Float Glass Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The float glass market was valued at approximately US$ 73,897.83 million in 2020 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 1,07,991.35 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2021 to 2028.

Float glass is characterized by its smooth and distortion-free surface, making it a preferred choice across various industries, including building and construction, automotive, electronics, and solar energy. The manufacturing process involves pouring molten glass from a furnace into a chamber filled with molten tin, which results in the unique properties of float glass. The rising popularity of float glass in modern architecture and interior design has significantly contributed to its demand. It is utilized in numerous applications within the building and construction sector, such as ceilings, flooring, reflective surfaces, coatings, windows, mirrors, tabletops, and insulated glass. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of float glass in automotive applications is expected to bolster the industry throughout the forecast period.

The float glass market is categorized by application into several segments: automotive and transportation, building and construction, electronics, and others. In 2020, the building and construction segment held the largest market share. Float glass is becoming the most widely used type of glass for consumer applications due to its versatility. In its semi-molten state, it can be easily molded to meet various requirements. Different types of float glass, including clear, tinted, and textured variants, are employed in both residential and commercial settings, particularly for windows and doors, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes. The growing trend of using glass in interior design and architecture has further fueled the demand for float glass, which is also applied in ceilings, flooring, reflective surfaces, coatings, windows, mirrors, tabletops, and insulated glass. The building and construction segment can be further divided into residential applications, which include domestic houses, and commercial applications, which encompass retail spaces, shopping malls, and airports, as well as industrial uses.

Geographically, the float glass market is divided into regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), South and Central America (SAM), and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing and leading market for float glass. The expansion of the building and construction industry, along with increasing projects in renewable energy and solar development, is driving the growth of the float glass market in this region. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are expected to see a surge in demand for float glass, attributed to their well-established automotive and construction sectors. Additionally, the rise of manufacturing industries and industrialization in the region presents significant opportunities for key players in the float glass market. The presence of numerous domestic and international companies in Asia Pacific is likely to encourage manufacturers to focus on innovation, further enhancing growth prospects for the float glass market.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in the global supply chain and manufacturing processes, affecting delivery schedules and product sales across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. The pandemic has led to the shutdown of various manufacturing plants, which has adversely impacted the float glass market. Restrictions imposed by countries in Europe, Asia, and North America have hindered business collaborations and partnership opportunities. The ongoing pandemic has resulted in a glass supply shortage that is expected to persist into 2021, disrupting various industries. The tightening supply of glass has also led to increased costs, driven by the pandemic and international tariffs. Many manufacturers have had to halt or reduce glass production, making it challenging to meet current demand. Restarting operations after prolonged closures or reduced capacity due to health regulations poses additional difficulties. Furthermore, the prioritization of COVID-19 vaccinations has redirected glass availability, exacerbating shortages in other sectors.

Key players in the global float glass market include AGC Inc., Nippon Sheet Glass Co., LTD (NSG Group), Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited, SCHOTT AG, Guardian Industries Holdings, Cardinal Glass Industries, Inc., China Glass Holdings Limited, Shenzhen Sun Global Glass Co. Ltd., Saint Gobain Glass India, and Qingdao Migo Glass Co. Ltd..

The overall size of the global float glass market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, multiple primary interviews were conducted with industry participants to validate the findings and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants included industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the float glass market.