo vacuum glass was used in the renovation of Wynendaele Castle in West Flanders – a technology that convincingly combines heritage preservation and craftsmanship.

Decorative Glass reinterprets an ancient artistic-cultural heritage with modern materials to create individually designed products. Arab Union Glass is a leading player in the flat glass processing industry, producing top-notch IG units. Together they supply architects with complete solutions. And Lisec machines & software solutions supports them to realize their vision.

Saint-Gobain has begun building its 7th float glass line and 5th mineral wool insulation line in Oragadam, Chennai. This expansion reinforces the Saint-Gobain Group’s strategic commitment to strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and growth in the Indian market.

At Vitrum 2025, Forel will present new vertical systems for the production of insulating glass, glass edge processing, and systems for automated logistics processes. Among other things, the focus will be on a new sorting system for finished insulating glass units.

Determining the effects of transverse tension and shear forces under different temperature conditions before and after ageing processes. Special test methods for the suitability of plastic web materials.

At the end of June, members of the Isolar Group met in Chaves, Portugal, for the “Major Isolar Glass Conference 2025.” Host VitroChaves provided the ideal setting for professional exchange and exciting presentations. A highlight was the award ceremony for outstanding glass projects at this year's Isolar Object Competition.

From September 16 to 19, 153 international exhibitors will present new machines, systems, and supplier products for the flat glass industry at Vitrum 2025. Many new glass products will also be on display. The trade fair will be complemented by a comprehensive supporting program.

The Austrian specialist in the integration of solar modules into buildings and infrastructure has begun scaling up its solution. The existing network of partners, consisting of planners and contractors, is being continuously expanded.

R+T Turkey, which will take place from November 27 to 29, 2025, at the Istanbul Expo Center, once again underscores its relevance in the international trade fair calendar. Companies from Australia, Canada, China, Greece, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, the US, and, of course, Turkey have already confirmed their participation.

With „sedak multicurved“, sedak presents a world-first: 3D-bent, heat-strengthened glass – without molds, without compromise. This new technology enables complex geometries and opens up maximum design freedom for the architecture of tomorrow.

Saint-Gobain has signed an agreement to divest Brüggemann to Germany’s Köster Group. For more on what this means, click here!

An elegant city villa in northern Hamburg, Germany impressively demonstrates how modern sun shading not only protects against sun, wind, and rain, but also makes an architectural statement. The owners wanted a comprehensive shading concept that combined functionality, comfort, and design. Four different awning systems from markilux were used, stylishly complementing the facade, balcony, terrace, and garden.

The Fenzi Group confirms its participation in Vitrum 2025, the prestigious international trade show dedicated to the entire glass supply chain, set to take place September 16 to 19, 2025, at Fiera Milano-Rho.

Industrial glass processing is undergoing radical change: increasing the level of automation is an important step for European flat glass manufacturers and processors in order to survive international competition and fulfil long-term climate targets. The young Austrian company Lumeso provides a key technological building block for this and has already built up a double-digit customer portfolio in just a few months.

Graf Elektronik, based in Dornbirn, Austria, has a closed campus as a branch. The latest new building there impresses with its sophisticated logistics and a curved glass facade. This is constructed with Uniglas Sun facade glass from Glas Marte.

The “Kita Unterm Regenbogen” daycare center in Dingolfing is a prime example of child-friendly construction: the result is a building that combines expressive architecture with sustainable materials. In addition to regional wood from the city forest, functional special glass from Glas Natter, part of the Isolar Group, was used.

NorthGlass Coating BU has achieved a technological milestone with a new coating line for 24 m long glass. With this development, the supplier aims to meet the growing demand for large-format, high-performance facade glass in XXL format.

Satinal has recently announced the installation of a co-extrusion line specifically designed for the upcoming production of advanced EPE Solar PV encapsulants and EVA tri-layer acoustic interlayers.

Dear readers, here updates and highlights in compact form from the facade, sunshade and glass industries in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (we call it the DACH region). Enjoy.

The Lisec Technology Days 2025 took place in Bad Arolsen on June 25 and 26. Around 60 trade visitors from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium took the opportunity to exchange ideas and information on trends, automation solutions, and forward-looking technologies for flat glass processing.

On 1 September 2025, Daniel Feische will move to the Glass Technologies portfolios as the Director and will be fully responsible as of 1 December. He succeeds Lars Wismer, who is taking on the role of Regional Head Messe Düsseldorf for Asia in Singapore.

With the establishment of Hegla Iberica, Hegla is reaffirming its commitment to the Spanish and Portuguese glass industry. The branch is based in Nigrán (Province of Pontevedra) in Spain and will strengthen the local service offering. “Hegla Iberica stands for maximum customer advice, reliable services and strong partnerships on the Iberian Peninsula,” emphasizes Hegla Managing Director Bernhard Hötger.

The completion of the first glass grid shell for the new Stuttgart railway station marks a significant milestone for the Stuttgart 21 infrastructure project. With the completion of this impressive steel and glass dome by seele, a visible connection between the new underground track hall and the city center has been created for the first time.

Heritage meets innovation in Ontario, Canada: +VG Architects revitalised a historic school into a vibrant community hub. With wooden louvres embedded in glass, the facade delivers daylight, solar control and a warm, modern aesthetic – all while respecting the past.

40 Leadenhall Street is one of the largest building projects ever completed in the historic City of London: 85,000 square metres of floor space for10,000 building users. For the glass facade, structural silicone-bonded double glazing, AGC Interpane Architectural Glass supplied more than 30,000 square metres of ‘Stopray Vision 60’ solar control insulating glass. Here are the details.

Turning groundbreaking research into real-world applications takes persistence and vision. Lithium Designers has moved from academic roots to international projects — and continues to expand its 3D-printing solutions for facades on a global scale.

