U.S. Bulletproof Glass Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Application (Defense & VIP Vehicles, ATM Booths & Teller Stations, Cash-in Transit Vehicles, Commercial Buildings, Government & Law Enforcement, and Others), By End-use (Automotive, Military, Banking & Finance, Construction, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. bulletproof glass market size was valued at USD 1.79 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 2.00 billion in 2023 to USD 4.28 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period.

Bulletproof glass is also known as ballistic-resistant glass, bullet-resistant glass, or ballistic protection glass. It is a specialized type of transparent material designed to protect against various ballistic threats, including bullets, projectiles, and other forms of armed attacks. It is engineered through the lamination or layering of multiple sheets of glass and transparent polymers with interlayers of tough and resilient materials, such as polycarbonate or Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB). This glass can also offer additional features, such as resistance to forced entry and fire and blast protection, depending on the specific needs of the application. This glass is widely utilized in applications such as security and law enforcement vehicles, bank teller windows, government buildings, military installations, retail establishments, and architectural elements in high-security environments.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Restrictions Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic Delayed Construction Projects Limiting Market Growth

The demand for bulletproof glass declined in the U.S. during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic as construction and infrastructure projects faced a slowdown due to the restrictions imposed across the country. Bulletproof glass can withstand gunfire and protect against armed attackers. It is being increasingly employed in building structures to enhance safety. Several projects of commercial construction, automotive, and research & development for ballistic protection that were stalled during the pandemic owing to several unseen challenges are expected to get back on track, reestablishing demand for the product.

LATEST TRENDS

Rising Adoption of Products in Different End-use Industries, Especially in the Defense Sector

Modern bulletproof glass for military applications is lighter compared to the highest standards of blast and ballistics resistance. This enables the fabrication of windows with wide fields of view and outstanding optical transmissivity that can reliably withstand recurrent shots from automatic weapons. Military & defense use this glass in viewports and windows in ground vehicles and aircraft, armory equipment, fighting vehicles, battle tanks, and carrier trucks. It is also used at military bases, bunkers, and guard posts to protect from any attack. In addition, shop fronts and transaction windows are now typically fabricated using bullet-resistant glass, providing efficient protection from small arms fire and acting as a deterrent to minor crimes. This rising application of products in several end-use applications, including military, governmental structures, retail shops, liquor stores, and banks, is anticipated to provide lucrative opportunities for the U.S. bulletproof glass market growth. Rising investments in research and development of new technologies are expected to sustain this growth during the forecast period.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Adoption of Bulletproof Glass amid Growing Concerns for Public Safety to Drive Market Growth

The U.S. has observed a significant increase in the consumption of bulletproof glass in recent years due to growing concerns for public safety. Unfortunately, mass shootings have become a recurring nightmare in North America. These horrific events have left scars on communities, triggering a collective need for proactive safety measures. The number of school shootings has increased over the years.

According to the statistics reported by the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) by tracking elementary and middle school incidences, there were 119 shootings in 2019, which increased to 249 in 2021 and reached 153 in June 2022. Bulletproof glass has emerged as a tangible and effective solution to reduce the risks associated with mass shootings. Thus, the rising crime rates, terrorism threats, and school safety concerns have resulted in schools and businesses retrofitting structures and integrating this glass into new construction projects. This, in turn, is likely to emerge as a key trend and prompt higher demand for bulletproof glass, driving market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Price of Bulletproof Glass to Limit Market Growth

The initial cost of acquisition and installation can be a substantial barrier to potential buyers, particularly for smaller businesses or individuals. This limitation is particularly evident in residential applications, where the cost can significantly exceed that of traditional glass, making bulletproof glass a luxury rather than a practical security investment for most homeowners. The glass industry uses raw materials, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, and thermoplastic, which are in a moderate to expensive price range. Moreover, some challenges include the complex and continuously evolving standards, regional variations in regulations, compliance costs, and certification/testing processes. These regulations aim to ensure the security and effectiveness of these types of glass. They can create hindrances for manufacturers and buyers. The need for compliance may increase production costs, limit uniformity due to regional variations, and impact the design and functionality of the final product.

