glasstec 2026, one of the glass industry’s leading international trade fairs, concluded just a few days ago. Against this backdrop, the new vision for VITRUM 2027 was presented to the international press for the first time at a press dinner held on October 22. The evening offered an opportunity to unveil more than a series of new features: it highlighted a fundamental rethinking of the exhibition that is gradually reshaping and broadening the identity of VITRUM 2027.
We have already explored the Glass Economy concept, which, as VITRUM President Barbara Antonini explained, will be at the heart of VITRUM 2027. This fundamental change remains central to the exhibition’s future. The announcements made at the press dinner, however, focused on specific strategic initiatives and tangible projects that will soon take shape.
Here are the five key innovations unveiled for VITRUM 2027 at glasstec.
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VITRUM 2027 and MADE Expo 2027: two events, one shared opportunity
The first major decision is to hold VITRUM 2027 alongside MADE Expo, a leading event for the construction and architecture sectors. This strategic choice is intended to create direct synergies between manufacturers of glass-processing machinery and the fields of building envelopes, windows and doors, and architectural design. These sectors are already closely connected, and their collaboration is set to become even more important. The aim is to link demand for advanced structural and energy-efficient solutions with the technologies that make them possible, transforming the Milan exhibition into an integrated hub where the glass industry can engage directly with key players in construction and manufacturing.
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Glass4Space: exploring glass applications in the Aerospace Industry
Among the most significant announcements in Düsseldorf was the launch of Glass4Space. We touched on this topic previously when exploring the Glass Economy and its many areas of application. Glass4Space is a new project that is only just getting underway. What will it involve? At its core will be an exploration of the wide range of applications for glass in the aerospace industry, a sector that demands exceptionally high technical performance in areas such as mechanical strength, optical transparency, thermal resistance and radiation shielding. By putting the space economy in the spotlight, VITRUM is demonstrating how expertise across the glass value chain can extend well beyond traditional applications and contribute to cutting-edge technologies.
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FORMAE: A New Brand and Dedicated Space for the Hollow Glass Industry
Another major innovation goes far beyond a visual rebranding. With the introduction of FORMAE, VITRUM 2027 is rethinking its approach to the hollow glass and glass packaging sectors. Rather than simply reorganising the exhibition floor, it will create a dedicated area designed to give the glass container value chain a distinct identity and greater visibility, from forming machinery to industrial design solutions. FORMAE aims to address the needs of key markets such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where glass packaging brings together sustainability, product preservation and aesthetic design.
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A strategic partnership with Italian Exhibition Group
To support this ambitious relaunch, VITRUM has signed a partnership agreement with Italian Exhibition Group (IEG). The collaboration brings together VITRUM’s specialist industry expertise and established identity with the organisational capabilities and business network of a leading international exhibition organiser. We will explore this partnership in greater detail in an upcoming article.
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A stronger international focus: an incoming programme for at least 150 overseas buyers
The final announcement concerns the exhibition’s internationalisation strategy. VITRUM has always had an international outlook, but the 2027 edition will strengthen it further through a structured incoming buyer programme designed to bring at least 150 selected international buyers to Milan. To create further business and networking opportunities, the initiative will also feature presentations focusing on individual national markets. These sessions will offer companies insights into geopolitical and economic trends and local investment conditions, helping machinery and technology manufacturers identify opportunities in high-growth markets.