Welcome

The glass industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by innovation, sustainability, and expanding markets. In this edition of Asian Glass, we explore these trends across Asia and beyond, with a spotlight on the booming ASEAN facade market, alongside container glass, fibre optics, and precision surface finishing.
The ASEAN facade sector is experiencing rapid growth as industrialisation, urbanisation, and major infrastructure projects drive demand for modern, energy-efficient, and visually striking buildings. Emerging markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are attracting significant investment in new float-glass production, while established markets including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand continue to adopt advanced facade technologies. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on Low-E, solar-control, and insulated glass units (IGUs), as well as unitised curtain-wall systems, which combine energy efficiency with faster installation.

Leading regional producers are expanding capacity to meet both domestic and export demand. Government policies supporting green buildings and smart cities, alongside rising foreign direct investment, are further accelerating growth. As Jahir Ahmed notes, ASEAN is emerging as a major hub for advanced facade glass, cementing its role in the global supply chain.

Sustainability is increasingly central to the industry. Rohan Gunasekera reports that companies are innovating with new melting technologies, alternative fuels, optimised batch compositions and expanded recycling programmes. These efforts not only aim to reduce carbon emissions but also improve operational efficiency and resilience, while maintaining high product quality. Sustainability has become a key driver of competitiveness, shaping investment, production practices, and market positioning.

Indonesia stands out as a particularly dynamic market. Supported by government infrastructure programmes and growth in construction and the automotive sector, demand for processed flat glass is rising sharply. Major investments from KCC and Xinyi are transforming the country’s glass processing industry, expanding capacity and introducing advanced technologies to meet both domestic and export needs. However, competition from imports and rising energy costs continue to influence the market, underlining the challenges of operating in a fast-developing yet competitive environment. As Jahir Ahmed observes, successfully navigating these factors will be crucial for companies aiming to establish leadership.

In the Middle East, Iran’s container glass market remains resilient and technically evolving. Despite economic and regulatory challenges, the sector continues to offer growth potential. Yogender Singh Malik highlights its achievements and prospects, underlining Iran’s standing as one of the region’s most enduring glass markets, where careful strategy and operational excellence can yield substantial long-term benefits.

Meanwhile, global demand for fibre optic cable is rising steadily, driven by high-speed terrestrial and undersea networks. In Tech Focus, Rohan Gunasekera explores how this growth is influencing specialised glass applications, illustrating the wider impact of digital transformation on the glass sector and related industries.

Finally, we celebrate over five decades of innovation with Fratelli Pezza, founded in 1970 in Clusone, Italy, by Alessandro Pezza. Now a global leader in sandblasting and marking equipment for flat glass, the company combines Italian craftsmanship with advanced automation. In an exclusive interview, Michela Pezza, president and CEO, discusses emerging market trends, sustainability priorities, and the enduring influence of Italian expertise on the international glass industry.

This edition demonstrates how innovation, sustainability, and strategic investment are connecting glass markets across regions and applications. From ASEAN’s growing facade market to container glass, fibre optics, and surface finishing, these forces continue to shape the industry’s trajectory. We hope this issue provides readers with insights and perspectives to navigate a fast-evolving global glass landscape.