Satinal, the Italian manufacturer of the Strato interlayers for laminated safety glass, announced the upcoming opening of a new facility in Southern Italy. Here are more details.

Chiara Sträßner is taking over the organization of the trade fair for windows, doors and facades. Elke Harreiß, who has been with the trade fair for over 20 years, will remain as Head of Department. In this short interview, Chiara Sträßner talks about her connection to trade fairs and her goals for the future direction of FENSTERBAU FRONTALE.

Swisspacer, the manufacturer of spacer bars for insulating glass, is moving to a new location in Lengwil in the Swiss canton of Thurgau. Read what CEO Matthias Bach has to say about the move, how modern workplaces are being created at the new location, and Swisspacer's commitment to the region.

The ift-Guideline EL-06/1 "Vandalism-resistant Building Elements and Facilities" describes test methods and requirements for the classification of components such as doors, gates, roller shutters, curtain walls, windows and fixed glazing regarding their resistance to vandalism. Here is more on the validation services offered by ift Rosenheim.

Sustainability, structural performance, and manufacturing constraints are critical factors in facade construction. The use of 3D-printed nodes offers new answers to old challenges – from reducing material waste to outperforming traditional components.

Photovoltaics, both in the facade and on the roof, clearly is a key source of power for the residential sector. Not all residential buildings are the same, however. Four models of implementing PV in multi-family homes are possible: In Part 1 we showed you how the power can be either used within the entire building or just to operate the shared services. Today we present the other two models.

A cooperation between ift Rosenheim and the University of Patras in Greece allows them to meet the growing demands of their customers. With its "FireUP" fire testing centre, the University of Patras provides the testing facilities for preliminary tests and official ift tests. More on the cooperation here.

While glass facades are an indispensable part of contemporary architecture, they often pose a risk to birds. At the Museum Folkwang in the German city of Essen, this problem was resolved using marking elements from Seen. The measure combines effective bird protection with design restraint.

Cericom GmbH will no longer manufacture laser machines or offer services. Instead, Lisec Laser Solutions will act as the laser competence centre within the Lisec Group. Three solutions are on offer, two of which we have already presented. The third and final part: LDP-A – Laser Drilling Processing

Innovative construction methods are transforming the way facades are designed and built — and 3D-printed facade nodes plays a key role in this shift. From unlocking geometric freedom to streamlining digital workflows, these technologies are redefining structural components like nodes.

Uplifter GmbH, a specialist in modern lifting and vacuum technology, announces a new strategic partnership with Dutch manufacturer Aerolift Industrials B.V. Here is the background to the new alliance.

The SJD Pediatric Cancer Center in Barcelona is one of the largest children's cancer centers in Europe. Geze supported the implementation of healing architecture with integrated door systems that combine accessibility, safety, hygiene, and an appealing design.

Not only homeowners, but also property owners' associations and tenants can benefit from photovoltaic power, both on the roof and as part of a building-integrated PV facade. There are four models available, depending on what you want to achieve. How do they work, and what are the advantages and disadvantages? Find out here. Plus at the end: a short interview.

Cericom GmbH will no longer manufacture laser machines or offer services. Instead, Lisec Laser Solutions will act as the laser competence centre within the Lisec Group. Three solutions are on offer, one of which we have already presented. Part two: LMS-A – Laser Marking System.

The requirements for modern living space are changing: Today, people want spaces that can be flexibly adapted to different living situations and climatic conditions – both in new buildings and when retrofitting existing structures. Loggia glazing offers an architecturally and functionally convincing solution.

Glaston has made two appointments to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) of Glaston Corporation. The new ELT members will both be reporting to President and CEO Miika Äppelqvist.

Bulgarian manufacturer Baros Vision has made a name for itself as a specialist in glass railing systems within just a few years. To enable even more flexible and independent production, the company has now invested in its own laminated glass line from Lisec – the first of its kind in Bulgaria.

This is a strong signal for the future of the industry being sent by FENSTERBAU FRONTALE 2026: Next year, the trade fair will be presenting its Innovation Award for the first time. The new award is intended to recognize groundbreaking new products that impress with their innovative strength and appeal – and thus create real added value for the world of windows, doors, and facades.

At an altitude of 2315 m, accessible only by gondola, the Rudolfshütte mountain hotel welcomes its guests on the shores of the Weißsee lake. The traditional hotel in Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park has been fitted with heroal window and door systems, which ensure energy efficiency and comfort with optimum tightness even in strong gusts of wind.

Five of the 10 projects that have won first places in their categories at the 2025 Design Awards of US Glass Magazine feature interlayers made by Kuraray. Established to recognize excellence in architectural glass, the awards cover all facets of the industry and includes both structural and aesthetic applications. Here are the winning projects in detail.

As official media partners of the Advanced Building Skins Conference & Expo in Bern, Switzerland, we are happy to announce that we will be giving away 10 free tickets to the international event happening later this year. Click here on how to enter.

Cericom GmbH will no longer manufacture laser machines or offer services. Instead, Lisec Laser Solutions will act as the laser competence center within the Lisec Group. Three solutions are on offer, which will be presented over the next couple of weeks. Part one: LSP-A – Laser Surface Processing.

Companies across the entire glass value chain can now register for glasstec 2026. From October 20 to 23, 2026, providers from all over the global glass industry will once again meet at the trade fair in Düsseldorf. With its highly international pedigree, glasstec itself is the central platform. It also hosts a supporting program that showcases the future of the glass industry and facilitates knowledge transfer.

Miika Äppelqvist has been at the helm of Glaston Corporation since June 1, 2025. GW News editor Matthias Rehberger asked the new CEO about his plans for the further development of Glaston and where he sees opportunities for glass processors, despite the current difficult situation in some parts of the industry.

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.