The Archive of gw-news.eu

Danish architect Lotte Elkiær designed a U-shaped villa in Villshärad where cedar wood meets a spectacular folding glass wall from Solarlux. The light-filled orangery connects the spaces, offering seamless transitions from cosy winter nights to open-air summer days.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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!

With Catadi, Oknoplast is launching a quality brand for investors who prioritise price and service. What clever solutions and benefits can specialist dealers expect from this new brand?

This year, a walk-on steel cross with glass windows is to be placed on the highest tower of the Sagrada Familia. This will make it the tallest church tower in the world, towering 10 metres above Ulm Minster. Facade builder Gartner is currently constructing the 17-metre-high structure made of glass, steel and high-performance concrete, whose four arms have a span of around 13 metres.

Glas Trösch presented a new triple insulating glass with an ultra-thin centre pane at BAU in Munich. This makes the IGU lighter and less material-intensive. More details here:

The curved glass facade of the new Wera-Welle in Wuppertal is an eye-catcher. With individually manufactured, curved glass panes from Arnold Glas, the building demonstrates technical excellence. The Solarlux D40 insulating glass units installed combine optimum thermal insulation and sun shading with aesthetics. The project was realised by Arnold Glas and the Isolar network.

The Belval blast furnace road in Luxembourg is being transformed from a 120-hectare industrial wasteland into a modern urban neighbourhood. The two preserved blast furnaces and other industrial monuments have been integrated into the urban development. One of the buildings, the ‘Möllerei’, was fitted with new steel profile facades from Schüco Stahlsystem Jansen.

In Basel, Roche is concentrating its pharmaceutical research in the pRED Innovation Centre. The two laboratory buildings, which are up to 114 metres high and are among the tallest in the world, were clad with a highly transparent Closed Cavity facade (CCF) by facade manufacturer Gartner. Large elements, in which concave reflective stainless steel sheets are integrated, enclose the corners.

A spectacular solar facade was planned and erected for a multi-storey car park in Schkeuditz near Leipzig, Germany. It wasn't just about the look. Many factors played a role, and the right people came together.

In April 2024, the Smart Campus, a technically state-of-the-art and intelligently networked vocational training and research centre for popular and high-performance sport, opened in Bordeaux in the south of France. The dynamic glass facade with SageGlass Classic ensures the best lighting conditions for athletes and researchers.

Fraunhofer ISE and Fraunhofer UMSICHT have developed a prefabricated facade element with integrated photovoltaics that combines power generation, weather protection and thermal insulation. The elimination of an additional substructure for the solar modules saves large amounts of material.

Hawa Sliding Solutions AG recently acquired the Barcelona-based Klein Group, one of the world's leading suppliers of sliding solutions. The acquisition expands Hawa's portfolio and strengthens its global market position. The management team at Klein will be retained, as will the brands and locations. Here are the details.

Danish architect Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) believes there is no single answer to what sustainable buildings of the future will look like. Two examples are the new concrete BIG headquarters in the port of Copenhagen and the timber Skypark Business Centre at Luxembourg Airport. What seems contradictory, actually shares a high standards of sustainability, resource conservation and energy efficiency, and both feature insulating glazing with Super Spacer spacers. Here are both projects in detail.

The six-week course from DelftX offers prospective facade builders and facade planners, engineers and architects practical in-depth training in the design of mullion-and-transom facades. Here you will learn how to expand your facade expertise. The DelftX course - under the direction of Prof. Ulrich Knaack - starts on 6 November 2020. Click here for details and to register.

Swisspacer is advancing automation to help insulating glass manufacturers optimise production processes. CEO Matthias Bach, with the company for a year now, highlights energy efficiency as the primary driver in the insulating glass market, especially in Europe and North America.

Bird strikes on building facades, windows, glass noise barriers and glass balustrades are a problem; according to Germany's Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), around 100 million birds are killed in collisions every year in Germany alone. A range of bird protection glass solutions are already available on the market. In this exclusive interview, behavioural biologist Dominique Waddoup explains the state of research and how testing can be optimised and further developed.

Forster Profilsysteme has opened its new headquarters, the Forster Campus, in Romanshorn, Switzerland, setting new standards in sustainable building. Spanning over 30,000 square metres, the campus includes a production and logistics hall, a technology centre, and an office building, all constructed with a strong focus on sustainability.

The Olympia glass canopy in Kensington has been completed. Eckersley O’Callaghan engineered the steel and glass canopy that sits atop the public realm space within the Olympia redevelopment.

Glaston, the inventor of the Thermo Plastic Spacer (TPS), has developed a new processing method that allows the use of thin glass in insulating glass units. The process is also suitable for triple insulating glass.

The Salesforce Tower in Chicago is an outstanding example of the combination of sustainability and modern glass architecture. The highly efficient Ködispace 4SG warm edge spacer from H.B. Fuller | Kömmerling is used in the IG units of the full-surface glass facade.

The requirements for energy efficiency and attractive working conditions are also becoming increasingly stringent in industrial buildings. This is why the Horsch company opted for a high level of natural lighting in its new production hall in Ronneburg, Germany, as provided by a skylight solution with very good thermal insulation values. Here are the details.

The facade of the Audi Centre in Essen shines in new splendour after the refurbishment. Thanks to the LEDscreen lighting elements from Kuzman Invison, the Audi site on the busy Altenessener Straße is now a shining eye-catcher at dusk.

New window technology enables solar power to be generated directly from insulating glass. A prototype has now been installed and tested by Walter Fenster in Kassel in Germany.

The new "Aile Est" terminal at Genève Aéroport sets new standards in terms of sustainability. The building envelope is equipped with PV and highly efficient heat pumps contribute to environmental friendliness. All common areas and pathways were realised with profile systems from Forster. Identify the fire protection requirements that had to be met.

When insulating glass manufacturers export their glass to the US, tests in accordance with ASTM 2190 (or ASTM 2188/ASTM 2189) are required in advance. For this purpose, IGU manufacturers had to send their glass to the US for testing. Now ift Rosenheim can also carry out these tests, which saves a lot of time.

With the winning proposal, Henning Larsen's goes beyond what one would expect a laboratory building to look like. B777 is immersed in nature, with biogenic materials and features a low-carbon design.

Fenzi Group has announced its acquisition of Thermoseal, a company in the insulated glass industry. This strategic move, highlighted by Thermoseal's innovative Thermoflex flexible spacer product, is a part of the Fenzi Group's global growth strategy.

With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games not too far away, here is what athletes and spectators will experience in terms of what modern sustainable architecture made of wood. See here here for details:

The US construction industry is set for significant growth in 2024, driven by sustainability and government subsidies. Swisspacer's new NJ distribution center positions European manufacturers for success in this evolving market.

Schüco has entered into a partnership with Skyline Windows, a leading company in the American window industry. With this partnership, the New York-based company becomes an exclusive distributor for Schüco.

