Construction Glass Market

Updated on : August 08, 2024

Construction Glass Market

The construction glass market is valued at USD 112.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 144.3 billion by 2029, growing at 5.2% cagr from 2024 to 2029. The Low-e glass and special glass types are coated to regulate temperatures and sunlight, significantly reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling buildings. Extensive use of glass allows for ample natural light, which improves aesthetics and potentially reduces reliance on artificial lighting. These factors are fuelling a steady rise in construction glass adoption across the various applications in construction industry.

Attractive Opportunities in Construction Glass Market Trends

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Construction Glass Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing demand for energy-efficient buildings

Energy efficient buildings are structures designed and constructed to minimize energy consumption while providing comfortable living or working conditions. These buildings utilize various strategies and technologies to reduce energy use for heating, cooling, lighting, and other operations. The growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in building design is fuelling the construction glass market. Governments and organizations are prioritizing the use of energy-efficient materials, leading to increased demand for advanced glass products that offer superior thermal performance.

Several ongoing projects and recently completed showcase the use of energy-efficient glass. One Vanderbilt in New York City integrates high-performance glazing to reduce energy consumption, while The Edge in Amsterdam utilizes smart glass to optimize natural light and energy efficiency. Masdar City in Abu Dhabi uses Low-E glass and insulated glass units to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, and Bosco Verticale in Milan integrates greenery and advanced glazing solutions for sustainable design.

These projects demonstrate the benefits of energy-efficient glass and the growing trend towards greener urban environments. Advanced glazing solutions are crucial for achieving energy savings and meeting modern building standards.

Restraint: Complex installation requirements

The glass market in the construction sector is growing due to advancements in glass technology and the demand for energy-efficient buildings. However, the complexity of installing advanced glass products poses challenges that hinder market expansion. The technical challenges of complex installation include the need for precision and expertise. Installers must be skilled in handling complex glazing systems to avoid performance issues such as air leaks and moisture ingress. Specialized equipment is also required, such as custom lifting devices and cranes. Structural considerations are crucial, as improper support can lead to glass breakage. Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, must be considered to prevent issues like thermal expansion. Safety protocols are essential, particularly for high-rise buildings. The complexity of installation also leads to higher costs and the need to comply with building codes and standards.

Overcoming these challenges requires skilled labor, specialized equipment, thorough planning, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Simplifying installation processes and enhancing installer training will be crucial in fully realizing the potential of advanced glass technologies in construction. The complexity of installing advanced glass products is a restraint on the glass market in construction. Addressing technical challenges and improving installation processes and training will boost this.

Opportunity: Renovation and retrofit projects

Renovation and retrofit projects in the construction industry are driving significant growth opportunities for the glass market. Older buildings with outdated windows and glazing systems are being retrofitted with high-performance glass to meet modern energy efficiency standards. Advanced glass technologies like low-emissivity coatings and thermally efficient frames are in high demand for these projects. Stricter energy efficiency standards are further increasing the need for energy-efficient glass solutions. Renovating and retrofitting buildings also provides an opportunity to enhance their visual appeal using decorative, tinted, or patterned glass. Sustainable building practices are becoming a priority, and glass products with recycled content or that support renewable energy are in high demand. Specialized glass products like fire-rated or bullet-resistant glass are also needed for these projects. By offering a wide range of energy-efficient, aesthetically-pleasing, and technologically advanced glass solutions, the glass industry can contribute to the growth and sustainability of the construction industry.

Challenge: Energy intensive manufacturing process

Glass production is an energy-intensive process that poses challenges for the glass industry in terms of environmental sustainability. The process involves melting raw materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone at high temperatures, which requires significant amounts of energy. Fossil fuels or electricity are commonly used for melting, contributing to the industry's environmental impact. Forming and annealing the molten glass also requires substantial energy.

The energy-intensive nature of glass production has several environmental implications. Greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, are released during the combustion of fossil fuels and electricity generation. The extraction and consumption of non-renewable resources for glass production can lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation. High-temperature processes in glass production can result in air pollution, with adverse effects on air quality and human health. Water consumption in industry can strain local water resources.

To address these challenges, the glass industry can focus on the use of recycled glass, implementing circular economy principles, and collaborating with stakeholders. Adopting a circular economic approach minimizes waste and optimizes resource use. Collaboration with policymakers and environmental organizations can help develop comprehensive strategies.

Construction Glass Market Ecosystem

Based on the type, special glass segment is estimated to be the fastest-growing source during the forecast period in terms of value.

In 2023, special glass accounted for highest market share due to efficient properties such as toughness, heat transmission, low noise transmission and others. Special glass type also includes laminated or glazing glasses. Laminated glass is used to cover skylight, glass roofs / floors, high security areas such as banks, teller, drive through windows. Whereas other special glass which include fire-resistant glass and patterned glass have application such as window frames, door panels and facades. As double glazing and laminated glass have application in building exterior, they dominate the major share of special glass.

