GlassBalkan

Ukraine's reconstruction requires massive glass production, yet the nation currently relies heavily on imports. Years of cheaper imports & energy/technological challenges hampered domestic production. Addressing energy security, attracting investment, & providing governmental support are crucial for establishing a resilient, domestically-sourced glass industry, vital for Ukraine's swift recovery. Until these goals are achieved, we recommend that processors from the Balkans concentrate their efforts in Ukraine and maintain a presence there! #UkraineReconstruction #GlassIndustry #DomesticProduction #RebuildUkraine #Balkan #GlassBalkan

At the recent launch conference of Vitrum25, titled "Building as Green as Glass," the emphasis was placed on the critical role of Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAMs) in the design and material selection processes. The conference highlighted that materials should not only guarantee long-term performance but also, whenever possible, be sourced from recycled materials. The importance of certification tools for product quality, features, and installation methods was underscored as essential for achieving these sustainability goals. With around 200 million square meters of windows installed in Italy, the industry faces a significant challenge: an estimated 40 percent performance drop over 30 years. This decline could necessitate an additional 130 Terawatt-hours of energy per year to compensate, resulting in 30 million tonnes of #CO2emissions. The UNI conformity mark addresses this issue by certifying not only compliance but also product durability through comprehensive production testing, high-quality materials, and proper installation practices, ensuring sustained energy performance over time. To further enhance installation quality, the Posa Qualità Serramenti Mark has been introduced. This certification, recognized by all Italian industry associations, provides a tangible guarantee of window performance for up to 10 years post-installation. Recognizing the importance of maintaining performance over time, which relies on both product quality and proper installation, there is a strong desire for the UNI and Posa Qualità Serramenti Marks to be increasingly integrated into CAMs. The push for sustainability must be complemented by innovation in product development. Notable advancements include low-carbon products such as #ORAÉ by Saint-Gobain and #MIRAI by Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, which offer equivalent performance while halving emissions during production by utilizing renewable energy and recycled materials. Additionally, innovations in carbon capture and renewed glass initiatives are being explored, focusing on hydrogen use and enhanced recycling in manufacturing processes. For the glass industry, the pathway to achieving 2050 sustainability goals is clear: durable materials, expert installation, innovative products, and cutting-edge technologies will significantly reduce environmental impact and enhance the long-term energy efficiency of buildings. VITRUM25, scheduled to take place at Fiera Milano SpA from September 16 to 19, 2025, will serve as an ideal platform to explore innovation, growth, and sustainability opportunities across the glass supply chain. 🌱💡 #VITRUM25 #Sustainability #GlassIndustry #Innovation #EnergyEfficiency #Milan Vitrum srl

This week's Energy Efficiency Day at the European Parliament & Sustainable Construction Talks in Brussels underscored the critical role of sustainable building practices in the EU's future. The urgency of ambitious action over the next 5 years was a resounding theme. Seán Kelly MEP, rapporteur on the revised EPBD, rightly highlighted buildings' centrality to the EU's green transition, emphasizing the dual benefit of increased renovation rates: significant energy savings & vital local job creation. MEP Jutta Paulus's focus on addressing energy poverty within this context was equally crucial. Similarly, Benoit BAZIN of Saint-Gobain stressed the need for swift implementation of the revised EPBD, emphasizing the construction sector's need for innovation at scale & speed, leveraging readily available efficient technologies. Discussions highlighted essential policy levers for affordable sustainable housing & innovative financial instruments to accelerate building stock transformation. The consensus? Concrete action—rapid policy implementation, supportive financial mechanisms, & sustained political commitment—is vital for achieving meaningful progress in energy efficiency & sustainable construction, tackling energy poverty, & creating green jobs. These events provided a vital platform for collaboration, charting a clear path towards a more sustainable & energy-efficient built environment across Europe. #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableConstruction #EUGreenDeal #EPBD #EnergyPoverty #GreenJobs

UV radiation can be harmful indoors, posing risks to both health and home furnishings. - Damage to Furnishings: UV rays can fade colors and damage textiles over time. - Sources of Indoor UV: Standard glass windows allow significant UV penetration, making them a primary source of indoor exposure. To mitigate these risks, it may be consider using several type of window layers to block rhe UV. More about glass 👉 www.glassbalkan.com