Discover ENI's new headquarters, an innovation campus dedicated to energy research and production. Designed by Morphosis Architects and Nemesi Architects, the LEED Gold certified complex features high-performance glass facades from AGC Interpane, ensuring optimal light conditions and energy efficiency. Learn more about the state-of-the-art features and sustainability achievements.

The new building of the Tyrolean educational centre in Lans, Austria, offers optimal conditions for users with its special architectural and lighting concept. A shed roof construction with Velux Modular Skylights ensures homogeneous daylight penetration with north-facing light bands. At the same time, PV modules keep the energy footprint of the education centre small.

Once a year, the German Design Council honours innovative products with the German Design Award. During the ceremony late last year, the Lamilux Modular Glass Roof MS78 was among the winners.

A glass bottom and equally transparent glass walls make a swimming pool with unusual views a special eye-catcher. Have a closer look how the pool functions as well as a roof light for the display area of an Austrian pool specialist.

Since January 2024, TMP Fenster + Türen GmbH has been taking another important step towards improving its carbon footprint. By using a new CO2-reduced ‘Float Glass - Low-Carbon Glass (LC)’ from AGC Interpane, the window manufacturer is setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction. GW-News interviewee André Leffler, Managing Director of TMP, on this topic.

An Illuminated facade glass adorns a new clinic in Doha. The glass elements used are based on Loca liquid lamination technology from H.B. Fuller | Kömmerling. See here how the illuminated glass also fulfils all the functional and design requirements of facade glass today.

For the new college building in downtown Berkeley, California, an architect's wish became reality: the fully automated and therefore economical production of a completely grey insulating glass edge seal. A light grey Super Spacer bar is also part of the elegant facade solution.

Joylife Boats provide a relaxing holiday on the water. In Mettlach, six of these houseboats were fitted with large-format window and sliding door elements from heroal to provide attractive panoramic views. Here you can find out which window and door systems were used.

On his travels through the landscape of the US window market, our guest author Markus Brunner has made it to the Deep South. At the end of the road he reflects on the many strengths of windows Made in Germany and some of the challenges that might still need to be overcome to make it big in America.

On his trip through the eastern and southern United States, our guest author Markus Brunner had the chance to talk to both window specialists and other people he met. Find out here why many thought Made in Germany was awesome and what that can mean for German window manufacturers and wholesalers.

Vitrum 2025 (September 16–19) attracted many visitors to Milan/Rho, who gathered information about the latest machines, systems, and supplier products, as well as glass innovations, from over 200 exhibitors. The focus of the trade fair was on automation, energy efficiency, and sustainability. GW News editor Matthias Rehberger was also there to get a first-hand look at the most important trends for readers. Here is an overview of the highlights.

Matthias Rehberger from GW News was at the Vitrum 2025 in Milan to check out the latest innovations from the Italian trade fair. Click here to get exciting impressions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.”

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! 

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’).

As of January 1, 2025, Dr. Andreas Bachmann has taken on the position of Director Operations at Josef Gartner GmbH, strengthening the façade construction company’s leadership team alongside CEO Jürgen Wax. Together with the operational departments and project management, he will ensure the successful execution of complex projects worldwide.

sedak wants to set a new benchmark for high-security glass: With sedak ballistic glass HMG (Heavy Machine Gun), the glass finisher is presenting a world first: a bullet-proof glass that has been tested against attacks with armour-piercing ammunition (.50 BMG API).

Val Voznyi is an expert in glass and fabrication technologies. In this exclusive interview with GW-News he looks back at his personal takeaways from last year’s two major trade fairs: GlassBuild in the US and glasstec in Germany.

Effective as of 1 January 2025, AGC Interpane (a 100% affiliate of AGC Glass Europe) expands its activities through the acquisition of one of Europe´s largest manufacturers of safety glass, Sicherheitsglastechnik Oelsnitz GmbH (SGT), as well as the Verwaltungsgesellschaft Schuler & Weiß OHG and its subsidiary SG Transport GmbH in Germany.

The Mizral building at the entrance to Düsseldorf's Media Harbour, designed by Eller + Eller Architekten, sets standards in terms of functionality and safety. State-of-the-art fire protection technologies with glass are used here, making the building a model of safety.

The Glas Trösch Group from Switzerland is launching an innovative, thin Triple insulating glass in cooperation with the US materials expert Corning. The glass significantly reduces the carbon footprint and improves energy efficiency. The innovation, which is set to set new standards for sustainable construction, will be presented for the first time at BAU 2025. Here are the details.

With Infraselect Dynamic, the Germany-based Flachglas MarkenKreis completes its product range of adaptive glass. This will be presented to a wide audience at BAU 2025. What is behind the new product range and a new partnership?

Satinal announced the introduction of the third production line at its headquarters in Erba, Italy, to meet growing demand. This was driven by an increasing global demand for Strato Glass Interlayers and Strato Solar PV encapsulants, from the architectural premium market to the solar photovoltaic segment. Here are the details.

The Contraflam 90-1 fire-resistant glass from Vetrotech Saint-Gobain sets new standards in fire-resistant glass technology. With an innovative single-chamber foaming technology, the glass combines exceptional light transmission, low weight and sustainability.

Şişecam celebrates its 89th anniversary. Founded in Turkey in 1935 with 400 employees, the company has developed into a global corporation over the decades. With its innovative strength and advanced technologies, Şişecam is now one of the leading players in its market segments (glass and chemicals).

Fineo by AGC is the first and only European manufacturer to receive the world's first voluntary CE marking for its vacuum insulation glass, making it much easier for planners, architects and building owners to use.

When it comes to facades, aesthetics, function and sustainability must harmonise perfectly. At the same time, the appearance has to be right. Thanks to the ColorQuant technology from Ceramic Colors Wolbring, coloured solar modules can now be produced for facades that offer a high degree of design freedom and high performance. GW-News went to find out first-hand what this technology and the almost unlimited colour palette are all about.

The Danish window manufacturer Dovista has decided in favour of using ‘low-carbon glass’ from AGC Glass Europe in order to offer correspondingly more sustainable end products this year. Learn more why that matters here:

Eastman's PVB film ‘Saflex LiteCarbon Clear’ will in future be used as a safety film in AGC's sustainable ‘Low-Carbon Stratobel’ laminated safety glass. AGC Glass Europe has now announced this partnership with Eastman.

The NSG Group has announced that it will cease production on one of its two float glass lines in Gladbeck from January 2025. Here is what’s behind this decision.

The Swiss company Seen AG, in collaboration with the Bavarian Association for the Protection of Birds (LBV) and other nature and bird protection organisations, has developed an innovative product for retrofitting glass windows and facades to prevent bird collisions.

AGC Glass Europe and Rosi have announced a strategic partnership to promote a circular economy in the glass industry. This collaboration combines AGC's glass production expertise with Rosi's innovative recycling approach from the photovoltaic industry to establish sustainable and low-carbon production methods. Here are the details.

