Flat Glass Market Analysis

Flat Glass Market Insights

The global flat glass market is anticipated to witness a lucrative growth over the forecast period. The growing need for the product in the automotive, and construction industries are anticipated to foster demand over the coming years. The increasing demand for engineered glass in buildings mainly for using them as windshields, transparent walls, and windows, is expected to stimulate flat glass market growth.

Flat glass is a type of glass which is commonly used to make windows, transparent doors, facades, and glass doors for buildings. Along with being used to manufacture windshields & windows for automobiles, it is also used in solar industries to manufacture solar thermal panels and photovoltaic modules.

However, recently there has been an increase in demand for glass fabric and glass roving by the automotive industries of the developing economies. Moreover, close mold applications are being preferred to open mold. These factors are expected to act as barriers to the growth of this industry.

Flat Glass Market: Technology Insights

The flat glass market is segmented on the basis of technology into the float, rolled and sheet glass. The float glass segment is expected to grow significantly due to its features such as fast and simple processing. Moreover, since the production of float glass can be done on a large scale without compromising on its quality, the market for this segment is expected to grow over the forecast period.

Flat Glass Market: Product Insights

Based on the products, the flat glass market is segmented into Simple Float Glass, Tempered, Toughened, Coated, Laminated, Extra clear, and Insulating. The market for fabricated glass is expected to grow rapidly mainly due to its rising use in automotive and construction industries. Moreover, the low cost of the fabricated glass is also expected to increase demand for the product.

The demand for insulating and laminated glass is expected to rise from the energy industries for manufacturing photovoltaic modules and solar panels. The growing need for safety and security is also expected to boost the demand for this product.

Flat Glass Market: Industry Insights

The flat glass market finds application in Construction & Infrastructure, Automotive & Transportation, and Solar Energy amongst others. The construction sector is expected to hold the largest share due to the growing number of green buildings around the world coupled with increasing number of project sanctions especially in the U. S., China and Canada. Moreover, the rising awareness towards LEED-certified buildings and durable building materials are also anticipated market growth.

The energy sector mainly the solar energy sector is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increase in manufacturing of solar thermal panels and photovoltaic modules.

Flat Glass Market: Regional Insights

The markets in Asia Pacific are anticipated to witness an accelerated growth over the forecast period attributing to the increasing number of construction & infrastructure and automotive companies. Demand is expected to rise from India and China where there has been an increase in investment in these sectors. Moreover, the rising number of installation of solar panels and photovoltaic modules in this region are also anticipated to stimulate market growth.

Flat Glass Market: End-Use Landscape

The end-use landscape entails a list of current and prospective consumers prevailing across the regions. This section provides company addresses, contact details, products, and regional presence of companies who are purchasing or are likely to purchase products from flat glass market in the coming years. Some leading consumers are Trina Solar (China), Volkswagen Group (Germany), Vinci (France), Ford Motor (The U.S.), and L&T Engineering & Construction Division (India).

Flat Glass Market: Competitive Landscape

The global flat glass market for this product is expected to be significantly large due to the presence of numerous manufacturers. The key players include Guardian Industries (The U.S.), Taiwan Glass (Taiwan), Asahi Glass (China), Xinyi Auto (Canada) and Saint-Gobain (France).

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of companies profiled in the report.

In October 2017, Littlejohn & Co., LLC, a private investment firm based in Greenwich, collaborated with Strategic Materials, Inc. the key manufacturer of glass packaging, fiberglass insulation, and flat glass in U.S., Canada and Mexico.

In October 2017, Cugher Glass, Iocco, Mappi International and Triulzi Cesare Special Equipment’s Srl (Italian glass processing companies) launched Project 4X4.0. The project is expected to help customers meet the demands of Industry 4.0. The partnership provides these industries with a single entity that can guarantee delivery of a completely automatic smart glass processing line.