The 2024 edition of glasstec, the international trade fair for glass production, glass processing and glass products, drew more than 32,000 trade visitors from 121 countries to Düsseldorf, Germany, last week. The expo, which ran Oct. 22-25, hosted 1,257 exhibitors from 50 countries over eight halls at Messe Düsseldorf.
About 75% of trade visitors came from abroad, including numerous attendees from Europe, North America and Asia. Germany, Italy, France, Poland and the Netherlands were particularly well represented, as were the United States and China.
“glasstec 2024 has once again proven itself as the central meeting point for the international glass industry,” said Marius Berlemann, chief operating officer of Messe Düsseldorf. “We are proud to organize a trade fair that showcases the innovative strength and future visions of the industry. Despite the economic challenges, the mood was very positive and inspiring, with a focus on collaboration and progress. This strong response underlines the importance of glasstec for the further development of the glass industry.”
Economic and election uncertainties linger
Many exhibitors reported strong booth traffic and interest. Several North American exhibitors noted surprise at the strong showing in glasstec, just three weeks after a very successful GlassBuild America. However, companies serving the global market said slower global economies have affected business. “The strained economic situation is obviously also dampening the mood in the industry. Even so, as always, it was exciting to experience glass in its many applications,” said Johann Overath, managing director at BV Glas.
“Despite the challenging economic forecasts, we detect a positive mood in the industry, which should give us all a tailwind for the months ahead,” said Arne Klöfkorn, COO Bohle.
Companies also noted that uncertainties over the U.S. election are affecting buying decisions and long-term forecasts. One U.S.-based representative for a number of Italian glass machine suppliers said there are notable concerns among overseas companies supplying to the U.S. market over tariffs proposed by Former President Donald Trump.
Sustainability and decarbonization highlight expo and conference program
Sustainability took center stage at glasstec 2024, with several conference tracks dedicated to topics of circularity, decarbonization, glass recycling and more. Many exhibitors also made circularity and decarbonization the themes of their booths. “Energy efficiency and the reuse of materials resonated strongly with visitors. It also became clear that special applications are currently playing a very important role,” said Gesine Bergmann, VDMA e.V. Forum Glass Technology.
“glasstec offers us an outstanding international platform for intensive networking and exchange on sustainable solutions like our low-carbon glass and lightweight glass solutions. We are delighted by the great interest shown in our innovative services, which, together with our partners, allow us to successfully implement our CO2 roadmap and make a key contribution to achieving our climate targets,” said Christophe Schulz, head of marketing, Saint-Gobain Glass Deutschland.
Jean-Paul Hautekeer, global strategic marketing director, Dow Building & Infrastructure, added, “The 2024 edition has seen the introduction of a new range of technologies and continued the conversations around silicones and their role in sustainable building facades—topics which have both engaged and inspired visitors to our booth."
The educational programs at glasstec 2024 also emphasized a more sustainable future in glass. The CircuClarity One program explored the potential for a more circular economy and sustainable future in the glass and façade industry. It also included discussion of product development and designing for disassembly, material recovery, and using data to improve sustainable practices in the industry.
Additionally, the glass trends live program included sessions that looked at potential changes in glass processing to improve product sustainability. One session offered details on recycling, reuse and repair in separating insulating glass units, and the glass technology live innovative products area presented a machine that separates IGUs. Another session on the glass trends live stage took a deeper look at the next steps in flat glass recycling.
glasstec will return to Messe Düsseldorf Oct. 20-23, 2026.