Planning for glasstec 2024 is well underway, with Director Lars Wismer sharing insights into the event’s key highlights, networking opportunities, emerging trends and innovations.

In the run-up to glasstec, vacuum glass manufacturer Fineo, a subsidiary of AGC, is announcing that new, larger formats of vacuum insulating glass will be available from 2025. Here you can find out which sizes will then be possible.

Şişecam has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, detailing its ongoing efforts as part of the 2030 CareforNext sustainability strategy, which outlines the company’s focus on sustainable growth.

Semco has significantly boosted its production capabilities with a new facility in Westerstede. This expansion enables the company to meet the growing demand for insulating glass while introducing innovative, eco-friendly technologies.

IFTS, part of Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, is a fire resistance laboratory that carries out tests in accordance with all current European and international test standards for building and marine applications. With the new 4 by 4 metre test furnace and a high-tech test environment, 90% of all tests and type tests can be carried out at IFTS.

Vitro Architectural Glass continues its long-standing partnership with the US National Aviary in Pittsburgh, supplying advanced glass solutions that enhance energy efficiency, aesthetics, and bird safety. This collaboration highlights Vitro's commitment to sustainability and education, as well as its deep roots in Western Pennsylvania.

A permanent exhibition in Rijeka, Croatia, on the history of the pharmacy include ten displays made with curved laminated glass. See here how three different Strato interlayers were put to good use in the installations.

Deltamax has announced a significant new European partnership with Polflam, known for their innovative fire-resistant glass solutions. Recently, Deltamax successfully conducted a test day of their product QPLUS at Predari Vetri Spa in Mantova, Italy.

Situated on the banks of the river, the European Forum on the Rhine exemplifies the strength of cross-border cooperation and cultural exchange. Designed by the Grossmann Group, this multifunctional building serves as a vibrant hub for a variety of activities, promoting unity between France and Germany.

Şişecam recently announced the resignation of Ahmet Kırman from his positions as Chairman and Executive Member of the Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2024.

This is a strong signal in the midst of the weak construction industry: AGC Interpane is investing across the Group in automation and new plant technology as well as in digitalisation and sustainable power generation. The focus is on seven locations in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and France. Here are the details.

The Kalifornia Malakoff project in France features low-CO2 Saint-Gobain Orae glass, reducing CO2 emissions by 40%, achieving zero carbon footprint with compensation efforts.

After several months of cold repairs, the Saint-Gobain plant in Porz fired up the furnace again at the end of May 2024. The first glass production is planned for the end of June.

Glass supplier Vitrealspecchi presents Fluido, a new, specially satinised glass with an elegant linear 3D structure. The special Madras satin finish enhances the embossed wave shape and - depending on the variant - creates a matt or opalescent surface. Here are the details.

As part of the ‘Green for Generations’ sustainability initiative, the Glas Trösch Group, which also includes the float glass manufacturer Euroglas, is constantly working to reduce the CO2 footprint of the glass it produces. Now CO2-reduced float is becoming the standard for Glas Trösch products. According to the supplier, the low CO2 value is achieved without compromising on quality, properties and design.

The specialists for fire-resistant glass, Polflam, have pulled out all the stops to make their latest product, Polflam Gaia, as environmentally friendly as possible. Find out here how they were able to reduce the carbon footprint of their glass.

Florian Temper joined the Managing Directors of vandaglas Eckelt as Chief Operating Officer (COO) on 1 May 2024. His main task there is to drive forward the technical development of the company. Here are the details.

For the fast-evolving market of glass processing technology, CMS Glass Technology has introduced two flexible seaming machines: Aura and Proxima. Learn what these two solutions have to offer in efficiency, quality and sustainability.

In the ever-evolving landscape of glass processing, CMS introduces its Smartline 3- and 5-axis water jet cutting system. Combining cutting-edge technology with CMS' quality, the Smartline offers efficiency and performance in a compact and innovative design. For more, see here.

The compact, vertical machining centre Taktika from CMS finds a place even in the smallest workshops. Find out what this compact, powerful machine can do to achieve the greatest flexibility.

CMS, the developer and manufacturer of horizontal and vertical CNC systems, presented at Vitrum in Milan its innovations and exciting products from its machine programm. One of these systems was the vertical Ypsos CNC machining centre. As a further development of the proven ‘Profile’ CNC system, the Ypsos offers a wide range of improvements and new functions.

AGC inaugurated a new LSG production facility in Osterweddingen at the end of April 2024. With an annual capacity of 5.5 million square metres, the LSG line will produce high-quality safety glass. The plant is scheduled to officially go into operation in June 2024. Here are the details.

Guardian Glass introduces Guardian CrystalClear glass, a new addition to its product lineup in North America. This innovative glass meets the demand for enhanced transparency among architects and designers.

Guardian Glass has published new Environmental Product Declarations for its flat unprocessed glass products and processed glass products produced in North America.

AGC Group has announced that it has succeeded for the first time in a demonstration test to recycle cover glass for solar modules into float glass. With the success of this test, AGC expects that cover glass can be used to make float glass.

The safety mirrors in the Miralite Stadip series from Saint-Gobain offer a high level of protection against injuries. In the following article, you can find out what exactly is behind this, which variants are available and where these mirrors are used.

The Velux Group and Guardian Glass have entered a joint development agreement concerning tempered vacuum insulated glass (VIG).

NSG Group has announced that the decision to cease the production on a float line at the plant in Weiherhammer, Germany, a year ahead of a scheduled cold repair.

If you are looking for the highest insulation values in insulating glass, you will find them in insulating glass units with an integrated vacuum element, such as Fineo Hybrid. It insulates with a Ug-value of less than 0.5 W/(m2K), but are significantly more delicate than triple insulating glass with a thickness of 22 mm or more. But such hybrid glass offers even more advantages, which we present here.

Manufacturer masson is now introducing switchable ConverLight glass for its residential conservatories. This has now been sealed by the partnership with GGW and ChromoGenics. The first conservatory to be realised with switchable glass is now located in an exclusive villa suburb of Hamburg. The glass was manufactured by the Hero Group.

In connection with our recent article on the 25th anniversary of SentryGlas and how their ionoplast film interlayer for LSG, we also sat down with Christoph Troska of SentryGlas to look back – as well as ahead to the future:

The circular economy is a pressing concern in the flat glass industry, as explored in the upcoming glasstec 2024. Despite a 12% reduction in industry emissions in 2023, the positive trend is partly attributed to decreased production rather than sustainable practices.

The European Commission recently presented its proposal for an ambitious 90 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. It initiates discussions on the necessary measures to create an environment conducive to significant CO2 emissions reduction, aligning with Europe’s 2050 climate-neutrality objective. See here for more details:

Saint-Gobain Glass is delighted to have achieved full Cradle to Cradle 4.0 (C2C Certified) certification at Bronze level for its float and coated glass products manufactured in Europe*, including Oraé low-carbon glass, as well as for its LSG products.

