The global flat glass market is growing at a considerable CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. Rising technological advancements are considered as the prime factors affecting and driving the market. The increasing urbanization along with growing solar energy installations are also estimated to be the key factors that are contributing significantly towards the growth of the market. However, a changing price of raw materials is the major factor constraint that is hindering the growth of the global flat glass market across the globe. 

Moreover, the emerging focus on increasing disposable income along with luxury construction being demanded are also one of the key factors that are creating opportunity in the market. New product launches in the market are likely to drive the growth of the global flat glass market. For instance, in March 2020, AGC Inc. has introduced its Lacobel T Warm Grey Spandrel, which is considered the newest addition to the portfolio of the company of back-painted decorative glass. Lacobel T Warm Grey Spandrel does not get fade due to the presence of temperable paint that is fused into the glass and it also provides the architects and designers with a fully opaque, neutral-colored spandrel. 

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Global Flat Glass Market

The global flat glass market is hardly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic since December 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in the major economies had brought a lot of disruption. The demand associated with flat glass was also adversely affected due to the shutdown of various manufacturing units across the globe as lockdown restrictions were being imposed. However, the flat glass market is likely to recover post relaxation in lockdown restrictions.

Segmental Outlook 

The global flat glass market is segmented based on product type and end-user. Based on product type, the market is segmented into basic glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, coated glass, and other. Further, based on end-user the market is segmented into construction & infrastructure, automotive & transportation, solar energy, and other.

Global Flat Glass Market Share by Product Type 2020 (%)

Based on the product type, tempered glass holds a significant share in the market. The use of tempered glass is there in a broad range of applications associated with cookware, screens of mobile phones, architectural parts, and shower doors along with windows that had increased its production which is acting as one of the prime factors driving the growth of the segment in the market.

Regional Outlooks

The global flat glass market is analyzed based on the geographical regions that are contributing significantly towards the growth of the market. Based on the geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America held a considerable share in 2020 in the global flat glass market. In North America, increasing construction activities are one of the prime factors affecting the growth of the market in the region. For instance, as per the data published by the U.S. Census Bureau, in April 2021, the completion of new privately-owned housing units rose by 1426 Units when compared with December 2020 by 1386 units. Additionally, the increasing demand in the automotive for flat glass products along with the existence of a large number of players is some other main factors that are providing support to the growth of the market in the region.

Global Flat Glass Market, by Region 2021-2027

Asia-Pacific will have Considerable Growth in the Global Flat Glass Market

Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth opportunities for the market. Increasing production of automotive across the region is likely to drive the growth of the regional market. Additionally, key market companies expanding their reach along with Infrastructural developments in this emerging region, especially in South Korea, China and India are also impacting the market. Additionally, increasing awareness among the population for the adoption of solar panels for a better outcome is another factor that is also affecting the growth of the market.

Market Player Outlook

Key players of the global flat glass market are AGC Inc., Asahi India Glass Ltd., Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd., SCHOTT AG, and Saint-Gobain. To survive in the market, these players adopt different marketing strategies such as product launches and mergers and acquisitions. For instance, in June 2021, AGC Inc. had agreed to sell its architectural glass business to one of the companies named Cardinal Glass Industries Inc. This transaction was being around $450 million and AGC Inc. will close its business related to architectural glass at the earliest in July.

In June 2020, AGC Inc. had introduced its new website Pyrobel fire-resistant range. The website showcases Pyrobel's broad range of solutions that are capable of providing fire protection that will be lasting around 15 to 180 minutes. The cuttable Pyrobel and Pyrobelite, Pyrobel-T for XXL sizes along with Pyropane coated toughened glasses which are offered in single and double glazing for exterior applications.

In September 2019, AGC Inc. had set forth the decision for the purpose of establishing a new production plant at AGC Automotive (Suzhou) Inc. in order to make car-mounted displays a large 3D/complex-shaped cover glass. This will be supported with the advanced technologies that will operate every stage of the process from optical thin coating to decorative printing along with composite molding of complex curved surfaces with the purpose of supplying the customers with cover glass that delivers both high quality and safety.

The Report Covers

    • Market value data analysis of 2020 and forecast to 2027.

    • Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.

    • Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.

  • Key companies operating in the global flat glass market based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.

   • Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.

    • Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.

    • Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where in the market.