glasstec 2026 Draws Visitors From 126 Countries, Highlights AI and Decarbonization
glasstec 2026 drew more than 1,170 exhibitors from 48 countries and trade visitors from 126 nations to Düsseldorf, Germany. The four-day International Trade Fair for Glass Production, Processing and Products, held Oct. 20-23, showcased the industry’s full value chain, from glass production and processing machinery to finished products and their applications.
About 75% of visitors came from outside Germany, and one in four traveled from outside Europe. Three-quarters of attendees held top or middle management positions. Organizers said visitor satisfaction rose compared with previous editions, with attendees citing the quality of products on display, the level of innovation and the presence of market-leading companies.
“glasstec provides the international glass industry with important guidance. It shows which direction markets and technologies are taking, thereby creating precisely the right platform for investment and innovation decisions,” said Marius Berlemann, chief operating officer of Messe Düsseldorf.
The fair focused on three themes: AI and digital technologies, decarbonization and the circular economy. Its supporting program included the glass technology live exhibit, the glasstec conference, an architecture forum, glass trends live, CircuClarity Two and a women in glass program. Handwerk Live offered demonstrations, lectures and workshops for the glazier trade.
Exhibitors reported strong results. Gottfried Brunbauer, chief operating officer of LiSEC, cited the large number of international visitors and strong interest in the company’s solutions. Nancy Mammaro, president and CEO of MAPPI International, said the quality of business contacts continues to rise.
“Visitors come to Düsseldorf with clear projects and concrete questions, and the fair has become the place where solid, long-term relationships begin,” Mammaro said.
Gesine Bergmann of the VDMA Forum Glass Technology said digitalization topics, particularly AI-based applications and machine connectivity, drew considerable interest from attendees.
The next Glasstec will be held in September 2028 in Düsseldorf.