Based on the manufacturing process, rolled/sheet glass process segment is estimated to be the second-fastest growing manufacturing process during the forecast period, in terms of value.

Rolled or cast glasses are produced using the principle of “overflowing tub.” The properties of rolled glass are smooth, light scattering, and light directing. The advantage is a large selection of colors and ornamentation even in small batch production. Rolled glass is also known as ornamental glass because of the ornamentation on both sides. Single metal roll is used to flatten the molten glass poured on a metal table to produce a single roll. The single roll is used to flatten it into sheet. Double roll is produced when molten glass is passed between a pair of rotating metal rolls. The rotating metal rolls are used to flatten it into a sheet. Single or double roll refers to the number of metal rolls used.

Based on chemical composition, the potash-lead segment is anticipated to register the second highest CAGR in construction glass market.

Potash-lead glass is also termed as flint glass. Potash-lead glass is composed of lead oxide, silica, and potassium carbonate. It has lower softening temperature than soda glass but higher refractive index and electrical properties than soda glass. Addition of lead makes glass brilliant, resonant, and heavy. Glasses containing a large percentage of lead are known interchangeably as crystal, lead crystal, and lead glass. Potash-lead glass has major application where low-temperature sealing is required such as laboratory and electronic industry. Also, it is has high manufacturing cost as compared to soda-lime glass.

Based on application, the commercial application segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in construction glass market.

The large commercial buildings today are energy-efficient and are able to save light and energy due to the advancements in glass technologies. The energy-efficient structures of these buildings protect the climate and environment by making the most of natural daylight. The availability of sustainable construction is driving the market for the commercial segment. Construction glass in commercial segment has seen a significant growth in past few years.

Asia Pacific to be the largest market for Construction Glass during the forecast period, in terms of value.

Asia Pacific is the largest construction glass market globally. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the fastest growing consumer markets of China, India, and other Asia-Pacific countries have a combined population exceeding four billion (as in 2023) and are projected to become an increasingly important driver for global consumption over the next two decades, led by rapidly rising household incomes and fast growing middle class.

The rising middle-class population of the region, with high disposable income, and the demand for sustainable construction are elevating the need for the growth of the construction glass market.

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Construction Glass Market Players

The construction glass market is dominated by a few globally established players, AGC Inc. (Japan), NSG Group (Japan), Saint-Gobain (France), Guardian Industries (US), Sisecam (Turkey), SCHOTT AG (Germany), Central Glass CO., Ltd. (Japan), China Glass Holdings Limited (China), Vitro (Mexico), among others, are the main producers in the global construction glass market.

These companies are attempting to establish themselves in the construction glass market by employing a range of inorganic and organic approaches. A thorough competitive analysis of these major construction glass market participants is included in the research, along with information on their company profiles, most recent advancements, and important market strategies.

Construction Glass Market Report Scope

The study categorizes the construction glass market based on Type, Chemical Composition, Manufacturing Process, Application and Region.

Construction Glass Market by Type:

• Low-E Glass
• Special Glass

Construction Glass Market by Manufacturing Process:

• Float Glass Process
• Rolled/Sheet Process

Construction Glass Market by Chemical Composition:

• Soda-Lime
• Potash-Lime
• Potash-Lead

Construction Glass Market by Application:

• Resdidential
• Commercial
• Other Applications

Construction Glass Market by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• Latin America

Recent Developments

• In April 2024, Guardian CrystalClear glass, now available in North America, offers architects and designers a highly transparent and cost-effective alternative to standard and low-iron glass. Suitable for various applications in the building envelope, including education, healthcare, office, residential, and retail.
• In January 2024, In April 2024, Saint-Gobain’s solution offer for light construction, since it is commonly used for interior solutions (hand-in-hand with plasterboard, insulation and ceilings) as well as for exterior solutions (with siding and roofing).
• In November 2023, NSG Group, is set to be equipped with online coating capabilities. This upgrade will enable the site to begin distributing TCO glass for solar panel production starting in the first quarter of 2025.
• In October 2023, NSG Pilkington now introduces Pilkington Mirai™, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional float glass that maintains the same performance, quality, and visual appeal. Pilkington Mirai™ is innovatively produced using a mix of alternative fuels, a high percentage of recycled glass, and renewable energy sources.
• In February 2023, AGC and Saint-Gobain, global leaders in flat glass manufacturing with a strong focus on sustainability, have revealed their joint effort to design a pioneering pilot flat glass line. This initiative aims to achieve a substantial reduction in direct CO2 emissions.

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