glasstec 2026: From processing to performance testing

Düsseldorf, 28. September 2026 – Processing glass, trying out new applications and experiencing first-hand how resistant glazing and building components can be to hail or vandalism: from 20 to 23 October 2026 in Düsseldorf, glasstec, the world’s leading trade fair for the glass industry, will bring applications and solutions to life. Handwerk Live and the new “secure – innovative – sustainable” special show by ift Rosenheim will provide a vivid, hands-on showcase of current developments.

Handwerk Live: hands-on solutions for the glass-processing trades

Machinery, tools and materials, digital solutions and new applications: Handwerk Live focuses on the day-to-day work of the glass-processing trades. Solutions for processing, installation and finishing will be presented alongside the latest glass products for building envelopes and interior applications. Live presentations and practical demonstrations will provide a clear insight into new techniques and application possibilities. At the BIV joint stand, demonstrations will include laser cutting technology for glass.

A central meeting point for the glass-processing trades will be the joint stand of the Federal Association of Glazier Trades (Bundesinnungsverband des Glaserhandwerks – BIV). Here, specialist companies and industry representatives will come together to exchange ideas, make contacts and find out about the latest developments. State-run technical colleges and the Federal Technical College are also represented. On Stage 2 – Handwerk Live, specialist presentations and workshops will complement the programme in the exhibition area.

The new “secure – innovative – sustainable” special show by ift Rosenheim will make these topics particularly tangible. Together with seven co-exhibitors, the independent scientific institute will demonstrate the solutions available for climate-resilient, secure and circular glass products, as well as how their properties are tested and classified. This follows the terminology and thematic focus used in glasstec’s existing communications on the ift Rosenheim special show.

Using a dedicated test rig, ift Rosenheim will demonstrate how the hail resistance of building components is tested. There will also be demonstrations focusing on glass edge strength and protection against vandalism. Further topics will range from vacuum insulating glazing and adaptive solar control to refurbishment, recycling and re-use.

Complementing the special show, the ift Rosenheim sessions on 22 and 23 October, held as part of the glasstec conference, will address key practical topics: resilient glazing for protection against vandalism and extreme weather, life cycle assessments and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), as well as fire protection with glass. The wording and event terminology are aligned with glasstec’s 2026 conference and accompanying programme communications.

glasstec is the world-leading trade fair for glass production, finishing and products. Every two years it maps the entire value chain of the glass sector – from glass machinery construction and glass production to the glazier trade. From 20 to 23 October 2026, it will bring together decision-makers, market leaders and experts from the entire glass industry at Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre.

A programme of side events with an international focus links science with practice and addresses the industry’s key issues. The focus here is on the Hot Topics: Circularity, AI & Digital Technologies and Decarbonisation. These topics of tomorrow are discussed in conferences, forums and expert events where leading research, science and industry representatives share their approaches.