Glass is formed by a mixture of silica (silicon dioxide) and siliceous sand (which is 70% of its mass), soda ash (sodium carbonate), limestone (calcium carbonate), and other materials in small amounts that modify its properties or composition. All materials are then combined and heated at extremely high temperatures to melt and fuse them together. The resulting molten liquid is then made into different forms, like sheets, bottles, or fibers, which are then cooled to rapidly solidify it into its final glassy state. Adding metal oxides like iron, chromium, or cobalt can impart color to glass, while boron oxide can increase heat resistance. This ability to modify composition allows glass to be used for various applications in different industries. Some properties can include light transmission, corrosion resistance, and enhanced recyclability. There are many different types of glass, such as soda-lime glass, lead glass, aluminosilicate glass, tempered glass, insulated glass, window glass, borosilicate glass, tinted glass, mirrored glass, plexiglass, and more.
In the beverage and food industries, glass is commonly used for containers like bottles and jars that are higher in alumina and calcium to increase water erosion and resistance. This type of glass usage is geared toward storage efficiency like preservation, non-reactive material, and reusability or recyclability, making it sustainable and eco-friendly. The glass used in these industries is also made with properties such as being easily cleaned and resistant to stains and odors. They are also used heavily for kitchenware, such as drinking glasses, plates, and bowls that are made with different aesthetics that can be suitable for formal and informal occasions.
Glass has evolved the designs and efficiencies of homes, buildings, and facilities many businesses and consumers rely on. For residential homes, flat and clear glass is used for windows and skylights, which allow light to penetrate indoor spaces and eliminate the need for artificial lighting. Insulated, double-glazed, low-emissivity windows are used for insulation in facilities or buildings that need light yet have a controlled temperature inside. Tempered or safety glass is used in a variety of ways in all types of structures, such as glass shelving or furniture, shower doors, glass tables, refrigerator trays, solar panels, and even bulletproof glass. Mirrored glass is used for mirrors, whether they are in a bedroom, bathroom, or ceiling. For commercial use, laminated glass and plexiglass are used for front doors, windowed storefronts for displays, and glass walls for meeting rooms.
The transportation industry is dependent on glass as well for windshields, windows, and mirrors. Laminated tempered/safety glass is used for windshields, passenger, sunroofs, and rear windows specifically for the ability to reduce shattering on impact, increasing safety measures for the driver and passengers.
The technology industry uses glass fiber optics consisting of silica glass and other materials in the form of cables. It is used in telecommunications to transmit information as light signals over long distances, forming the backbone of the internet and telecommunication networks. These glass optical fibers are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-magnetic interference (RMI), which are highly valued in communications. Glass optical fibers are durable and can withstand low to high temperatures. In high temperatures, they are used in ovens, furnaces, and condensers; in low temperatures, they are used in places like cold storage warehouses. Optical glass is used in cameras, smart phones, and LCD screens.
In the medical industry, laboratory equipment depends on borosilicate glass for products like beakers, test tubes, pipettes, and petri dishes. Vials, syringes, and containers for pharmaceutical products are used to ensure the integrity and safety of medications and samples. Optical glass is used for microscopes and telescopes. For personal care, mirrors and container glass are the most popular cosmetics. This type of packaging provides an excellent barrier against moisture, air, and UV rays.
AGC Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, is a major glass producer that was the first in Japan to manufacture glass sheets. This company also operates in electronics and chemicals and provides a multitude of products, such as auto glass, double strength glass and skylights for buildings, heat-resistant glassware for food preparation, and raw materials such as sodium bicarbonate. AGC, or Ashi Glass Co., had a market cap of $7.86 billion and revenue of $14.53 billion in 2023.
Corning is based out of Corning, New York, and specializes in optical communications, electronics, and displays, as well as automotive markets. Some of the products that they provide are specialty glass applications for medical x-ray shielding, components for aerospace optics, remote sensing, optical communications, semiconductors, pharmaceutical technologies, and more. Corning had a market cap of $25.97 billion with a revenue of $13 billion in 2023.
1.) Glasswerks of Los Angeles – Based in Los Angeles, CA – Servicing California, Nevada, and Hawaii markets. Products include insulating glass units, jumbo glass, laminated glass, ballistic glass and more.
2.) Glassnow – Based in Manor, Texas – Products include Glass containers, bottles and jars for personal care, gourmet food, and home fragrances.
3.) Gallo Glass – Based in Modesto, CA – Products include Glass bottles and sustainable practices with recycled glass.
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Glass is 100% recyclable making it not only a sustainable resource but also one of the most renewable materials. Glass is the main material used for the best storage products that can preserve commodities for long periods of time. Glass has properties which make it easier to absorb and convert sunlight into energy, which is why glass is used with solar panels. These aspects of glass make it even more resourceful, renewable, and sustainable as a material.
Glass is a mixture of silica and siliceous sand, soda ash, limestone, and other materials in small amounts that modify its properties or composition. Businesses have grown in the glass product market due to the expanding needs of our society. Glass is one of the most sustainable materials due to its recyclability and renewability.
