Forecast of High-Growth Sectors in the Global Glass Industry by 2025

 

 

Forecast of High-Growth Sectors in the Global Glass Industry by 2025  

By 2025, the global glass industry will witness a convergence of technological revolution and market demand upgrades, with "premiumization, intelligence, and sustainability" as core themes. Below is an in-depth analysis of explosive growth sectors across domestic and international markets, focusing on four dimensions: technological trends, policy drivers, market demand, and regional dynamics:  

 

 

I. Photovoltaic Glass: Core Sector for Global Energy Transition

1. Domestic Market (China)

Demand Surge: Driven by China’s "dual-carbon" goals, annual photovoltaic installations are expected to exceed 200 GW by 2025, pushing photovoltaic glass demand beyond 20 million metric tons.  

Tech Advancements: Ultra-thin glass (1.6–2.0 mm) and double-sided coating technologies dominate, with industry leaders like Xinyi Solar and **FLAT Glass Group** controlling over 60% of global capacity.  

Policy Incentives: China’s MIIT promotes "dynamic adjustment" of photovoltaic glass capacity, restricting inefficient production while encouraging upgrades to large-scale furnaces (over 1,200 tons/day).  

2. International Markets

Europe & U.S.: Energy crises accelerate European PV installations (projected 80 GW新增 by 2025), but reliance on Chinese imports persists due to local capacity shortages.  

Emerging Markets: Mega projects in the Middle East (e.g., Saudi NEOM) and Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia) drive demand, with Chinese exports likely to account for over 70% of global supply.  

 

II. Automotive Glass: Dual Engines of Intelligence and Lightweighting

1. Domestic Competition  

Panoramic Roofs: Over 50% penetration in EVs from BYD, NIO, etc., with Fuyao Glass dominating (60%+ market share).  

Smart Glass: Electrochromic (EC) glass costs plummet; high-end models like Huawei’s AITO and Zeekr adopt it, targeting a ¥20 billion ($2.8B) market by 2025.  

2. Global Trends  

U.S./Europe: Tesla Cybertruck and Volkswagen ID.7 fuel demand for curved roof glass; Corning Gorilla Glass AutoGrade leads in durability tech.  

 

III. Display Glass: Foundation for Foldables and Micro LED  

1. Domestic Breakthroughs

UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass): BOE and Visionox expand production; Chinese UTG costs 30% below Samsung’s by 2025, with 40%+ domestic penetration.  

Glass-Based Mini/Micro LED: TCL CSOT and Tianma replace PCB substrates to enhance heat dissipation and precision.  

2. Global Competition  

Incumbents: Corning (U.S.) and SCHOTT (Germany) monopolize high-end markets; UTG patents remain a barrier.  

Asia: Samsung ramps UTG output; Japan’s NEG focuses on 8.5G LCD glass.  

 

IV. Energy-Efficient Architectural Glass: Green Building Policies

1. China’s Regulatory Push

Low-E Glass Mandates: New building codes require 30% higher energy efficiency, boosting Low-E penetration to 70% by 2025.  

Vacuum Glass: Companies like Shouhang Energy and NorthGlass achieve mass production below ¥800/㎡, targeting public infrastructure.  

2. Global Policies

Europe: EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) mandates zero-carbon new builds by 2030, benefiting **Saint-Gobain** and **AGC**.  

U.S.: IRA subsidies spur 15% annual growth in Low-E imports.  

Challenges: Vacuum glass yield rates and installation standardization.  

 

V. Pharmaceutical Neutral Borosilicate Glass: Biopharma and Localization

1. Domestic Substitution

Regulatory Shift: Chinese Pharmacopoeia mandates 80%+ adoption of borosilicate glass for injectables by 2025.  

Vaccine Demand: Local players like **Shandong Pharmaceutical Glass cut mRNA vial costs by 40% via cold-working tech.  

2. Global Dynamics

Oligopoly: SCHOTT and Corning control 80% of the market, but Chinese firms leverage cost advantages in Southeast Asia and Africa.  

Biopharma Boom: Monoclonal antibodies and cell therapies drive $10B+ pre-filled syringe demand.  

 

VI. Specialty Glass: Defense and Advanced Manufacturing

1. Domestic Innovations  

Aerospace: China-made cockpit glass for C919 and J-20 (led by **CNBM**) rivals Corning’s thermal resistance.  

Laser Fusion Glass: Chengdu Guangming dominates large-aperture glass for China’s Shenguang (inertial confinement fusion) projects.  

2. Global Barriers  

Tech Blockades: U.S./Japan/Germany control lithography optics (e.g., ZEISS, HOYA); China seeks breakthroughs in high-uniformity melting.  

Military Exports: Rising demand from Russia and India for bulletproof glass opens defense markets.  

 

VII. Recycled Glass: ESG and Carbon Tariffs  

1. China’s Challenges  

Low Recycling Rates: 30% vs. EU’s 90%; new mandates target 50% recovery from construction waste.  

Hydrogen Innovation: Xinyi Glass cuts emissions by 70% with hydrogen-fired furnaces, attracting ESG funds.  

2. Global Pressures  

EU CBAM: Carbon tariffs (2026) may raise Chinese export costs by 15%, forcing higher recycled content.  

Net-Zero Factories: Saint-Gobain and NSG adopt 100% renewable energy; Chinese exporters must accelerate decarbonization.  

 

Core Strategy: Align with global trends in **carbon neutrality, intelligence, and safety**, leverage R&D to break monopolies, and capitalize on China’s policy and cost advantages to capture emerging markets.