Federal Flat Glass Association President Arnold: "Together we can do it!"

04/26/2024 | Print view

There was a great atmosphere at the GLASS CONGRESS 2024 in Lübeck from 17 to 18 April. It was great to see that many representatives from glass processing companies were among the 155 participants who accepted the invitation of the Federal Flat Glass Association (BF). Here you can find out which topics were on the agenda and why BF President Hans-Joachim Arnold sees light at the end of the tunnel again - despite the current difficult market situation.

In his welcoming address, Chairman of the Federal Flat Glass Association (BF) Hans-Joachim Arnold expressed his confidence: "Even if the market situation is currently very subdued, things will pick up again in the construction and glass industries."

Sustainability in particular will be an important driver for the glass industry in the future in order to develop new products. Arnold also emphasised the importance of collective cooperation in the industry. Environmental protection in particular offers good opportunities to become active and move forward together as an industry and as an association.

Arnold: "Solidarity is the key at a time of historic challenges for the glass industry.

Arnold continues: "Even if the next few months will be difficult and bumpy, I see opportunities: the housing shortage in Germany must be tackled, that is foreseeable, and if the knot bursts here, it will give a strong and positive boost to the construction industry." He also sees great potential in the increasing demand for bird protection glass, from which the glass industry can benefit."

Bird protection and frozen facades

The second day of the BF Glass Congress began with a focus on bird protection glass, presented by Matthias Haller from Eastman. He discussed current developments and the importance of bird protection glass in the context of sustainability. One challenge is that an individual flight tunnel test is required for each glass, which makes the certification process complex.

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A fascinating lecture by architect Gustav Düsing presented innovative facade and material projects under the motto 'Space markings'. One example was the concept of 'climate as a building material', which was used during an Antarctic expedition.

Düsing also presented other projects that create temporary and customisable spaces using simple materials, which also contributes to sustainability.

Prof. Lucio Blandini from Werner Sobek AG emphasised the importance of lightweight, adaptive and circular building materials (cradle-to-cradle) for the future of sustainable construction. He presented a number of projects that pursue this approach.

Market researcher Martin Langen on when things will pick up again

The presentation by Martin Langen (B+L Marktdaten), who gave a market outlook for 2024, was also exciting. Investors want new buildings with an ESG rating, young planners, architects and developers are looking at the grey energy of the building. Martin Langen: "Young people are focussing on upgrading buildings. Such measures will therefore really pick up speed in the future."

Also interesting: Arnold: "Glass bans for bird protection make no sense"

The market researcher's projection: from summer 2024, rental flat construction will pick up again, and the 'old business' of new apartments and single-family homes will move forward again by the end of the year.

The BF Glaskongress2024 was a successful event with inspiring presentations and networking opportunities. BF President Hans-Joachim Arnold gave encouragement that despite the current major challenges, there is already light at the end of the tunnel.

Author: Matthias Rehberger