The European Commission has explicitly recognized “dynamic, optically transparent and glazing technologies” as advanced materials. The recently concluded public consultation, which ran until 13 January 2026, provided stakeholders with the opportunity to highlight the importance of advanced glazing materials and submit proposals for the upcoming legislative act, expected to be published by the end of the year.
Flat Glass: Essential for Buildings and Wellbeing
In its February 2024 communication on Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership, the European Commission acknowledged flat glass as an advanced material contributing to “greater wellbeing in buildings.” Flat glass is an indispensable construction material, providing essential natural daylight and a visual connection to the outdoors. High-performance glazing enhances occupant comfort and wellbeing by optimizing thermal comfort in both winter and summer and by preventing overheating. Additionally, flat glass supports on-site renewable energy generation through solar panels and Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).
Advanced Glass Solutions for Mobility
Flat glass also qualifies as an advanced material in the mobility sector. Vehicle windscreens, backlights, and side windows ensure safety, durability, visibility, and passenger comfort. Modern glass enables the invisible integration of sensors, cameras, antennas, GPS systems, and other functionalities, supporting autonomous driving and augmented reality applications in vehicles.
Call for Action: Glass for Europe Recommendations
In its contribution to the public consultation, Glass for Europe urged the European Commission to build on its existing communication and take further steps to support the production and deployment of optically transparent and glazing technologies. Key recommendations include:
» Ensuring a level playing field to address the competitiveness gap with imports from outside the EU,
» Promoting the benefits of advanced glazing in reducing building energy demand and generating local renewable energy,
» Supporting the development of closed-loop recycling systems for flat glass products.
See the Glass for Europe’s full contribution to the consultation
source: glassforeurope.com
