The Glass Economy is a broad, cross-sectoral industrial ecosystem that brings together flat and hollow glass production, processing technologies and applications in construction, automotive, packaging, furniture, pharmaceuticals, energy and high-tech.

The figures speak for themselves and reflect the value of this supply chain at both national and international level. In Italy, the flat and hollow glass industry generates turnover of approximately EUR 4.7 billion, with a further EUR 2.5 billion generated by glass processing machinery and technologies. At European level, glass production is worth around EUR 57.8 billion, while the machinery and technology segment – led by Italy and Germany – is estimated at between EUR 10 and 15 billion. These values rise even further on a global scale. In 2024, the worldwide machinery market was worth EUR 36 billion, while finished glass products reached EUR 83 billion.

These are strong figures, with stable annual growth forecast for packaging at 4.5-6% and a more sustained increase of 8-10% in high-tech segments such as solar glass, pharmaceutical glass, Low-E glass, coated glass and smart glass.

Promoting the Glass Economy means enhancing a value chain that brings together industry, research, technology, sustainability and global markets. A value chain that not only serves today’s production needs, but also helps move our world towards a more efficient and sustainable future.