A success story: over a quarter of a century ago, in 1998, the SentryGlas ionoplast film was launched on the market for the first time and has had a significant impact on structural glass construction with its increased load-bearing capacity, making new types of construction possible.

Kuraray Europe GmbH (KEG) has announced the establishment of a new subsidiary. Kuraray Europe Spain S.L. (KES) is based in Málaga, Spain, and will serve as a strategic hub for the management and coordination of business activities on the Iberian Peninsula.

Since November 2023, the ban on microplastics and products to which microplastics have been deliberately added has been in force in the EU. Find out what this has to do with glass transport and what options there are for complying with the new legislation here.

The combination of Guardian Glass’ SunGuard High Durable coated glass with SentryGlas Xtra interlayers obtains a Document Technique d’Application (DTA) for the French market.

In the following interview with GW-News, Juliane Brandt-Slowik and Helmut Kugelmann from Schott Technical Glass Solutions GmbH (TGS) discuss the special features of borosilicate glass compared to standard soda-lime glass. Their special focus will be on the thermal and mechanical properties as well as the possibilities borosilicate glass offers as fire-resistant glass.

Guardian Glass operates over 24 float glass lines worldwide and serves 160 countries across five continents. Ryze Hydrogen will support Guardian’s UK float glass plant in Goole, East Yorkshire, by supplying the hydrogen.

Glass for Europe has recently published a paper on the reuse, reprocessing and recycling of flat glass. Here you can find out what options are available for recycling flat glass at the end of its life cycle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SageGlass launches RealTone, the most neutral electrochromic glass solution available. Developed recently, RealTone eliminates the "blue hue" commonly associated with electrochromic glass, delivering a neutral aesthetic while still performing as expected. Here are the details.

Awnings are perfect for effective sun shading for patios and balconies. However, in times of climate change and rising energy costs, innovative solutions that extend the benefits of traditional awnings are gaining in importance. One such forward-looking development is power-generating awnings (with integrated photovoltaic cells) from Belusol.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of West Kingsdown, Kent in the UK a serene and charming village, a sophisticated home now boasts a custom-designed outdoor space. This seamless blend of style and utility has transformed the property, creating a year-round retreat for relaxation and social gatherings.

Louvre roofs are popular, but supposed bargains that can be bought in online shops harbour risks. The roller shutter and sun shading associations in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Aachen have tested such products - with surprising results.

As of December 1, 2024, Angelique Longeray has assumed overall responsibility for Somfy’s two Business Areas: Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and France. In this role, she also serves as Managing Director of Somfy Germany. Angelique Longeray succeeds Francesco Franchini (52), who left the company at the end of November after more than 26 years to pursue a new professional opportunity.

The Rock is a striking building on the banks of the Danube Canal in Vienna's 2nd District. The award-winning facade of the RED hotel consists of a large number of folded aluminium elements. The facade uses sunbelt solar control glass from arcon, which also reduces the facade's carbon footprint.

A collaboration between VideowindoW.io, LamiPress and Arnold Glas presented a 45m2 dynamic glass facade at glasstec that provides glare protection while utilising visual effects and interactive content. Millions of controllable pixels can be used to create natural movements and patterns to increase glare protection and comfort in the interior. Here are the details.

The new partnership between Saint-Gobain Glass and Kvadrat Shade aims to optimally coordinate glazing and shading - two essential elements of modern facades - in order to fully utilise their technical potential. Here are the details.

Pergolas from Hella transform patios and gardens into an oasis of well-being, extending the living area. On Croatia's Adriatic coast, Sintesi model pergolas enhance the sun terraces of Villa Soul Sisters on the island of Korčula and the ACI Marina in Split.

The T-Rail side seam component enhances fabric durability and efficiency in rolled up awnings, allowing them to outlast ones with traditional ZIP solutions and providing superior support and stability. For more details see here.

The Rooftop bar in Öhringen in south-western Germany now has slatted roofs that ensure a pleasant climate in any weather and blend seamlessly with the bar's aesthetic. Find out how the advanced design, integrated drainage system and the swift installation process make the Qube 23 by Erhardt Outdoor Living a standout solution for high-end outdoor spaces.

Hotels and restaurants today face the challenge of offering their guests not only unique indoor spaces, but also appealing and comfortable outdoor areas. Selecting the right materials plays a key role in creating a harmonious combination of aesthetic design and practical functionality. See here, what Austrian company Sattler has to offer in terms of high-quality textiles.

Explore the benefits of insulating glass units with integrated blinds, designed to enhance construction efficiency and sustainability. These innovative units streamline installation, reduce maintenance and offer superior energy performance. Find out how this multifunctional product supports sustainable building practices and cost-effective planning.

Architects and window manufacturers are increasingly focussing on the combination of solar control and glare protection with glazing in a single component, i.e. on insulating glass units with blinds. Find out about the benefits here.

Vitro Architectural Glass has launched Sungate ThermL glass, a new low-emissivity (low-e) coating engineered for use on the interior surface of a typical one-inch insulating glass unit that reduces heat transfer and dramatically improves U-values when paired with a Solarban solar control low-e glass by Vitro on the second surface.

Today, 3300 square metres of eyrise s350 solar control glass are making an important contribution to sustainable building certification as part of a building renovation in Zurich. Here you can find out why eyerise glass was chosen.

Saint-Gobain's glass specialists developed a unique combination of SageGlass switchable solar control glass and Contraflam fire-resistant glass from Vetrotech for the facade glass of the Alto Pont-Rouge commercial and office building in Geneva.

To make it even easier for fabricators to plan and order their roller shutter and sun shading systems, heroal has put two new configurators online. End customers can also use these tools, which are available on the system house's website.

Climate change is leading to more frequent hot spells today, while at the same time demands for daylight transmission are increasing. In response, AGC Glass Europe has expanded its solar control glass range to include three new "Stopray" coatings that are highly selective, colour neutral and low reflective.

On 21 March 2023, the European Solar Shading Organisation (ES-SO) will organise the first worldwide solar protection day, the "Global Shading Day". On this day, the public and policy-makers worldwide will be informed about the benefits of sun shading systems for people, the environment and nature.

This year, for the first time, the Vienna Window Congress has incorporated sun shading into its agenda. From 22-23 June, the programme will include analyses, tools and best practices on current industry-relevant topics relating to digitalisation and sales, as well as new trends and innovations. We know who will be on stage.

Covid has now been with us for almost three years. Also, the Ukraine war, the resulting energy crisis and high inflation have significantly cooled the consumer climate in Germany and many other parts of the world. This has also had an impact on markilux.

The Brokenwood winery in New South Wales, Australia: Recently, the outside terrace of the estate was fitted with a markilux awning system. The newly designed open space can now be used for events whatever the weather.