🎉 FINEO by AGC achieves the world's first voluntary CE marking for vacuum insulating glass! This rigorous certification, following a lengthy EOTA process, validates FINEO's exceptional performance & safety, boosting market access & consumer confidence across the EEA. “We have made a major step forward to the market penetration of our innovative glass technology. With the CE marking, we are also making it easier for manufacturers of window profiles and façade systems to integrate FINEO vacuum glazing,” said Louis Dellieu, PhD, Head of Product Management at FINEO by AGC. “Last but not least, the CE marking is an internationally recognized quality proof that ensures construction customers of the high degree of quality, reliability and safety of our products.” #FINEO #AGC #CEmarking #VacuumInsulatingGlass #Innovation #Construction AGC Glass Europe AGC Group

Albania's construction sector is experiencing a remarkable surge in high-rise development, notably characterized by a focus on innovative glass facades & sustainable design.🏙️ The proposed "Albanian Tulip," a 40-story mixed-use project in Municipality of Tirana, perfectly exemplifies this trend. Designed by Maden Group & BVR Atelier, this ambitious development (projected completion 2024, 35,000 m²) boasts a kinetic facade inspired by the national flower, prioritizing natural light & ventilation for energy efficiency. While comprehensive market data on glass-focused high-rises in Albania is currently limited, the Albanian Tulip signals a significant shift towards modern aesthetics & sustainable building practices. This trend offers developers access to higher-end tenants & investors, while enhancing Tirana's skyline & reflecting national progress. However, rapid growth necessitates careful planning & regulation to mitigate potential strains on resources, infrastructure, & the environment. Further research is crucial to fully understand the long-term impact, but projects like the Albanian Tulip offer a compelling preview of Albania's evolving architectural landscape, showcasing a commitment to innovative & sustainable urban development. #AlbanianArchitecture #SustainableDevelopment #HighRiseConstruction #Tirana #GlassFacades #InnovativeDesign #UrbanDevelopment #MadenGroup #Novelty #Architecture #Architect #Architecturelovers #Archdaily #Art #Architecturedesign #Interiors #Archdaily #Building #Albania

BAU 2025: Shaping the Future of Architecture, Materials, & Systems at Messe München, Germany (Jan 13-17, 2025). Following the resounding success of BAU 2023 (2,260 exhibitors, 190,000 visitors across 200,000m² in 19 halls!), we're thrilled to announce BAU 2025, the world's leading trade fair for architecture, materials, and systems. This biennial event serves as the premier international platform for professionals across the entire construction industry, fostering collaboration and driving innovation. BAU 2025 will again offer unparalleled networking opportunities, showcasing practice-oriented innovations and interdisciplinary solutions for both new construction and renovation projects in commercial, residential, and interior design sectors. Architects, planners, investors, industry representatives, and building trades professionals – all are welcome to join this vital ecosystem. Their commitment to excellence is underscored by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors at BAU 2023, independently verified by TNS. This success fuels our dedication to providing a superior experience, facilitating concrete exchanges of ideas and information, and unlocking crucial synergies within the global building community. BAU isn't just an exhibition; it's a strategic investment opportunity, connecting exhibitors with new international markets and offering all attendees access to genuine, future-focused solutions delivering lasting value.  Don't miss this chance to be a part of the future of construction.  BAU Insights #BAU2025 #Architecture #Construction #Innovation #MesseMünchen #Germany #BuildingMaterials #TradeFair

