Overview: Stories
Barrier-free glass: when transparency must be visible
11.05.2026
In architecture glass is synonymous with openness and light – but for millions of people with visual impairments it is invisible. Running into a glass wall or frameless glass door is not a rare occurrence for them. Read on to discover what the standards prescribe, what solutions look like and why this issue affects the entire industry.
Glass packaging in Africa: »Without a regional approach there is a risk of deindustrialisation rather than decarbonisation«
11.05.2026
Kathleen Hoogenhout, Specialist Consultant at Join Me (Pty) Ltd and speaker at glasstec, explains why European climate targets may become a threat to the very existence of African glass factories – and which three steps are now key.
The German container glass market is set to stabilise slightly in 2025
08.05.2026
Sales of container glass in Germany rose slightly again in 2025 for the first time. Following significant declines in previous years, the industry reported an increase of 2.2 per cent. Food packaging and bottles for wine, sparkling wine and soft drinks performed particularly well.
When glass reduces noise: what noise reducing glazing can do
16.04.2026
Road traffic, train lines, dense urban centres. The demand for acoustic well-being is on the rise. Meaning noise reducing glass is of increasing relevance in ever more projects. Read on to discover what modern glazing can already achieve today and learn about the solutions provided by the industry.
Efficient solar control: when glass façades become thermal challenges
16.04.2026
arge expanses of glass form an integral part of modern architecture. However, during summer months they often lead to overheating and glare. Innovative solutions developed by the glass industry provide an answer to these challenges.
How new technologies are making solar facades more efficient and attractive
16.04.2026
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is regarded as a key technology for the energy transition in the building sector – and its roll-out is gaining momentum. According to dena, over 10 GW was installed in both 2023 and 2024. Studies by Fraunhofer ISE show that the potential on roofs and façades is enormous and could fully meet demand.
Developments in the glazier trade: »The glazier trade plays a pivotal role in climate protection«
16.03.2026
Climate protection, digitalisation, young talent: Robert Schmitz, Federal Guild Master at the Federal Association of Glazier Guilds (BIV), explains in this interview, where the glazier trade assumes responsibility and seizes opportunities – and how skilled crafts and industry make progress together at glasstec.
Protection through glass: How modern glass technology creates safe spaces
16.03.2026
glasstec asked ift Rosenheim and Kuraray as a producer of high-performance interlayers for toughened glass structures about the trends in requirements for toughened glass.
Glass in a closed loop: how research and technology are re-thinking recycling
12.03.2026
Glass can be molten indefinite times without losing quality – a property that makes it a key material for the circularity. But the distance to cover towards genuine circular economy varies by glass segment. Read on to find out what is currently changing in research, associations and mechanical engineering – and the role Artificial Intelligence plays in this.
Circular construction: “The Cradle” combines timber, glass and dismantlability
25.02.2026
The office building “The Cradle” in Düsseldorf is a practical example of the cradle-to-cradle principle based on the idea that every component is a resource. Even the building skin forms part of this concept with glazing by the glasstec exhibitor Saint-Gobain.