U.S. demand for advanced flat glass products to increase through 2014

This growth represents a significant improvement over the 2004-09 period, when advanced flat glass consumption suffered from the combination of a weak economy, crisis in financial markets, the bursting of the housing bubble and a sharp downturn in motor vehicle production. Gains will accrue in both the architectural and vehicular markets, reflecting the expectation that both will post strong recoveries through 2014.

Safety and security products will continue to be the most significant group of advanced flat glass products in terms of area and value, projected to account for nearly 60 percent of demand in 2014.



Consumption of solar-control products is forecast to increase more than 12 percent annually, to $2.1 billion in 2014. In 2009, these products accounted for nearly 30 percent of advanced flat glass demand in value terms, spurred by government initiatives such as tax credits for energy- efficient windows and trends toward green and sustainable building practices.

2014, reflecting additional labor and energy costs, as well as the use of higher cost materials such as silver or other metals, according to the study. Low-E, burglar- resistant, ballistic and smart glass products will post the fastest gains, although price hikes will decelerate somewhat from the 2004-09 period. Going forward, expanding production of smart glass products such as suspended particle device glass “Other” advanced flat glass will post below average gains through 2014.*



Growth in higher value-added products such as self-cleaning glass and heads- up display windshields will provide most of the gains, moderated by slower growth in more mature materials such as ultra-clear and colorless glass. Average prices for advanced flat glass products will continue to increase through is expected to lead to economies of scale, moderating price increases.

The full “Advanced Flat Glass” study is available for $4,800 from The Freedonia Group, 767 Beta Dr., Cleveland, OH 44143-2326. For further details, call Corinne Gangloff at 440/684-9600, or write her at pr@freedoniagroup. com. Information may also be obtained through www.freedoniagroup.com.