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Turkey is one of the major players in the flat glass industry within its region. Construction, automotive, home appliances, and renewable energy industries are all served by the country’s flat glass market. With its production capacity and strategic location, the country is also an active supplier and buyer in the regional glass trade. Skilled manpower at reasonably competitive prices – lower than Europe, higher than most Asian countries – has greatly benefited Turkish flat glass producers. The abundant supply of two key raw materials – silica sand and soda ash – also gives Turkish flat glass producers a distinct competitive advantage. Yogender Singh Malik’s article presents an overview of the flat glass industry in Turkey as well as the factors that contribute to its success, leading to its influence not only within the region, but worldwide as well.

In Bangladesh, the float glass industry is growing rapidly. It has a significant market for both container and float glass, driven by rapid urbanisation and construction. Float glass production lines and new glassware facilities are being invested in the country at an increasing rate. Several new glass factories will be opened for manufacturing float and processed glass as well as glass containers within the next decade in accordance with a billion-dollar plan. As part of the implementation process, several plants are now operating to produce float glass, processed flat glass, and glassware. The automotive industry in the country is also expanding, creating markets for automotive glass. Mirror glass and furniture glass demand is also growing steadily. As consumer industries grow, glass packaging demand increases. According to Jahir Ahmed, the prospects for Bangladesh’s flat and float glass markets appear to be positive and promising.

According to Jahir Ahmed, floating glass production is also growing steadily throughout the ASEAN region because of high demand from the building and automotive industries, urbanisation, and increasing applications in renewable energy. In recent years, the growing demand for float glass in the region has attracted both domestic and foreign investors, especially from China. In 2024, the ASEAN bloc exported $876.63 million of float glass worth $876.63 million. The industry is also being shaped by technological advancements and increased automation. Investment opportunities in the region are numerous and a long-term commitment to the region should make good business sense.

Boron has a tough guy appeal to it, says Corning. It’s hard not to agree with the giant US multinational. This low-profile raw material has rightfully gained attention – it has multiple applications and is crucial to the glass industry. Boron reduces the melting temperature and energy consumption of glass, two factors that are critical today. In addition, it improves the viscosity, durability, and optical qualities of glass. Several Western countries have designated boron as a critical raw material due to its defence and energy applications. Smartphone cover glasses are one of the most common boron applications. Borates are also used in the manufacture of optical glass, prisms and lenses, glass-ceramic, art glass, decorative containerware, opal glassware, telescope mirror blanks…the list is endless. Rohan Gunasekera’s exclusive insight feature uncovers how boron, once a relatively unknown mineral, has now become a crucial raw material for high-tech and defence applications.
Over the past two decades, Lucia Masutti has worked as a strategy and innovation specialist in cross-sectoral environments, and she has been appointed general manager of GIMAV and Vitrum, where she will lead a new phase in the glass supply chain’s development and consolidation. Asian Glass spoke with Masutti exclusively about her new role and how she intends to achieve success in her new position.