Near Innsbruck's main railway station, a total of 173 residential units were built as part of the Pema 2. The facade architecture of the 50-metre-high building is unique. Depending on how the light falls in, it quotes the surrounding mountain formations.

In this – for the time being – last video from our series of GW-News Talks, Frederik Fränding and Johnny D. Engfeldt of ChromoGenics have been talking to us about switchable glass in general as well as the company’s specific solution.

The facade of the new building of the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy Systems Technology IEE at the main railway station in Kassel was equipped with triple insulating glass, including Gewe-therm solar solar control glass from Schollglas. Here you can find out what role this plays in the energy concept of the building.

Around 50 kilometres south of Graz in Austria, a tavern connected to a vineyard has fitted its outdoor terrace with a modern shading system from markilux. The system will make for a more pleasurable outdoors stay.

Recently, the “Harbour Club” restaurant in The Hague decided to make part of its outdoor restaurant usable all year round by building a conservatory. The glass extension was covered with a large-scale awning system from the manufacturer markilux.

In recent years, manufacturer markilux has built up a wide-ranging portfolio pergola-type awnings. With this, a broad range of areas can be covered.

Awning manufacturer markilux has had its own showroom in Australia for around 13 years. It has recently relocated within its suburb of Sydney. This should make them more visible to end customers.

To celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, awnings manufacturer markilux is offering five special frame colours. Here you will find out what they are:

A change in the management of the traditional Baden-Württemberg company Elero is imminent: CEO Enzo Viola will leave the company at his own request on 30 June.

Switchable solar control glass keeps the heat out, offers reliable glare protection and saves a lot of energy. With  eyrise s350 Glas Trösch presents a switchable insulating glass in its portfolio.

Thanks to Colt International, the residents of "l'Osange" in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb southwest of Paris, now enjoy their very own conservatory. Read here how manual sliding glass shutters system give this unusual facade that certain something extra.

As part of a comprehensive building refurbishment of an office property in Zurich, eyrise B.V. was commissioned to supply over 3,000 square metres of dynamic liquid crystal glass.

The Ruselokka Skole in Oslo was built to meet the highest standards of energy-efficiency. As part of this ambition, the project features smart dynamic switchable glass from SageGlass.

The German manufacturers of awnings markilux set up a holiday estate near the Wilder Kaiser region in Austria with one of their innovative sun shading and rain protection systems. See here for more details:

Guardian Glass Europe has added SunGuard SNX 70 to its SunGuard eXtraSelective range of solar control glass. With its triple silver coating, it combines excellent solar control with light transmission of around 70% and high thermal insulation. Here are the details.

Two industry innovators have teamed up for a ground-breaking real estate project in San Diego in the US. The largest urban commercial district on the California coast will feature 14,000 square metres of SageGlass. Here are the details.

In the green lungs of northern Apulia, famous for its rugged coastline and crystal-clear sea, there stands the Hotel Valle Clavia on the outskirts of the town of Gargano. The hotel has recently been fitted with brand-new pergolas.

In the green lungs of northern Apulia, famous for its rugged coastline and crystal-clear sea, there stands the Hotel Valle Clavia on the outskirts of the town of Gargano. The hotel has recently been fitted with brand-new pergolas.

When the time came for the newer of Nestlé’s headquarter buildings to be given a state-of-the-art energy upgrade, fitting it with smart glass from SageGlass was the obvious choice:

The Jean Peyraud Primary School and the Collège Fernand Lagrange are located in the centre of Pierre-Buffière in France. The municipality had decided to have the school building rebuilt. Here you can find out why switchable Sageglass was used there.

Conservatories expand the living space, allow the "summer season" to be extended and act as an energy-saving climate buffer that is placed in front of the house. If you plan well, you will have to heat less:

The new Deichman Bjørvika Library in Oslo: A building that is the result of an approach that combines innovative thinking and energy-efficient architecture. With skylights from Okalux playing a pivotal role:

With the Okasolar 3D roof glazing by Okalux, the sports hall of the Edward Steichen High School in Luxembourg combines supposed opposites: Effective solar shading and effective use of daylight.

The start-up Suncurtain from Kitzingen in southern Germany has developed a solution in which curtains become an electricity generator.

This sun shading system was designed by the TU Delft master's degree facade students Alessio Vigorito, Jasper Sauer, Nayan Herath and Noah van der Berg as part of the Bucky Lab – to be integrated into the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam.

This is Part 2 of our two-part guest article by Anton Hendrix of Byrån för Arkitektur och Urbanism (BAU) in Sweden. In Part 1, Anton Hendrix took us through the intricacies of simulating a glass facade for visual comfort. In this article he will describe the two remaining, and mutually related, aspects of the balance in daylight access with solar shading: the cooling load and the thermal comfort.

Here we present a two-part guest article by Anton Hendrix of Byrån för Arkitektur och Urbanism (BAU) in Sweden. He’ll show how the combination of glass and solar shading must be considered together in the design of facades: good daylight availability, low g-value in summer, high g-value in winter, and glare control when needed. Have a look at Part 1:

This prototype window panel that allows better heat and cooling management was designed by TU Delft master's degree facade students Grammatiki Dasopoulou, Maria-Iro Stefanaki and Tessa Rouwenhorst as part of the Bucky Lab – to be integrated into the facade of the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam.

Derek Wasylyshen, Lieve Croonen, Jelle Emmen and Hans Gamerschlag, all master students for facade technology as part of the Bucky Lab programme at Delft Technical University, have come up with a clever sun shading prototype:

In our ongoing series, we present projects and prototypes from the Bucky Lab, where engineering and construction students offer a different take on facade construction through their new and fresh approach. This week, we show you a novel way of providing shade that involves flexible cloths.

Aren’t we all a bit biophilic? One theory is that people‘s love of nature is inherently human. The trend towards large windows and smart glazing seems to confirm this. They connect us with the outside world and provide rooms with as much natural daylight as possible.

AGC Interpane has unveiled a new generation of combinable, highly selective glazing: Stopray Ultra-60 on Clearvision and Stopray Ultra-60T on Clearvision, both of which are solar control coatings on low-iron glass.

The software products WINSLT and GLASGLOBAL of Sommer Informatik have been extended by a database for tested superstructures and their sound reduction.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flachglas in Germany has just completed a second laminating line upgrade at its Wernberg facility with Glaston's ProL featuring patented Convection Control. This follows on last year's upgrade of a glass lamination line with ProL, which delivered significant improvements in energy consumption, product quality and ease of use.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Here is a short video interview that Forel did with Steve Pypers of South African glass processor Glass Planet. In it he tells the story of how the company started and what a role Forel’s service and company ethos has played in its success.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the facade and glass industry, bringing safety improvements, cost-efficiency and streamlined operations within reach of companies of all sizes. From enhancing structural integrity through advanced modelling to automating routine processes, AI is becoming an integral part of administration and production in the facade and glass industry.

