Flat Glass Coatings Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Resin Type (Acrylic, Polyurethane, Epoxy, and Others), By Application (Mirror, Solar Power, Architectural, Automotive, Decorative, and Others), By Technology (Water-based, Solvent-based, and Nano Coatings), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global flat glass coatings market size was valued at USD 2.50 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 2.98 billion in 2024 to USD 11.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 18.0% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with flat glass coatings experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 9.5% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Flat glass refers to all kinds of glass manufactured in sheets, including float glass, cast glass, and what is known as blown flat glass. Flat glass coatings are solvent-based coatings for flat glass that enhance the aesthetics, durability, functionality, and performance of the glass. These coatings are made of mono-component or multiple components, which offer superior performance in terms of aesthetics and performance. These coatings are mostly employed in the field of architecture, automotive, solar energy, electronics, and decorative applications. Rising demand from the solar energy sector for manufacturing solar panels shall exhibit market growth.

The pandemic had a significant impact on the flat glass coatings market growth. Due to lockdown and other restrictions imposed by governments to curb the spread of infections, there was a shortage of raw materials as well as manpower, further impacting the supply chain for the market. Shortage of raw materials and supply chain disruptions resulted in the termination of contracts of sub-contractors to control expenses. The demand from building & construction companies went down, owing to factors such as the shutdown of construction activities, supply chain constraints, and a temporary halt in production. However, post-pandemic, as the supply chains return to normal following the release of restrictions, market players in this sector have looked for ways to reduce the impact of the pandemic on their business. Building envelope systems will experience increased demand as governments throughout the world are creating supporting policies and striving to re-establish economies.

Flat Glass Coatings Market Trends

Growing Demand for Energy-efficient Constructions to Propel Market Growth

Green building construction is becoming more popular around the world as a result of benefits such as lower energy consumption and operating & maintenance costs. As a result, governments are enacting new policies and regulations to encourage green construction, particularly in developing countries. For instance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched the Net Zero initiative to support localities in reaching Net Zero and Net Positive Energy, Net Zero Waste, and Net Zero Water sustainability and resiliency goals in methods that safeguard human health and the environment while producing social and economic benefits. This involves the construction of green buildings, which use solar energy as an energy source and reduce dependability on non-renewable resources for energy. As a result, during the anticipated timeframe, the rapid rise of green buildings combined with increased consumption of flat glass would accelerate the product demand.

Flat Glass Coatings Market Growth Factors

Rise in Demand from Solar Applications to Fuel Market Growth

Although coated glass is increasingly used in the solar industry, the market is rapidly expanding. The growing use of coatings in solar glass panels is propelling the market. The shifting preference of consumers toward green and clean energy sources is fueling the demand for solar panels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, coatings boost the total efficiency of solar panels. Solar panels with water-repellent and anti-reflective coatings have around 3-6% enhancement in light-to-electricity conversion efficiency and output. Flat glass coatings also lower the cost of solar panel maintenance. Moreover, increasing government initiatives supporting the construction of green buildings are expected to drive the market growth. For instance, the World Green Building Council has designed Advancing Net Zero, a global program working toward total sector decarbonization by 2050. The program's main goal is to cooperate with Green Building Councils across the network to develop tools, programs, and resources to promote the urgency and viability of net-zero carbon buildings while also increasing industry capacity to deliver them.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Stringent Regulations on Usage of Coatings to Affect Growth

The government's laws regulating the use of certain coating chemicals would limit the market expansion. Several governments and organizations have enacted strict laws regarding the use of solvent-based coatings that contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These rules have been designed for both flat glass coatings manufacturers and end-users. Almost every organic solvent used in coatings is classed as a VOC, subjecting it to restrictions.

The National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Consumer and Commercial Products, for example, were established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the usage of volatile organic compounds. Ground-level ozone is one of the six major air pollutants that the EPA is most concerned with eliminating, according to the Clean Air Act (CAA). By interacting with nitrogen oxide under UV radiation, VOCs are the primary contributors to the creation of ground-level ozone. This is expected to hinder the market growth.

Flat Glass Coatings Market Segmentation Analysis

By Resin Type Analysis

Ideal Properties of Acrylic Resin Resulted in its Major Share in Market

Based on resin type, the market is segmented into acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy, and others. The acrylic segment held the largest share in the market in 2023 and is expected to continue its dominance by the end of the forecast period, owing to the versatility of the resin. Acrylic resins are known for their clarity and weather resistance. They can be designed in a variety of ways, ranging from exceedingly hard to excessively sticky, depending on the performance requirements. Polyurethane resin coatings provide water-resistance, hardness, and durability to the glass and also can be formulated in transparent and frost finishes.

Epoxy coatings are used to strengthen the glass. The coatings fill up the surface cracks and increase the durability and strength of the flat glass. Increasing demand for strengthened glass shall boost the segment growth.

