Glass Industry: New Trends for 2026
Trends, applications, and products: sector forecasts
The future of the glass industry is entering an imminent and intense phase of transformation. Sustainability, automation, new materials, and renewable energy applications are the topics driving this evolution, which is set to redefine global production models.
Here are the primary trends emerging across the sector, including the Italian market.
Recycled and low-emission glass
Sustainability is no longer an option in many industrial sectors, including glass. The industry is shifting toward new production standards, increasing use of recycled glass, electric or hybrid furnaces, and eco-compatible coatings.
In markets where the demand for green products is emerging, such as Italy, companies are securing a significant competitive edge by investing in low-energy processes, zero-emission production, sustainable sourcing, and advanced CO2 capture systems. Satinal is leading this charge with STRATO® Carbonlight™, the first ISCC+ certified sustainable glass interlayer, which offers a concrete solution for reducing the carbon footprint of final products.
Ultra-thin flexible glass
Beyond sustainability, the industry is witnessing a rising demand for lightweight and resilient materials, particularly ultra-thin glass that provides the resistance and versatility required by modern designers and electronic engineers. These innovative materials are finding applications in foldable screens, new automotive glass, curved architectural facades, and solar energy systems. Importantly, even these ultra-thin glasses can be laminated with STRATO® interlayers guaranteeing maximum safety for windshields, doors, and facades.
Glass for renewable energy
The transition toward renewable energy represents one of the fastest-growing sectors, as advanced glass solutions are integrated into solar and photovoltaic systems to boost energy efficiency. Promising innovations such as anti-reflective, incapsulated, and textured glass for solar panels, along with Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and integrated storage systems, are redefining the market. Satinal remains at the forefront of this evolution through its STRATO® Solar PV range, providing encapsulating films for high-performance solar panel lamination.
Discover STRATO® Solar PV product range
High-performing special glass
Finally, high-tech industries like aerospace are pushing the boundaries of what glass can achieve, seeking materials with specific properties and exceptional performance. This new frontier includes optical and laboratory glass, fire-resistant and ballistic solutions, and UV/IR shielding. By offering a comprehensive range of STRATO® interlayers that cover everything from high-performance structural safety to aesthetic design, Satinal effectively meets current market needs. Leveraging its long history of innovation, the company is well-positioned to adapt these specialized solutions to the emerging trends of the near future.