Spacer manufacturer Swisspacer is setting the bar high in terms of sustainability. With electricity from renewable energies and optimised production, the carbon footprint of a 16 mm spacer is now less than 0.15 kg CO₂ equivalents per running metre - a reduction of almost 30% compared to the previous value. Find the details here.

Software provider Cyncly has appointed Kristina Lengyel as Chief Customer Officer. In this position, she will lead Cyncly's entire customer organisation, which includes the areas of Customer Experience, Customer Success and Professional Services.

Peter Dixen, Managing Director of A+W Software and Portfolio Manager of the Comas Group, will be leaving at the end of March 2025. He will be succeeded by Dennis Tiegs and Hubert Woźniak, respectively.

Finstral is a family business from South Tyrol with over 50 years of history which can be said to be a pioneer in window construction. With around 1,650 employees and 14 sites –including ten in Italy and four in Germany – Finstral covers the entire value chain of window construction. The company has been using Lisec products since 1980 and has continuously expanded its Lisec machinery.

Saint-Gobain Glass has been named the winner of the “Sustainability initiative of the Year” category at the prestigious G24 awards. The G24 Awards, which take place annually in London, recognise outstanding achievements in the glass industry.

With Syn2tec, Lisec now offers an interesting solution for the efficient recycling of end-of-life (EOL) insulating glass panes. With the separation technology, high-quality glass panes can be recovered for reuse, and IG units can also be separated for recycling. Find out how here.

Swisspacer is planning to commission a new recycling plant in 2025 that will make it possible to fully recycle thermoplastic materials. According to the spacer manufacturer, the product quality will remain unaffected, even with a higher proportion of recycled materials.

In 2020, Architectural Glass Products of New Zealand selected two FC Series tempering lines for its greenfield plant in Cambridge, NZ, to increase production of insulating glass units for the country’s market for thermally efficient windows, doors and facades. What has happened since then?

Founded more than 30 years ago near Porto in Portugal, Vitropor has since then outgrown its three locations and consolidated them into one new production site. In 2001, the company purchased a Glaston laminating line and a new ProE tempering line to replace its older HTF line. Find out here how the upgrade has helped.

Miika Äppelqvist (38) has been Senior Vice President of Glaston's Architecture division since the end of 2023 and is one of the two Managing Directors of the German branch. GW-News asked him how he assesses the market and what Glaston presented at glasstec 2024. Miika Äppelqvist has been with Glaston since 2013, where he has held a number of management positions.

At glasstec 2024, Hegla presented a new sorting system for the first time, which enables the continuous provision of insulating glass units in the shipping sequence. The sorting solution also includes combined drying and sorting compartments for finished insulating glass units. Find out how the system works here.

Şişecam presented its ‘Plant of the Future’ platform at glasstec 2024. This was launched with a focus on digitalisation and sustainability. By bringing together almost 90 years of expertise from Şişecam with the skills of suppliers and technology providers, this initiative aims to promote collaboration and innovation in the industry. Here are the details.

As of 19 October 2024 it is official: Vandaglas GmbH becomes Doering Glass GmbH. The company has been operating successfully under new management since August 2024 and is now part of the family-run CSSP Holding. With locations in Berlin and Radeburg, Germany, Doering Glass strengthens its market presence and builds on the decades-long tradition of the Döring Glas brand.

In an exclusive video interview with GW-News, Paolo Alberto Sardano, General Manager of the Flat Glass Division & Bottero Glass Industry, provides exciting insights into the latest innovations that Bottero will be presenting at glasstec as well as the company's strategic direction. The CEO Talk is a new format for GW-News.

The systron LOOP system enables precise, automated processing of glass plates in changing shapes and sizes. The system was jointly developed by the mechanical engineering company systron and Thiele Glas. Here are the details.

Glass for Europe has welcomed the decision of the European Council to include flat glass products as part of the extension of the scope of sanctions on Belarus to fight circumvention.

Machine manufacturer Forel SpA is a globally respected pioneer in the development of vertical systems for the production of insulating glass and LSG, as well as for glass processing. GW News editor Malte Forstat spoke to Sales Manager Carlo Zuccarello about the company's goals during a visit to the Forel production site in Roncade (near Treviso). Below, we take a look at the production halls together.

At glasstec 2024, Glaston will showcase ways to enhance glass processing efficiency without sacrificing quality. The company will highlight its ability to tailor solutions to individual business goals, helping manufacturers achieve higher productivity and operational excellence.

Eyrise has successfully implemented the Softsolution LineScanner, enhancing glass quality monitoring and operational efficiency at its liquid crystal glazing facility. Early results show promising improvements in productivity and reduced downtime. Read here for more details.

The recognition of CE marking for construction products in the UK has recently been extended. This is an important decision for the industry, which is facing many challenges in the area of conformity assessment.

Quanex (including Edgetech) secures a leading position in the European market with the acquisition of Tyman (including Giesse, Schlegel). What are the strategic advantages of the merger for the company?

The NSG Group has announced that its subsidiary, Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, plans to integrate green hydrogen into its operations at the Greengate Works site in St Helens by 2027.

In an innovative leap forward, Hegla introduces the IG2Pieces system, a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance the efficiency of insulating glass recycling. This system not only aligns with the growing demand for CO2 reduction but also offers substantial financial benefits to IG manufacturers by enabling the production of sorted glass shards for recycling.

At this year's glasstec in Düsseldorf, Lisec will be presenting solutions including unloading systems based on robotics. In this interview, Sebastian Payrleitner, Head of Product Management Logistics at Lisec, discusses developments in the field of logistics and reveals more about the robot solution that visitors to glasstec can expect to see.

Ventora and Lisec have found a suitable solution to overcome the challenge of overcoming space constraints and connecting disparate machines that is tailored to the local conditions at Ventora and forms the basis for achieving the company's strategic automation targets.

The international Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated Glaston’s carbon dioxide emissions reduction targets for its operations and for its value chain. SBTi encourages companies to implement climate measures aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Germany-based Thiele Glas continues to set new benchmarks for glass quality and innovation. With a strong presence across Germany, Thiele Glas has earned a reputation for its architectural, safety, functional and design glass solutions. Find out here, how the new scanner from Viprotron will take them even further:

Laminated glass production with state-of-the-art automation and efficiency. That is what Austrian glass processing machine Lisec promise when it comes to their MaxLam S3360 Premium. Can it deliver?

For three decades, the Oknoplast Group has been a leader in producing top-quality aluminium and PVC windows, catering to a worldwide market. With automated production, a diverse product range, and a strong focus on sustainability, Oknoplast continues to set industry standards. Discover how this Krakow-based company maintains its global presence and commitment to excellence.

