Tempered Glass Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Automotive, Construction), By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, LATAM, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2015 - 2022

Industry Insights

The global tempered glass market size was 2,542.1 million square meters in 2014 and is expected to witness growth on account of rising demand from the automotive sector. Increasing awareness regarding tempered glass benefits in the automotive and electronic industries among consumers in developing regions is expected to propel industry growth over the forecast period.

Tempered glass is manufactured by chemical treatment or controlled thermal processes to increase its strength as compared to annealed glass. The product is employed in numerous applications including shower doors, passenger vehicle windows, refrigerator trays, and architectural doors and tables. Moreover, it is used as a component in the manufacturing of bulletproof products, mobile screen protectors, cookware, and diving masks on account of superior properties including high strength and safety features.

Rising construction spending in various regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and MEA, coupled with rising need for durable building materials, is expected to fuel product demand over the next few years. Moreover, growing architectural trend toward the use of glass in building façades is expected to positively impact the demand for tempered glass during the forecast period.

Growing automobile industry, particularly in emerging economies of Asia Pacific including India and China, is another factor driving the market. However, rising use of laminated glass for automobile manufacturing on account of properties such as lightweight and anti-breakage is expected to challenge industry growth over the next few years.

Tempered glass is particularly employed when safety, thermal resistance, and strength are the key considerations. Over the past few years, screen protectors have been developed and introduced in the market for mobiles. They serve as an additional protection cover for cell phones as compared to the traditional plastic type screen protector. Growth of the global smart phone industry is expected to boost the product consumption over the forecast period.

Application Insights

Automotive was the largest application segment, accounting for a revenue share of 40.3% in 2014. Increasing use of tempered glass in the manufacturing of backlights and windows is expected to propel its demand over the forecast period. Although, it faces competitive disadvantage as compared to laminated glass as it is more resilient to breakage and comprises greater capabilities in terms of pressure resistance.

The construction segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.5% in terms of volume during the forecast period. The product finds application in both exterior and interior elements of a structure in order to improve its aesthetic value and avoid fragility. Increasing government expenditure on infrastructural development and rapid urbanization in emerging economies like India are expected to augment product demand over the next few years.

Increasing product use in niche applications including as a component of ovens in the baking and cooking sector, electrical and electronics, and solar industry is expected to positively impact industry growth over the forecast period. The solar module industry is anticipated to have a positive impact on the product demand during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

In 2014, Europe held the largest share of over 35.0% in terms of volume. Significant growth of the automobile industry generated a healthy demand in the region. Western European countries, particularly the U.K., France, and Germany, are the largest applicants of tempered glass.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing regional tempered glass market with a CAGR of 9.1% in terms of revenue during the forecast period. The region is expected to witness significant growth in the automobile industry on account of rising vehicle manufacturing in India, China, and Malaysia. Various manufacturers use tempered class in car windows due to its tendency of not breaking into small parts as compared to basic glass that breaks into sharp pieces, which can cause injuries.

The market in North America is relatively mature and is characterized by new product developments. As of 2014, the region held the third-largest share in terms of volume. The U.S. is a predominant market in the region due to rising tempered glass application in architectural projects.

Tempered Glass Market Share Insights

Key industry participants include Guardian Industries, AGC Group, NSG Group, and Saint-Gobain. In March 2013, Dillmeier Glass Company expanded the capacity of its glass fabrication plant at Van Buren Industrial Park to achieve more inventory storage, reduce handling time on deliveries, and install the latest machinery.

In November 2014, Trulite acquired Texas Tempered Glass Inc., a Houston-based company. This acquisition will expand the company’s reach in the Texas market by offering a wide range of insulated, tempered, and fabricated glass products. In July 2012, Interpane Glas Industrie AG and AGC formed an alliance to complement each other in the market by a larger network, number of locations, and a new range of products.

Report Scope