Overall, there was a good atmosphere, but some of the exhibitors we spoke to were not so satisfied with the number of visitors to their stands. It was clear to hear that the market in Germany is currently challenging.
Other markets, such as the Low Countries, are in a much better position and investments are currently being made there, as some Italian machine suppliers assured us
See also: Swisspacer to focus on automation and leadership
However, many companies expect the market in Germany to pick up again by mid-2025, or by the end of 2025 at the latest.
International visitors confirm glasstec as the world's leading trade fair
Matthias Rehberger / GW
The trade fair management stated that, with 75% international trade visitors, including numerous decision-makers, glasstec has demonstrated its global significance as the world's leading trade fair for glass. Visitors from Germany, Italy, France, Poland, the Netherlands, the US and China were particularly well represented.
Exciting special show Glass Technology Live
The innovation show Glass Technology Live was once again a strong draw for visitors. The latest technological developments in glass were presented here, including impressive all-glass constructions and moving sun shading using electrochromic glass.
Also of interest was a new concept for triple insulating glass with an ultra-thin centre glass of 0.5 mm. The glass unit presented at Glaston has a total thickness equivalent to a conventional double IGU. This makes it possible to simply replace old IGU units with the new thin triple glazing.
Something else that was very exciting for us in the insulating glass sector was the mobile laser from Hegla boraident. This can be used to further upgrade installed facade glass and equip it with bird protection functionality, for example. The laser is attached to the outside of the facade and then each individual glass pane can be upgraded accordingly while the building is being used.
Matthias Rehberger / GW
The demonstrations of Hegla's IG2Pieces system for disassembling (old) insulating glass were exciting and very popular. The aim of the development was to separate IG units cleanly and safely and to preserve the components undamaged. The automatic separation of the glass panes is intended to facilitate the recycling of old IG units.
Also interesting: Glass Performance Days and glasstec announce collaboration
The topics of circular economy and automation were also the focus of almost all exhibitors, large and small. And here there were many plant optimisations, software systems and, in many cases, robot applications to marvel at.
Our take on glasstec 2024
Overall, the mood was positive, but also mixed in some cases. However, the majority of the people we spoke to were happy with the trade fair. Let's hope that the market will pick up speed again in 2025!
Save the date: The next glasstec will take place from 20 to 23 October 2026.
