Glasstec 2024: Insights and Trends from the Show Floor

The trade show floor at glasstec 2024 is a dazzling array of machinery, technology, products and art. The international trade show at Messe Düsseldorf in Dusseldorf, Germany, offers exhibitors and visitors opportunities to peruse and explore various innovative products throughout the expansive show floor, ranging from backpainted glass, digital prints, automatic machines, hardware and smart glass, such as Gauzy’s PDLC and SPD technology.

Gauzy officials are well versed with the ins and outs of glasstec, having exhibited at multiple shows throughout the years. Officials say they’ve noticed an increased interest in smart glass technology this year.

Strong Demand for Smart Glass

“Everyone is looking for smart glass technologies,” says Lori Allen, corporate marketing manager. “They’re looking for something different to extend the function of glass. Give a new spin on putting different technology in the glass. It’s an often used material, but more can be done with it. We have to ask, ‘How does it transform what we do in our projects and all the spaces we spend time in?’”

Allen says the future involves adapting glass to fit various needs. She explains that Gauzy has seen “huge demand in the smart glass market for sustainable and more functional products.”

“What we do is more integrated light and vision control,” she adds. “It removes the need for redundant materials, such as shades and blinds. That’s the future of glass. Adaptability.”

Please Touch

Trade shows provide the perfect opportunity to showcase products that might be better seen than described.

“For us, we have such an experimental product that being able to have people in person, up close, touching and feeling the product is an immersive experience over watching videos or reading about it,” says Allen. “Explaining is sometimes more difficult than showing the glass.”

Texture, Gradients and Layering Are In

Elettra Bresciani, communication and marketing manager at OmniDecor, which provides a range of decorative, painted, engraved and acid-etched glass, says one of the current interior glass trends includes textured glass. As such, OmniDecor decorated its booth to highlight various textures, be it on the walls or the bar.

“We do a lot of research on surface, colors and textures,” says Bresciani. “We’re showcasing different types we have integrated into our offerings, such as textured glass and gradient colors, which can be customized and built onsite. It’s one of the nicest things at the moment that catches the eyes of designers and architects.”

She adds that North American and European markets are skewing towards decorative glass that is thicker, more complex and layered.

All the Rage

Katie Hurley, senior marketing communications specialist at Vibrantz, says interest in digitally printed glass has increased this year.

“I think people are starting to accept digital more than traditional forms, such as screen printing,” she notes. “Decorative glass is more customizable and versatile. It can be used on small applications, for automotive and also bird-friendly applications.”

Hurley adds that one notable digitally printed glass project Vibrantz completed resides in the new Los Angeles-based Intuit Dome, home to the NBA’s Clippers.

All about glasstec

glasstec is the center of the world, says Bresciani.

“The show is an international meeting point,” she explains. “You can meet with people from all over the world. It offers new prospects and welcomes existing customers. It’s tradition for everyone in the glass industry to meet here. It’s the center of the world of glass.”

Come Together

“This is the place where everyone comes together to meet their customers,” says Hurley. “It’s just easier, so we have our whole team. It’s easier to bring everyone here than visiting companies worldwide, especially on six continents.”

glasstec 2024 continues through Friday in Düsseldorf, Germany. Stay tuned to USGNN for more news and reports from the show.