Float glass is a sheet of glass manufactured by floating molten glass over a bed of molten metal, preferably tin. It is a superior quality of glass having uniform thickness, chemical inertness, high optical clarity, and bright appearance. Since most of these qualities are missing in the ordinary glass sheets, float glass has almost completely replaced the normal glass sheets. In addition, the manufacturing process of float glass is simple, hence, it is used serves as an ideal alternative to ordinary glass. Innovations in the manufacturing of float glass technology has paved the way for creating new products such as heat reflecting glass and soundproof glass. Therefore, surge in demand has been witnessed for float glass in applications such as architectural, automotive, and solar energy. Thus, all these factors collectively contribute toward the growth of the global float glass market.
COVID-19 scenario analysis
- The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have negative impact on the growth of the global float glass market, due to the reduction of construction activities of both commercial and noncommercial buildings, which cover a significant demand of the float glass.
- The loss is expected to be more on the commercial building construction segment, as with decline in revenue generation, the expenditure on new construction is expected to reduce substantially. Since the construction industry is a major end-user or float glass, the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry will significantly restrain the growth of the float glass market.
- The demand in motor vehicle is expected to remain low for the year 2019 and the following year, due to the expected economic slowdown in near future. Moreover, the disruption of the supply chain due to the nationwide lockdown and restricted international transport have serious effect on the production of automobile. As float glass is majorly applicable in the production of vehicles, the demand for float glass in the automobile market is anticipated to decrease, thus limiting the growth of the global float glass market.
Top Impacting Factors: Market Scenario Analysis, Trends, Drivers, and Impact Analysis
Presently, float glass is the most used variety of glass in the global consumer products industry, owing to its superior quality. In addition, it possesses high structural flexibility, which enables it to be bent and shaped in different forms easily, and does not require additional polishing. These prominent advantages with its extensive use in construction as roofs, laminated windows, and in automotive industry as windshield, backlight, and mirrors significantly contribute toward the growth of the global market.
However, increase in prices of primary raw materials used for producing float glass (soda ash) in recent past has restrained the market growth. Moreover, rapid technological advancement such as introduction of the new low-iron float glass with high light transmittance, which is extensively used in solar panels, is anticipated to offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the market during the forecast period.
The global float glass market trends are as follows:
Need for enhancement in aesthetics in both residential and commercial constructions
Float glass finds its major application in the architectural sector. With the gradual increase in urban population and rise in disposable income of the global population, the requirement for infrastructural development and construction activities is expected to increase. Superior aesthetical properties of float glass have increased its usage in interior designs such as ceilings, windows, and mirrors.
In addition, high optical clarity of float glass is preferred in major commercial sectors, including hotels, air ports, and shopping malls. Moreover, its high light transmission ability reduces the heat transfer in buildings, thereby minimizing the cost of cooling. Hence, float glass is expected to be increasingly utilized in diversified commercial applications, which will likely augment the growth of the market, globally.
Technological advancements are expected to drive growth of the market
Body-tinted float glass is a new variety made by adding molten colorants to the glass during the manufacturing process. These glasses possess unique properties to absorb solar radiations, and when used on doors and windows of buildings, they reduce heat penetration and consequently limit the energy consumed for cooling. Initially, flat glasses were used in smaller sizes, as they require high internal structural strength for larger pieces to hold themselves steadily. Currently, flat glasses can be toughened by heat treatments to make them suitable for building applications, thereby boosting their demand, globally.
Key Benefits of the Report:
- This study presents the analytical depiction of the global float glass industry along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets.
- The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with detailed analysis of the global float glass market share.
- The current market is quantitatively analyzed to highlight the float glass market growth scenario.
- Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers & suppliers in the market.
- The report provides a detailed float glass market analysis based on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years.
Questions Answered in the Float Glass Market Research Report:
- Which are the leading market players active in the float glass market?
- What are the current trends that will influence the market in the next few years?
- What are the driving factors, restraints, and opportunities in the market?
- What are the projections for the future that would help in taking further strategic steps?
Float Glass Market Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 By Raw Materials |
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 By Type |
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 By Application |
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 By Region |
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 Key Market Players | Saint-Gobain, SCHOTT AG, Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd., Asahi Glass Group, ACG, Taiwan Glass, Shahe Glass Group, China Glass Holdings Ltd., SISE CamFlat Glass India Ltd., Xinyi Glass, and Fuyao |
 Other Key Market Players | Phoenicia, PRESS GLASS SA, PROMAT UK LIMITED |
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