Saint-Gobain has finalized its acquisition of CSR Limited, enhancing its presence in the rapidly growing Australian construction market. The move aligns with Saint-Gobain's 'Grow & Impact' strategy and reinforces its commitment to sustainable construction. Following the acquisition, Julie Coates steps down as Managing Director, with Paul Dalton assuming the role of CEO.

Immmes’ DTP + Dual Flow purification system, featuring a fully automatic filter press, delivers the highest water quality for glass processing, enhancing production efficiency and sustainability.

Flachglas Wernberg has revolutionized its 50-year-old lamination line with Glaston ProL technology, boosting efficiency, automation, and energy savings. Learn about the innovative upgrades that set a new standard in glass lamination.

Viprotron North America is pleased to introduce its newest team member! Jakub Kowalczyk is the new Customer Experience Director for Viprotron North America.

Elmar Rastner has taken over the newly created position of Head of Key Account Management for Europe at Swisspacer as of 1 June 2024. Here are the details.

Jason Windows is one of Western Australia's major suppliers of windows, doors and security screens and pioneered the introduction of aluminium windows and doors in Western Australia. To this day, the company sets high standards when it comes to product design and the right service mentality.

As automation progresses, more and more robots are finding their way into the production halls of the flat glass industry. Robot technology is improving both process reliability and the quality of glass products.

For the fast-evolving market of glass processing technology, CMS Glass Technology has introduced two flexible seaming machines: Aura and Proxima. Learn what these two solutions have to offer in efficiency, quality and sustainability.

Denver Spa was founded in 1984 in San Marino and is now a global manufacturer of machines for the stone and glass industry. Here is a conversation with one of the company founders and his sons.

Viwinco Windows & Doors is a second-generation family-run window and door manufacturer based in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, founded in 1982. The company recently purchased a new IFL laminator from Bürkle and here the two managers talk about their experience with the machine from Germany.

In addition to a line with the systron 6033es1 at its heart, arcon Flach- und Sicherheitsglas GmbH & Co. KG in Feuchtwangen in southern Germany has installed a 6033proHD CNC processing centre. With storage automation and face-to-face positioning of this waterjet system, arcon achieves high processing versatility with minimal resources.

cericom Laser has become a 100% member of the Lisec Group. This strategic move reinforces Lisec's commitment to driving innovative solutions in the field of flat glass and technical glass processing.

Digital technologies will be one hot topic at this year’s glasstec. Artificial Intelligence plays a prominent role here and is already used at various stages of the (glass) industry. See here some practical examples and also what you can look forward to in Düsseldorf from October 22 to 25.

Tecglass has recently announced the opening of its newest business unit in the US. This expansion was undertaken to meet the growing demand in North America.

Over 30 years, Press Glass has grown from a single facility into a household name among flat glass suppliers. 15 international facilities spread across Poland, Croatia, Italy, the UK and the US produce quality interior and exterior glass for the commercial and residential market.

The Board of Directors of Glaston Corporation has appointed Toni Laaksonen as President and CEO. He will oversee a global business with about 1,000 employees active in more than 50 countries.

The AGC Interpane plant in Plattling, southern Germany, produces high-quality semi-finished glass products and insulating glass. The basis is coated glass up to 18 m x 3.21 m. These extra-long glass elements can be provided with various solar control layers or with iplus thermal insulation layers. With the latest IG line from Glaston, even XXL formats can be produced automatically.

As a full-range supplier, Hova from Austria not only offers vacuum lifters and individual lifting devices, but also much more: aluminium rail systems and aluminium slewing cranes in smooth-running design are also part of the extensive portfolio. Here you can find out what the supplier will be showing at Fensterbau in Nuremberg starting tomorrow.

With its new representative office in Vietnam, vacuum expert Schmalz offers its customers in the region of Southeast Asia short distances to the automation they need.

Sandra Kugler has now been appointed Sales and Marketing Director at Viprotron. In doing so, Viprotron wants to ensure that the company's strong global growth continues.

Building products company Quanex has signalled its continued focus on the insulating glass sector with the appointment of an experienced Global Market Director.

In a recent interview, Michela Lattuada, a prominent figure in the Italian manufacturing industry, shared insights into her journey as a female business leader and its unique challenges as well as the strengths she brings to her role.

The Swiss manufacturer will be presenting a new version of its premium spacer from Swisspacer, Swisspacer Ultimate, in September 2025: Swisspacer Ultimate | Nyxé. The product features a completely black design and is made from 33% recycled materials. Here are the details.

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.

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.

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.

Isotherm - part of the Sanco Group - presented a special product innovation at BAU 2025: Insulating glass with transparent spacers. These glass spacers allow the glass edges to be discreetly receded. This was particularly appreciated by architects at the trade fair. Here are the details.

The VetroMount glass balustrade system offers rapid installation, reliable safety and sleek aesthetics, making it very suitable for contemporary architectural projects. And the profiles now also allow the integration of photovoltaic glass. See here for all the options.

As part of their exhibits at glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf, Dow presented an expanded range of organic technologies designed to meet the performance, productivity and quality demands of the facade and window sectors.

Hueck has expanded its Trigon FS facade modular system with the new Trigon FS 050/060 FP30 fire protection facade, offering fire resistance for 30 minutes. This addition retains the flexibility, energy efficiency and sound insulation of the original Trigon system.

According to the Fenzi Group, its polyurethane sealant Poliver AC has now also received CEKAL certification. The developers say that, this emphasises the high quality and performance of the sealant, which was specially developed for high-performance insulating glass applications.

Just in time for the European Football Championships, there's a new must-have for football fans: the Football Boot Door Handle. This unique accessory combines a love for football with traditional craftsmanship, making it perfect for any football enthusiast’s home.

With the "Energy" variant, Velux will be offering another triple glazing option in its glass range from April 2024. According to the manufacturer, this provides a low-cost entry into high energy efficiency with very good thermal insulation values. With a UW value of 1.0 W/(m²K), it also fulfils the requirements for state subsidies. Here are the details.

Swisspacer Air - integrated into the edge seal of insulating glass - ensures continuous pressure equalisation with the environment and thus mitigates climate loads. In collaboration between Swisspacer and the Saint-Gobain Glassolutions Insulating Glass Centre, the foundation has now been laid to allow it to obtain a CE mark.

The specialists for fire-resistant glass, Polflam, have pulled out all the stops to make their latest product, Polflam Gaia, as environmentally friendly as possible. Find out here how they were able to reduce the carbon footprint of their glass.

At Kai100 in Vienna, one side of the building was fitted with balconies protected by glass sliding elements as a noise protection measure. They opted for the GM Toproll top-hung sliding system from Glas Marte, partly because the system can easily compensate for higher tolerances.

Strato EVA Carbon Free has earned International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus, a voluntary program for industries not subject to specific regulations but willing to certify their efforts and results in GHG Reduction.

MO Energy Systems from Austria has developed a modular standard solution for solar facades. The scalable solution is suitable for existing and new buildings. It can be connected to concrete as well as brick and timber facades.

