The glass industry is undergoing a profound transformation. New technologies are changing production and processing, pressure to reduce CO₂ emissions is accelerating, while the efficient use of resources and recycling are becoming increasingly important. The glasstec conference 2026 will address these developments through a comprehensive programme bringing together experts from industry, research, architecture and technology.

At the heart of the programme are three Hot Topics: AI & digital technologies, decarbonisation and the circular economy. These themes reflect the key areas in which the glass industry is seeking new solutions and will shape discussions throughout the event.

AI and digital technologies

Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly important across the glass value chain. The conference will examine how digital tools, AI and machine languages can improve planning, production and processes while opening up new opportunities for manufacturers and processors.

The GIMAV Roundtable will take a closer look at the impact of the new Machinery Regulation on manufacturers, covering topics such as AI, cybersecurity, liability, documentation and supply chains.

The glass trends sessions will complement this perspective by bringing together knowledge from theory and practice. Organised around three global trend themes, the sessions will provide visitors with daily insights into the latest developments shaping the glass industry.

Decarbonisation and circularity

Reducing the environmental impact of glass production will be another central theme of the conference. Discussions will focus on new technologies, sustainable raw materials and practical pathways towards lower-carbon production.

The CircuClarity Two programme will explore the potential of glass as a fully recyclable material, presenting evidence-based processes, products and scalable methods designed for real-world application. The initiative will also address the wider challenges of resource efficiency and recycling within the glass industry.

These topics will be complemented by the ift Rosenheim sessions, which will provide practical insights into life cycle assessment, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), climate resilience, fire safety and other current requirements affecting glass applications.

From research to real-world applications

The glasstec conference will also create opportunities to connect scientific research with industrial practice. The glass melting pot will provide researchers and industry partners with a platform to present and discuss research ideas with an international audience of glass experts, encouraging knowledge transfer and potential cooperation.

Architecture will have its own dedicated platform at the architecture forum, where leading international architectural practices will present projects addressing current trends and challenges in architecture with glass. The forum will focus on applications including building envelopes and structural glass and is organised by glasstec in cooperation with the trade journal DETAIL and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jutta Albus.

Innovation will also take centre stage during the Start-Up session, where young companies will present new technologies, ideas and approaches responding to current market challenges and future opportunities. The format will provide not only insight into emerging solutions but also opportunities for networking between start-ups and established industry players.

New perspectives on glass applications

The programme will extend beyond production technologies and sustainability. GlassPrint LIVE will provide an in-depth look at the latest trends in glass finishing while also serving as a launch platform and preview for the GlassPrint 2027 conference and exhibition.

The bird protection forum will address another increasingly important aspect of modern architecture: bird-friendly glazing. The programme will present current requirements, proven solutions and practical knowledge for architects, planners and the glass industry.

Together, these formats will create a broad platform for discussing the future of glass – from manufacturing and processing technologies to architecture, sustainability, digitalisation and new applications.

A meeting point for the international glass industry

glasstec 2026 will bring together stakeholders from across the entire glass value chain, providing a platform where innovations can be explored, technologies compared and new business and research connections established. The combination of an international exhibition with a comprehensive conference and supporting programme is designed to connect market developments with practical knowledge and real-world applications.

glasstec 2026 will take place from 20 to 23 October 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The conference programme is part of the world's leading trade fair for glass production, processing and products. Attendance at the supporting and conference programme is free of charge for trade fair visitors.