Date: 19 October 2026
The international glass industry is preparing to meet in Düsseldorf as glasstec 2026 opens its doors tomorrow, 20 October, running until 23 October. Recognised as the world's leading trade fair for the glass industry, the event will bring together more than 1,150 exhibitors from 48 countries to present technologies, products and solutions spanning the entire glass value chain.
From glass manufacturing and processing to finishing technologies, software and new applications, glasstec provides an overview of the developments shaping the industry's future. Key topics this year include artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, the circular economy and decarbonisation, reflecting the industry's ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, develop new applications and reduce environmental impact.
glasstec 2026: Three Hot Topics Shaping the Glass Industry
The 2026 edition of glasstec places three key topics at the centre of the industry's transformation: AI & Digital Technologies, Decarbonisation and Circular Economy. Through dedicated exhibition areas, expert presentations and practical demonstrations, the event will explore how these developments can create new opportunities across the glass value chain.
- AI & Digital Technologies: Discover how artificial intelligence, automation, connected machinery and data-driven solutions are helping improve production efficiency, quality control and resource management.
- Decarbonisation: Explore technologies and strategies aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions, improving energy efficiency and advancing the transition towards climate-neutral glass production.
- Circular Economy: Find out how recycling, reuse, remanufacturing and more efficient resource management can support a more sustainable glass industry.
Visitors can also explore the official exhibitor and product directory to discover participating companies, technologies and solutions across the glass industry.
A comprehensive overview of glass technologies
The exhibition will cover a broad range of sectors, including glass production machinery, processing and finishing equipment, glass products and applications, measurement and control technology, and software solutions. Visitors will also be able to explore developments in decarbonisation, engineering services and research.
With exhibitors representing different stages of the glass value chain, glasstec offers an opportunity for manufacturers, processors, suppliers, architects, engineers and researchers to exchange expertise, discover new technologies and establish business connections.
A supporting programme focused on innovation
Alongside the exhibition, glasstec 2026 will feature an extensive supporting programme combining conferences, special exhibitions, technical presentations and networking opportunities. Several new formats will address current industry challenges and emerging technologies.
Among the highlights is the GIMAV Roundtable, which will examine the implications of the new Machinery Regulation for manufacturers and operators, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, liability, documentation and supply chains.
GlassPrint LIVE will explore current trends and technical possibilities in digital and screen printing on glass. Meanwhile, sessions organised by ift Rosenheim will address topics relevant to the construction sector, including climate resilience, life cycle assessment, environmental product declarations (EPDs) and fire safety.
The special exhibition area Connected Machines, organised by VDMA, will demonstrate approaches to interoperability in glass production, focusing on standardised interfaces and shared data models. The BMWE Young Innovators joint stand in Hall 11 will also present products and solutions from emerging German companies.
Sustainability and the circular economy in focus
The circular economy will be another important theme at glasstec 2026, with attention extending beyond conventional glass recycling to reuse and remanufacturing.
The CircuClarity Two conference, taking place on 20 and 21 October, will examine how circular approaches can be implemented in real-world applications, highlighting processes that are already commercially viable as well as the challenges that remain.
These discussions reflect growing interest in extending the service life of glass products, developing new reuse strategies and creating more resource-efficient solutions across the industry.
Connecting people and perspectives across the glass industry
Networking will also feature prominently in this year's programme. The new women in glass initiative will bring together women working in glass production, engineering, research, design and management for a dedicated afternoon of discussion and professional exchange on 20 October, from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm in Hall 10, Room 10.1.
By combining an international exhibition with technical knowledge exchange and opportunities for collaboration, glasstec 2026 will provide a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the global glass industry.
As the event begins tomorrow, Düsseldorf will once again become a meeting point for industry professionals looking to explore new technologies, exchange ideas and identify the developments that will shape the next generation of glass products and processes.
Follow glasstec 2026 day by day
Stay up to date with the latest highlights from glasstec 2026. The official glasstec magazine provides daily round-ups of key events, programme highlights and developments throughout the four-day exhibition.
- Day 1: Highlights of 20 October 2026
- Day 2: Highlights of 21 October 2026
- Day 3: Highlights of 22 October 2026
- Day 4: Highlights of 23 October 2026
glasstec 2026
20–23 October 2026
Düsseldorf, Germany
For further information, visit the official glasstec website.
600450
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