By Technology Analysis

Water-based Segment to Generate the Largest Revenue Owing to its High Environmental Compliance

By technology, the market is categorized into water-based, solvent-based, and nano coatings. The water-based segment is expected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period attributed to the lower VOC emissions, environment-friendly nature, and superior properties, including durability, good adhesion, and others. Nano coatings segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR owing to the increasing adoption of these coatings for their thermal barrier, anti-bacterial, self-healing, anti-graffiti, and anti-reflection properties.

Due to their resistance to high temperatures and humidity, solvent-based coatings are commonly utilized on glass used in severe environments. For glass used in manufacturing facilities, these coatings are quite effective. However, due to the high VOC content and government-imposed environmental rules, it can only be used in industrial areas.

By Application Analysis

Rising Demand from End-use Industries to Drive Mirror Segment Growth

Based on application, the market is segmented into mirror, solar power, architectural, automotive, decorative, and others. Amongst these, the mirror segment held prime share in 2023. The growth of the mirrors segment is being driven by increasing demand from industries such as automotive and building & construction. To achieve reflectivity, this kind of coating is only applied to one side of the flat glass.

However, the mirror segment is closely followed by the architectural segment owing to the rise in construction and infrastructural development activities globally. The flat glass used in windows, doors, façades, and interiors is coated in architectural applications to improve anti-reflection, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and transmission of chosen solar wavelengths.

The automotive industry is predicted to rise rapidly due to increased demand for flat glasses for components, such as windshields, automobiles, mirrors, and roofing, which are coated to preserve the ambient conditions inside the car and save energy. Flat glass coatings serve to reduce glare from lights, making driving more enjoyable. Furthermore, dust and water repellent coatings extend the life of glass components while lowering maintenance expenses.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market size in Asia Pacific stood at USD 1.64 billion in 2023. Asia Pacific holds the largest share in the market, and it is likely to continue to do so throughout the forecast period. The rapid growth in population and increase in infrastructure development activities in the region have all contributed to the market's expansion in the region. China is the world's largest flat glass manufacturer and supplier. In addition, India is swiftly becoming one of the world's major producers of consumer electronics and household appliances. Flat glass production will be aided by increased foreign direct investment and consumer electronics companies building manufacturing units in the country, which will drive the consumption of flat glass coatings.

In North America, glass coatings are witnessing a high consumption rate as the demand for energy-efficient buildings is growing. Furthermore, countries and established businesses in the region are aggressively investing in solar power technologies to lessen their reliance on traditional energy sources. As a result, flat glass coatings are projected to become more popular. Building energy codes and standards have been created by the U.S. government to ensure that buildings fulfill minimum energy performance criteria. This is likely to support economic growth.

The increasing demand from major countries, including Germany and France is expected to boost the consumption of flat glass coatings in Europe. Additionally, rising awareness regarding reducing the energy consumption of infrastructures shall result in the implementation of a green building strategy, further boosting the market growth.

In 2023, Latin America exhibited considerable growth. Increased investments by governments in generating energy from renewable sources have resulted in an increase in demand for flat glass coatings for solar glass panels. Rapid industrialization in the Middle East & Africa and increased demand from the construction and automotive industries are pushing the market growth opportunities in the region.

List of Key Companies in Flat Glass Coatings Market

Major Players to Build up Position by offering Advanced Solutions to the Packaging Industry

The majority of the market's top players have a global presence. One of the most important firms, Arkema, deals with specialty chemicals and innovative materials. It sells a wide range of chemical-based products. Due to its global brand recognition, the corporation has demonstrated supremacy. It also keeps up with the current market developments to better serve its customer base.

Guardian Glass, on the other hand, is utilizing techniques to extend its product offering. Another important player in the U.S. is Sherwin Williams. The company provides a variety of coating products that have helped in the company’s expansion through joint ventures.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Arkema S.A. (France)


• The Sherwin-Williams Company (U.S.)


• Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd (Japan)


• Guardian Glass (U.S.)


• Ferro Corporation (U.S.)


• Fenzi Group (Italy)


• Corning Inc. (U.S.)


• Vitro Architectural Glass (Mexico)


• Hesse GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)


• Viracon (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2021: Guardian Glass started to produce 130” x 240” or superjumbo, SunGuard coatings on clear or Guardian UltraClear float glass at its Carleton, Michigan facility. The flat glass manufacturer has responded to the demand from architects who have pushed design boundaries with buildings that maximize views and natural light for occupants in forward-thinking facades while also reaching energy performance codes and standards.


• April 2021: Ferro Corporation, a leading global supplier of technology-based functional coatings and color solutions, announced that the previously announced acquisition of Ferro by Prince International Corporation (Prince) has been completed.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global flat glass coatings market report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as competitive landscape, applications, and resin types. Also, the report offers insights into market trends and dynamics and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION