NSG Group experts at the centre of the debate on 21st-century glass

Glass has long ceased to be purely an architectural material. It supports the development of modern technologies, shields critical infrastructure and helps reduce CO₂ emissions. Just how far its applications now extend was the subject of discussion at the 2nd Epoka Szkła Scientific-Technical Conference. The two-day event brought together representatives of science, construction and the glass industry, with experts from Pilkington Polska and Pilkington IGP among the key voices in the conversation.

The 2nd Epoka Szkła Scientific-Technical Conference, organised by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials and the Silesian University of Technology, is one of the most important events in Poland's glass industry. This year's second edition confirmed that glass has stopped being seen purely as a construction material – today it is a key element of security systems, modern architecture and sustainable industrial production. Over two days, experts from science, industry and public administration discussed the technological, regulatory and environmental challenges facing the industry, as well as the barriers and challenges of cooperation between science and business.

Glass in the service of security

The first day of the conference was devoted to the use of modern glass materials in the context of state security and critical infrastructure protection. Szymon Fit, New Products and Technologies Manager, took part in the panel discussion 'Special Materials and State Defence'. The discussion covered bullet-resistant glazing, blast-protection systems and the role of cooperation between science, industry and public administration in funding and implementing material innovations, among other topics.

Taking part in this panel is, for us, confirmation that the Pilkington brand is seen as a substantive partner in the conversation about security – not just as a glass manufacturer. This is both an obligation and motivation to keep developing in this direction – emphasises Szymon Fit, New Products and Technologies Manager.

200 years of glass history – from technological revolution to sustainable development

Ryszard Chłopek, VAP Market Development Director at Pilkington Polska, gave a presentation summarising two centuries of glassmaking technology development. He discussed the industry's evolution – from the Industrial Revolution, through the breakthrough invention of the float process in 1959, to today's efforts towards decarbonisation and the circular economy. Particular attention was paid to products such as Pilkington Mirai™ – low-carbon glass – and the renew:glass initiative, which supports glass recycling in Poland and Europe.

From the invention of the float process to Pilkington Mirai™ – our history is a history of successive responses to the needs of the market and the environment. The Epoka Szkła conference showed that the industry is heading exactly in the direction the Pilkington brand has been setting for decades – adds Ryszard Chłopek, VAP Market Development Director at Pilkington Polska.

A shared space for science and industry

The 2nd Epoka Szkła Conference confirmed the growing importance of glass as a material responding to technological, environmental and security challenges. The participation of experts from Pilkington IGP and Pilkington Polska fits into NSG Group's broader strategy of combining decades of industrial experience with active involvement in scientific and industry debate.