The 2024 G24 Awards celebrated excellence in the UK glass & glazing industry! 🎉 Last Friday's black-tie gala at the London Hilton On Park Lane, hosted by Zoe Lyons, showcased remarkable achievements. Fourteen categories highlighted the industry's best, with winners demonstrating innovation & dedication.  Congratulations to all finalists and a special shout-out to our worthy winners: 🏆 Training & Development Initiative: Sternfenster 🏆 Promotional Campaign: VEKA UK plc 🏆 Unsung Hero: Paul Hamilton, BM Group 🏆 Customer Care Initiative: EVANDER GLAZING AND LOCKS LIMITED 🏆 Component Supplier: Thermoseal Group Limited 🏆 Rising Star: Anthony Leach, AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium 🏆 Commercial Project: Escapade Silverstone (AluK GB & ARKAY CONTRACTORS LIMITED) 🏆 Sustainability Initiative: Saint-Gobain Glass 🏆 Glass Machinery Supplier: FOREL UK & IRELAND 🏆 New Product: Pilkington United Kingdom Limited Mirai™ 🏆 Best Business Initiative: Emplas Window Systems 🏆 Installer of the Year: Clearview Home Improvements 🏆 Glass Company of the Year: ToughGlaze (UK) Ltd 🏆 Fabricator of the Year: Warwick North West 🏆 FENSA Installation Award: CONCEPT GLAZING SYSTEMS LIMITED The event, a resounding success with a full house, featured a champagne reception sponsored by Emplas & Thermoseal Group. And sincere thanks to all our sponsors: BM Group, Deceuninck UK, Epwin Window Systems, FENSA Limited, GGF, Saint-Gobain, & Veka, as well as Emplas (table centres), MiGlass Limited (trophies), Forel (winner interviews), VBH (GB) (photobooth), Reynaers Aluminium (menu), & FIT Show (table gifts). The post-awards entertainment extended the celebration into the early hours. Huge gratitude to our esteemed judges: Brian Shillibeer (ProFinder), Bruce Turner & Chris Beedel (GGF), Daniel Brown (GQA), Danelle Vanstone & Jon Vanstone, Lauren Mawford (GGF), Lee Galley), Luke Wood, Mick Clayton, Paul Howard, Rod Appleyard, Sara Mikunda, & Sioned Llewelyn. Their expertise ensures the integrity and prestige of the G24 Awards. Mark your calendars! The G25 Awards will be held on November 28th, 2025.  #G24Awards G Awards 2025 #GlassAndGlazing #UKIndustry #Innovation #Excellence #Awards #LondonHilton

Gerresheimer significantly expands its production capabilities in #Skopje, #North Macedonia, investing over #€100Million in a new 7,600 sq m production hall dedicated to glass syringes. 💫 This expansion, doubling the Skopje workforce to 500 over the next 3-5 years, builds upon the existing 14,600 sq m facility producing plastic drug delivery systems since 2019. The new hall, featuring GMP Class C and D cleanrooms, houses Gerresheimer's proprietary precision glass forming lines and assembly/ready-to-fill lines, supporting long-term customer contracts. This strategic move, a key element of Gerresheimer's "formula g" corporate strategy (as stated by CEO Dietmar Siemssen), allows for the efficient production of integrated plastic and glass solutions, including ready-to-fill syringe systems, all from a single location. The Skopje site's 100,000 sq m expansion potential further underscores Gerresheimer's commitment to meeting growing global demand for drug delivery systems, complementing existing syringe production in Bünde (Germany) and Querétaro (Mexico). #Gerresheimer #Pharma #Investment #Expansion #NorthMacedonia #DrugDelivery #Syringes #Manufacturing

AGC's M100/200 Series Glass Substrates Honored at CES 2025 Innovation Awards 🏆 Thrilled to announce that AGC's M100/200 series of glass substrates, designed for next-generation AR/MR glasses, has received the prestigious honor of being selected as a CES 2025 Innovation Awards® honoree in the XR Technologies & Accessories category. This recognition underscores AGC's commitment to technological advancement and leadership in the development of cutting-edge materials for the rapidly evolving augmented and mixed reality markets. The CES Innovation Awards, a highly coveted accolade within the global technology landscape, acknowledges products exhibiting exceptional design and engineering prowess. Being selected from among numerous entries from worldwide exhibitors at the influential CES event in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a significant achievement. The M100/200 series plays a crucial role in enabling the creation of high-performance AR/MR glasses. These glasses, representing the next generation of personal computing devices following smartphones, are poised for significant market expansion. Their ability to overlay virtual information onto the real world is transforming how we interact with our environment. Key attributes of AGC's glass substrates – high refractive index, exceptional transmittance, superior flatness, and exceptional surface smoothness – are instrumental in delivering the superior optical quality required for these advanced devices. AGC Glass Europe AGC Glass Company North America #CES2025 #InnovationAwards #AR #MR #GlassTechnology #AGC #MaterialsScience