What Trends Can We Expect to See in 2025?
The glass industry is poised for significant transformation in 2025. As technology continues to advance and sustainability becomes a global priority, we can expect to see several key trends shaping the industry.
Sustainability
Sustainability will continue to be a key driver in the glass industry. Products like Low-E and Insulated Glass Units (IGUs), which offer exceptional energy efficiency, are expected to see a surge in demand as more projects aim to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. To meet this growing demand, manufacturers are making substantial investments in sustainable technologies to minimize their carbon footprint, from energy-efficient production processes to the use of eco-friendly materials. Companies are finding innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions, focusing on areas such as raw material sourcing, furnace efficiency, and design enhancements. Melting raw materials requires more energy than using recycled glass, so many manufacturers are incorporating cullets (glass waste) into their processes to create low-carbon glass. These efforts not only help reduce the carbon footprint of glass production but also lower Global Warming Potentials (GWP), further aligning the industry with global sustainability goals.
Building Developments
Flat glass remains in high demand due to ongoing construction booms. It is widely used in residential and commercial windows, doors, interior decorations, shopfronts, and more. Construction spending increased 6.7% from 2023 to 2024 according to US Census Bureau and is only expected to rise even higher in 2025. This growth is driven by the demand for larger, more impressive glass installations. Billco’s customizable lines, such as the Lami-Pro, an all-in-one washing, assembly, laminating, heating and pressing line, enable the production of larger, more durable glass panels. These advancements enable architects and designers to create stunning visual effects and open, airy spaces in buildings, from towering skyscrapers to expansive curtain walls.
Solar Energy Installs
The rise of solar energy installations is set to further propel the flat glass industry in 2025. As the push for sustainable energy solutions intensifies, generating energy from sunlight is gaining momentum. Solar panels, which are primarily made of flat glass, are expected to increase in the coming years, further boosting demand for glass in the industry. A key factor in this growth is the federal solar energy tax credit, which offers a 30% credit for Solar PV systems installed between 2022 and 2033. This incentive is expected to stimulate residential solar panel installations. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S. installed 6.1 GW of solar energy in the first quarter of 2023, marking a 47% increase from 2022. This upward trend is expected to continue, with solar installations predicted to rise by 28% by 2028. To meet the growing demand for solar-related glass products, Billco’s Foundation Washer is an ideal solution, offering photovoltaic capabilities and tempering integration to enhance production efficiency. As solar energy installations increase, preparing your company for this shift with Billco’s advanced equipment can position you for success in this expanding market.
Barcode Scanning
Barcode scanning technology is set to streamline operations in the glass industry. By automating inventory tracking and glass sorting, manufacturers can improve efficiency and reduce errors. HP3 Software has been at the forefront of this technological advancement, offering an innovative way to streamline your production. With the ability to quickly and accurately identify and categorize glass products, barcode scanning is poised to become an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes.
As we look down the road in 2025, the glass industry is positioned for a year of innovation and growth. By embracing sustainability, development, solar energy and smart technology, the industry is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of a modern world.
