glasstec 2024: World’s leading trade fair meets high expectations

• Under the motto We Are Glass, glasstec 2024 impresses with global market leaders and decision-makers from across the world
• High level of interest in the supporting programme with innovative impulses and networking opportunities

For four days, Düsseldorf was the hub of the global glass industry. From 22 to 25 October 2024, glasstec, the international trade fair for glass production, glass processing and glass products, once again impressed exhibitors and trade visitors from all over the world, confirming its importance as a global industry platform for the glass industry. 1,257 exhibitors from 50 countries and over 32,000 trade visitors from 121 nations came together to experience the latest technologies, trends and innovations along the entire glass production and processing value chain.

Strong presence of leading companies

The who’s who of the glass industry was once again represented at glasstec 2024. Exhibitors were very satisfied across the board. Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Düsseldorf, delights: “glasstec 2024 has once again proven itself as the central meeting point for the international glass industry. We are proud to organise 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.”

Egbert Wenninger, CCO Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH and Chairman of the glasstec Exhibitor Advisory Board, confirms: “glasstec was once again the meeting place for the global glass community. Nowhere else is all the information about glass production and glass processing available in such a condensed form. Plus many innovations and trends. glasstec is simply a must.”

High quality and internationality of trade visitors

The outstanding range of exhibitors met with an extremely positive response from trade visitors from all over the world. glasstec 2024 not only impressed with its high level of internationality, but also with a remarkable proportion of decision-makers. With an almost 80% share of executives, visitor quality rose once again. Around 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 USA and China – impressive proof of the global appeal of the trade fair.

Top-class supporting programme and networking opportunities

glasstec 2024 focused specifically on the key topics of the industry: digital technologies, the circular economy and decarbonisation. A first-class supporting programme featuring lectures, interactive workshops and special shows offered trade visitors in-depth insights into the current challenges and opportunities facing the glass industry and provided valuable networking opportunities. Under the motto “We Are Glass”, these focal points resonated well with both the exhibitors and in the supporting programme. New formats such as CircuClarity One, the glass melting pot, the glass trends sessions and the architecture forum were all successfully introduced, while the innovation show glass technology live showcased the latest technological developments as a crowd-puller.

Handwerk LIVE: Practical and future-orientated

The special Handwerk LIVE area also proved very popular in 2024. Offering practical demonstrations of the latest craft techniques it consistently met with strong levels of interest. From safety glass to glass art, the entire spectrum of handcrafted glass production and finishing was vividly presented.

Outlook for glasstec 2026

Following the success of glasstec 2024, exhibitors and visitors alike look forward to the next edition from 20 to 23 October 2026 in Düsseldorf.

For further information and the latest industry news all year round go to: www.glasstec.de

Exhibitor testimonials glasstec 2024

VDMA e.V.

Gesine Bergmann, VDMA e.V. Forum Glass Technology: “The topics at glasstec were right on target. 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.”

Bundesverband Glasindustrie e.V. (BV Glas)

Dr. Johann Overath, Managing Director at BV Glas: “As the trade association for the glass industry and sponsor of glasstec, we can look back on an exciting week at the trade fair. 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! Glass is a fantastic material! #WeAreGlass”

Schott AG

Salvatore Ruggiero, Vice President Marketing & Communications, Schott AG: “glasstec remains the premier gathering for the glass industry, offering an opportunity to connect with customers, discover fresh ideas, and engage with those seeking innovative solutions. For us, it's the ideal platform to showcase our latest innovations, advancements in cutting-edge technologies, and sustainability initiatives, as we collaborate with our partners to shape the future.”

Bohle AG

Arne Klöfkorn, COO Bohle: “As the world’s leading trade fair, glasstec has once again lived up to its name this year. Over four successful days, we welcomed visitors from throughout the world to the Bohle stand. Both the glass industry and the glazier trade were represented. We were particularly impressed by the quality of the discussions, reflecting a high level of interest in our first-class product solutions. Despite the challenging economic forecasts, we detect a positive mood in the industry, which should give us all a tailwind for the months ahead.”

Hegla GmbH & Co KG

Bernhard Hötger, CEO Hegla: “Highlights, trends and a key industry meeting point – glasstec has once again confirmed its status as the world’s leading trade fair for the international glass industry. Innovations are showcased, visions are discussed and a sense of solidarity is strengthened. We’re looking forward to the next glasstec in 2026 and will be back here again.”

Saint Gobain Glass Deutschland GmbH

Christophe Schulz, Head of Marketing, Saint-Gobain Glass Deutschland “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.”

Dow Europe GmbH

Jean-Paul Hautekeer Global Strategic Marketing Director, Dow Building & Infrastructure: “glasstec offers a great opportunity for Dow team to connect with industry professionals across the whole value chain. 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."