SEGMENTATION

By Application Analysis

Rising Military Expenditure to Boost Defense & VIP Vehicles Segment Growth

Based on application, the market is segmented into defense & VIP vehicles, ATM booths & teller stations, cash-in-transit vehicles, commercial buildings, government & law enforcement, and others.

The defense & VIP vehicles segment accounted for the largest share of the U.S. market in 2022 and is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Bulletproof glass is used in armored vehicles, military bases, combat vehicles, surveillance rooms, and fighting tanks. The rising geopolitical issues among several nations globally have resulted in increasing expenditure on improving the military structure and adopting advanced armor. This will drive the demand for this glass from defense & VIP vehicle applications.

ATMs have always been a subject of thefts related to cash and machines. The rising use of ATMs and associated security concerns are anticipated to drive the product demand from ATM booths & teller station applications. In cash-in-transit vehicles, the product offers exceptional protection for personnel and valuables from different threats, including theft. The rise in demand for these vehicles will boost the product consumption.

By End-use Analysis

Growing Significance of Safety Measures in Military to Foster Segment Growth

Based on end-use, the market is segregated into automotive, military, banking & finance, construction, and others.

The military segment accounted for the dominant U.S. bulletproof glass market share in 2022 and is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The rising geopolitical tensions, the threat of terrorist attacks, and the sophistication of robberies and thefts coupled together can be attributed to the increasing consumption of this glass for application in armor, combat shields, military vehicles, base camps, and military headquarters.

In the automotive industry, the growth can be attributed to the rising consumption of products in manufacturing windscreens, side windows, and back screens for providing transparency and protection from external attacks.

In the construction segment, the product is witnessing a rise in demand for installation in malls, retail stores, commercial offices, warehouses, and convenience stores. Hence, increasing urbanization will drive the segment growth.

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KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

The competitive landscape of the U.S. market can be characterized as having a mix of major market leaders and a diverse array of smaller players contributing to the market. Some of the major players include Saint-Gobain, AGC Inc., SCHOTT AG, and Apogee Enterprises, Inc., among others. Strategic partnerships, compliance with government standards, and continuous innovation are a few of the critical factors influencing market dynamics.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Saint-Gobain (France)


• AGC Inc. (Japan)


• Smartglass International Limited (Ireland)


• SCHOTT AG (Germany)


• Total Security Solutions (U.S.)


• Impact Security, LLC (U.S.)


• Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (U.S.)


• Armortex (U.S.)


• U.S. Bullet Proofing (U.S.)


• Pleotint LLC (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2021: Apogee Enterprises Inc. announced the closing of their Viracon facility in Statesboro, Ga. The company also announced its plans to close the Velocity facility in Dallas after operating for approximately a year and a half. These actions are part of the company’s initiative to restructure and reduce costs in business.


• June 2020: AGC Inc. received a Cradle to Cradle Certificate for acoustic laminated safety glass products and silver laminated safety glass. AGC Inc. began its Cradle to Cradle journey in 2010. Since then, the company has been committed to continuously improving and adding new Cradle to Cradle Certified silver and bronze-certified products to its portfolio.


• March 2019: Vetrotech Saint-Gobain announced the commencement of a new production line at its facility located in Namysłów, Poland. The new production line integrates the Insulated Glass Unit and Thermal Plastic Application, which is expected to benefit the company by increasing the products' flexibility and also raising the output by up to 20%. The company also revealed that the production site is entirely dedicated to the manufacture of Contraflam fire-resistant glass.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The U.S. bulletproof glass market research report studies a wide range of key factors, such as leading applications, products, and companies. It also gives valuable insights into the latest market trends and covers top industry developments. It examines the market’s historical data, dynamics, opportunities, and revenue growth estimates at the country level. Apart from the above mentioned factors, the report includes several other factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation