Powerful and future-oriented: this was glasstec 2024

glasstec 2024 convinced us with a varied supporting programme, ample room for innovations, opportunities for networking and exchange as well as with exhibitors and decision-makers from around the world. We look back, take stock and listen to industry testimonials.

1,257 exhibitors from 50 countries and more than 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. And they came to exactly the right place in Düsseldorf: with an almost 80% share of decision-makers visitor quality increased yet again.

“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.”

Salvatore Ruggiero, Vice President Marketing & Communications, Schott AG

“glasstec provides the Dow Team with an outstanding opportunity to reach out to experts from the complete value chain. At glasstec 2024 we presented a new technology platform and continued the debate about silicones and their importance for sustainable façade solutions – topics that aroused interest and enthusiasm among the visitors to our stand.”

Jean-Paul Hautekeer, Global Strategic Marketing Director, Dow Building & Infrastructure

International flair and variety at glasstec 2024

Messe Düsseldorf also welcomed international trade visitors to glasstec some travelling from far afield to attend the glass industry’s world-leading trade fair again in 2024. Some 75% of trade visitors came from abroad including numerous guests from Europe, North America and Asia. Particularly well represented were Germany, Italy, France, Poland and the Netherlands, but also the USA and China – impressive testament to the global reach of the trade fair. And a clear indication that the glass industry is growing on a global scale and banking on innovations – amongst others in the areas covered by the three Hot Topics 2024: Decarbonisation, Digital Technologies and Circular Economy.

“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.”

Arne Klöfkorn, COO Bohle

“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.”

Christophe Schulz, Head of Marketing Saint-Gobain Glass Deutschland

“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.”

Gesine Bergmann, VDMA e.V. Forum Glass Technology

High-calibre supporting programme displays different facets of the glass sector

A top-class supporting programme with lectures, interactive workshops and special shows provided trade visitors with deep insights into the current challenges and perspectives of the glass industry and enabled important networking opportunities. Under the motto #WeAreGlass these focal themes also went down very well in the varied line-up of side events: new formats such as CircuClarity One, glass melting pot, the glass trends sessions and the architecture forum were successfully launched while the innovation showcase glass technology live staged the latest and greatest in technology developments again serving as a crowd-puller.

The special show Handwerk LIVE (Craft LIVE) also enjoyed great popularity in 2024. It comprised hands-on demonstrations of the latest crafts techniques and met with great interest. The complete gamut of glass craftsmanship from manufacturing to finishing was presented – ranging from safety glass to glass art.

“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.”

Bernhard Hötger, CEO Hegla

“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”

Dr. Johann Overath, Hauptgeschäftsführer BV Glas

glasstec 2024 proved a resounding success – and we are already looking forward to the next edition from 20 to 23 October 2026 in Düsseldorf.

It was great to have you with us – see you in 2026!

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