The Asia-Pacific Float Glass Market is to Touch $68.7 Billion by 2030; increasing adoption of advanced solar technologies and the expanding automotive sector, particularly for energy-efficient vehicles, propels market growth.

The Asia-Pacific Float Glass Market size is estimated to reach $68.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030, according to a recent report published by IndustryARC, titled, “Asia-Pacific Float Glass Market – By Raw Materials (Silica Sand, Soda Ash, Limestone, Dolomite, Alumina, Glass Cullet, and Others (Chromite, Iron Oxide, Manganese, Feldspar, and Others), By Glass Type (Basic Float Glass, Toughened Glass, Coated Glass, Laminated Glass, Extra Clear Glass, and Others (Wired Glass, and Mirrors)), By End-Use Industry (Building and Construction [Residential (Independent Houses, Row Houses, and Large Apartments), and Commercial (Office Buildings, Education Institutes, Hospitals, Hotels and Restaurants, Airports, Shopping Malls, Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, and Others)], Solar Energy, Transportation [Automotive (Passenger Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles, and Heavy Commercial Vehicles), Aerospace, Marine, and Locomotive], Consumer Goods, and Others), By Country - Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2024-2030”

Innovations in high-performance glass coatings and rising demand for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (Low-E) glass in modern buildings are fueling the growth of the Asia-Pacific Float Glass industry during the forecast period.

In 2023, China held the largest share in the Asia-Pacific Float Glass Market, accounting for up to 62.5% of revenue. The country's major industries experiencing growth include construction, solar power, automotive, and electronics. As these sectors expand, the demand for float glass in the Asia-Pacific region is set to increase further. China stands as the world's largest manufacturer and installer of solar photovoltaic power systems. The country’s 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) aims to significantly increase solar installations. As of September 2023, China, the second-largest global economy, continues to ramp up investments in renewable energy, with projections showing that its installed solar capacity could double to 1,000 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2026. Additionally, China remains the top producer and exporter of consumer electronics, with electronics exports holding the largest market share in 2023. As a result, demand for float glass is rising across China, driven by growth in the automotive, solar, and electronics industries. 

The automotive sector heavily relies on processed float glass, which undergoes heating and chemical treatments to create toughened glass. This process enhances the glass's strength and durability, enabling it to withstand external stress. Furthermore, float glass provides essential benefits, such as protection against harmful infrared rays, preventing excessive heat in the vehicle, and noise reduction, all of which contribute to optimal comfort during driving. In the automotive industry, float glass is used in a variety of applications, including side, roof, and window panels. The demand for automobiles is surging across Asia-Pacific countries. For example, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, global motor vehicle production reached 85.4 million units in 2022, marking a 5.7% increase from 2021. As the demand for automobiles and aftermarket applications continues to grow, the need for automotive glass will rise significantly, further driving the expansion of the float glass market in Asia-Pacific.

Float glass plays a critical role in photovoltaic (PV) modules by serving as cover plates that provide structural strength and encapsulate solar cells. In thin-film solar systems, float glass often serves as the substrate or superstrate for the device. In fact, float glass is the largest component by mass in most solar modules currently in production. While the solar industry’s demand for glass is currently lower than the total market, rapid growth in the solar sector is altering this dynamic. The solar industry is expanding across the Asia-Pacific region. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), China, the largest market for solar installations and the top producer of PV equipment, accounted for approximately 63% of global PV employment. With the projected expansion of photovoltaics in the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for float glass in the solar sector is expected to surpass current supply. Consequently, numerous new float glass plants will be required over the next two decades to meet this rising demand, driving further growth in the Asia-Pacific Float Glass Market.