Welcome to the third issue of Asian Glass for 2026. 

For much of its history, the glass industry has been defined by scale. Today, it is increasingly being defined by capability. 

Across Asia-Pacific and beyond, manufacturers are being asked to deliver products that are lighter, stronger, more energy-efficient, more intelligent and more sustainable than ever before. In many cases, the value of glass now lies not only in what it is, but in what it enables. 

Our cover story, in which Yogender Singh Malik examines the Asia-Pacific flat glass industry, highlights the scale of this transformation. The region remains the centre of gravity for global glass production and consumption, supported by urbanisation, infrastructure investment and manufacturing growth. Yet the real story is not one of volume alone. Increasingly, growth is being driven by higher-value products, advanced processing capabilities and applications that would have seemed highly specialised only a decade ago. 

Innovation is perhaps most evident at the specialist end of the market. As Jahir Ahmed explores in this issue, ultra-thin and speciality glass are moving from niche applications into the mainstream, supporting everything from foldable displays and semiconductor packaging to emerging augmented reality technologies. What was once measured in millimetres is now measured in microns, reflecting both the technical complexity and commercial significance of these products. 

The industry’s evolution is also evident in the growing expectations placed upon glass itself. In our Tech Focus feature, Rohan Gunasekera examines how smart glass technologies are reshaping architectural and automotive glazing. Increasingly, glass is expected not merely to provide transparency and protection, but to respond, adapt and interact with its environment, improving comfort, efficiency and functionality. 

At the same time, the pressure to manufacture more sustainably continues to intensify. Rising energy costs, decarbonisation targets and environmental expectations are forcing producers to rethink long-established production methods. Technologies such as oxy-fuel melting are attracting increasing attention as manufacturers seek practical pathways towards lower emissions and improved operational performance. 

The packaging sector is undergoing its own transformation. As sustainability objectives, recycling targets and changing consumer expectations reshape purchasing decisions, glass continues to strengthen its position as a premium and infinitely recyclable packaging material. Across ASEAN markets, investment and innovation are helping to reinforce its long-term role within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. 

That spirit of adaptation and continuous improvement is also reflected in our interview with Cyprien Gauze, Managing Director of Biesse Asia. As manufacturers continue to invest in automation, digitalisation and advanced processing technologies, the ability to improve efficiency while maintaining quality is becoming an increasingly important differentiator. 

Taken together, the features in this issue reflect an industry moving beyond its traditional boundaries. Glass is becoming more closely linked to sectors as diverse as renewable energy, advanced electronics, smart mobility and digital manufacturing, creating opportunities that extend far beyond its conventional markets. 

As always, we hope Asian Glass provides a useful perspective on the trends, innovations and ideas shaping the future of the industry. 

We hope you enjoy this issue.