Glass Futures played a central role in discussions on the future of the glass sector at the 40th Şişecam International Glass Symposium in Istanbul, where leaders from industry and academia gathered to examine the challenges and opportunities facing glass manufacturing.
Representing the organisation, Chief Executive Justin Kelly and General Manager Aston Fuller joined hundreds of delegates during the two-day event, which centred on energy and the future direction of the glass industry.
Kelly took part in the opening panel alongside Erik Muijsenberg of ICG & Glass Service, Oscar Verheijen of CelSian and Dominik Orzol of IPGR. The discussion explored how new ideas move from research through to industrial application, with Glass Futures outlining its collaborative model and its role within the wider glass technology community.
Later in the programme, Fuller presented Next Generation Glass with Glass Futures: Building a Digital Furnace during sessions focused on digital technology and artificial intelligence. His presentation described work to create a fully connected digital furnace and plant digital twin, bringing together artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced modelling. The approach is intended to provide a virtual environment for experimentation while helping reduce risk, cost and emissions as the sector works toward decarbonisation.
The symposium also featured a paper from Şişecam examining optical modulation and functional performance in smart glazing technologies. Additional speakers from the Glass Futures membership included representatives from AGC Group (Europe), Calumite Limited, Siemens and Stara Glass S.p.A., reflecting the breadth of organisations contributing to discussions across the glass value chain.
Glass Futures congratulated Şişecam on delivering the event, describing it as an opportunity for specialists from across the sector to exchange ideas and discuss technologies expected to shape the industry’s future.
Reflecting on the event, Kelly said: “Honoured to have had the opportunity to speak during the opening of this important Şişecam conference. A room packed with global leaders in the glass industry united in a need to bring innovation to the future of glass.”
Why This Matters: This event showcased the future thinking of the glass sector. The recognition that technology, innovation and new ideas lie at the centre of longevity strategy is imperative to the long-term prospects of the sector. With discussions taking place around real-time tangible innovations and advancements there is a clear vision for the future.