Eastman Saflex recently shared the news that the Saflex Structural PVB interlayer has been approved by two building authorities in Germany and another one in France.

Technically outdated window panes cause high heating costs. Often, old IG units can be exchanged for modern vacuum glass with relatively little effort. An interesting business model for glaziers and window manufacturers. Here you can find out which vacuum glasses make this possible.

With Wicline 75 Industrial Design (ID), Wicona presents an aesthetic and sustainable alternative to steel windows. According to the developer, this new product is ideally suited for the renovation of historical buildings as well as for new construction projects in industrial design.

Italian interlayer manufacturer Satinal announces Strato Solar as its new division for the production of EVA, POE and TPO encapsulating films for solar panels.

With sedak tempered+, the glass specialists at sedak have developed a fully tempered and heat-resistant glass that offers the best optical properties without visible anisotropies. The glass thus sets new standards for tempered safety glass. The basis for this is a new, patented tempering technology.

During tours, motorhomes and expedition vehicles are sometimes exposed to extreme weather conditions, differences in altitude and temperature. This places very high demands on the insulating glass installed. One manufacturer is now using Swisspacer Air in its IG units to cope with the climatic loads.

With its high-quality solar control coating, the new Fineo Solar Control vacuum glass ensures that even rooms behind larger or south-facing windows and façades can maintain a pleasant indoor climate all year round.

Poland-based Press Glass develop and issue the European Technical Assessment (ETA), i.e., a documented assessment of the performance of its curved glass in accordance with the relevant European Assessment Document (EAD).

Italian brand Strato has developed an EVA interlayer for safety glass lamination that is fully carbon-neutral and has been awarded a top international certification for sustainability. Click here for more details:

Guardian Glass has renewed its Bronze level Cradle to Cradle certification for its float, coated and laminated glass products. This relates to the glass produced in the European plants.

Industry experts from Dow will be on hand at GPD 2023 (14 to 16 June in Tampere, Finland) as exhibitors showcasing the latest in the line of Dowsil technologies for sustainable structural glazing facades.

Saint-Gobain has signed an agreement to sell its Swiss glass processing business to the German group Aequita. The glass processors of Glassolutions Kreuzlingen in Switzerland will then become part of the Vandaglas Group, the glass division of Aequita.

The Şişecam Glasstool now comes with new features such as the ability to create a performance table with different glass combinations, different language options and the ability to calculate by adding enamel paints to different sub-category glass products.

The more important sustainability and CO2 savings become for building owners, the greater the interest in wooden buildings. The glass railing system GM Railing by Glas Marte is the perfect match.

Changes are part of everyday planning. This is precisely where parametric solutions for metal construction and facade technology such as Apollon from CAD-Plan come into their own compared to conventional CAD programs.

According to the UK authorities, a new regime now applies to the use of documentation produced by notified EU bodies before 1 January 2023 as the basis for the UKCA mark for AVCP System 3 products (historical data). Here are the details.

The UK government has decided on a further extension of the transitional period for CE-marked products now also for construction products until the end of June 2025.

The new Swisspacer Ultimate Pro combines energy efficiency with optimal processing, according to the manufacturer's developers. With a new material composition, the hollow profile is more elastic and easier to process - with the accustomed stability of the spacer frames. Here are the details.

Guardian Glass has developed a new glass product called Clarity Neutral: It is an anti-reflective glass that has even improved its anti-reflective properties over its previous version.  

Under the name AWS Optimized, Schüco is presenting its standard aluminium system to architects and metal fabricators in a variant with even better U values – right up to passive house standard.

With Simonswerk and Colcom, for the first time two brands of the Simonswerk Group will be present at the leading trade fair of the glass industry at a joint stand, where they will present their hardware innovations for glass doors and interiors.

Glass as a light conducting medium. This vision has now been jointly realised by the experts from Semco, Isophon and Croso. The result is two special products: Semco-Lux is available as luminous fall protection and as a luminous French balcony.

Pilkington offer a new BIPV glass that allows the generation of solar electricity from glass facades. Find out here how that works and why it can be beneficial:

Gutmann recently presented its new wood-aluminium element facade for high-rise buildings. Behind the two-stage installation lies the innovation: the eventual structural performance is only achieved when the aluminium chassis is connected to the timber support shell.

The trend towards ever-larger windows and thus heavier elements is putting a strain on hardware in particular. Roto has now taken action and uniquely adapted the Patio Inowa sliding hardware. However, there is also another aspect to the new carriage technology.

While Sicurtec high-security glass with polycarbonate was already up to 50 % thinner and lighter than conventional "bulletproof glass", the manufacturer has now developed and had certified an even lighter version. Here are the details and a video to show the strength.

What do the SGG Polska plants in Sczercin, Jaroszowiec, Poznan and Lubartow have in common? They all use the LineScanner quality control system from Softsolution. Find out how that helps them:

Remmers has developed two water-based one-pot coating systems especially for processing in the Vacumat system or in industrial series production with their extreme cycle times:

Remmers present Induline GW-390, a water-based primer for large-format wooden components. Here are more details:

Schüco SensTrack wireless is an intelligent sensor that monitors the locking status of window systems. The wireless and battery-free lock monitoring system keeps track of whether the window is securely locked. The wireless sensor is powered by the movement of the hardware.

GW News recently spoke to Dr Werner Jager, who as Managing Director at Wicona is in charge of the technology segment. Among other things, we wanted to know from him how the market accepts the Hydro Circal 75R, a sustainable aluminium alloy made from recycled aluminium. He also provides information on the role 3D printing of facade nodes plays in the realisation of free-form facades and, last but not least, what Wicona earns its money with.

Remmers offers a solution for safe and easy waterproofing of windows. The MB 2K Window Kit comes as all necessary components:

When glass panes are used in the glass and window industry, vacuum cups are usually used. It is not uncommon for everything to seem fine at first after the glass has been installed, but when the glass pane condenses, suction marks become visible that cannot be easily removed. To avoid this, euroTech has developed a suction plate cover. GW-News wanted to know from Head of Sales, Michael Renger, how this works.

The new Schüco AvanTec SimplySmart OpenSecure hardware extension for aluminium window systems with tilt-before-turn operation enables ift-tested burglary resistance RC 2 in the tilt position. Find out here if it can also be retrofitted.

Zero millimetres high, 100 per cent accessibility: that is the new system floor threshold from Gugelfuss GmbH. The innovative system solution can be installed in all sliding PVC-U lift-and-slide doors with a thickness of 82 mm.

Eurolam is known for its louvre windows made of an aluminium-polyamide composite. The debate about raw materials and sustainability has now prompted the supplier to switch to wood, a renewable raw material.

With GM Toproll Smart, Glas Marte now offers a frameless sliding door system for interiors that has a minimised overall height. Read why Toproll Smart is not only suitable for use in new buildings, but also for renovations.