Low Iron Glass Market Size, Share, Industry Analysis, Trends, Growth Report, 2030

Low Iron Glass Industry Prospective:

The global low iron glass market size was worth around USD 3.5 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 5.7 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.5% between 2023 and 2030.    

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Low Iron Glass Market: Overview

Low-iron glass is a kind of high-clarity glass that has minimal iron in the silica used to make it. This low iron content eliminates the noticeable greenish-blue color, which is particularly noticeable on thicker and bigger glass sizes. When clarity is required, low-iron glass is used for aquariums, exhibition cases, some windows, and other purposes. The normal ferric oxide level of low-iron glass is 0.01%. The amount of iron in regular plate glass is around ten times higher. The raw material for low-iron glass is low-iron silica sand. Wisconsin is the primary source of this kind of sand in the United States.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global Low Iron Glass market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.5% over the forecast period (2023-2030).
• In terms of revenue, the global Low Iron Glass market size was valued at around USD 3.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 5.7 billion, by 2030.
• The growing solar and consumer electronics sector positively influences the low iron glass market expansion during the projected time period.
• Based on the type, the float glass segment is expected to hold a significant market share over the forecast period.
• Based on application, the architectural segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.
• Based on region, the Asia Pacific is expected to capture a significant market share during the forecast period.

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Low Iron Glass Market: Growth Drivers

Increasing solar sector drives market growth

Low iron glass's best qualities—maximum clarity, durability, and long-term resistance to environmental factors—make it ideal for use in solar panels, photovoltaics, and other solar-related applications. Low iron glass is perfect for solar applications because of its high light and solar heat transmission, as well as its steady performance after extended sun exposure. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2022, solar PV generation reached about 1 300 TWh, a record 270 TWh (up 26%). When compared to all other renewable technologies, it had the most absolute generation growth in 2022, exceeding wind power for the first time. The Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario's level of growth from 2023 to 2030 is matched by this pace of generation growth. In the upcoming years, capacity growth is anticipated to be further accelerated by the persistence of PV's economic appeal, significant supply chain expansion, and growing policy backing, particularly in China, the US, the EU, and India.   

Low Iron Glass Market: Restraints

Availability of substitutes hampers market growth

There are various alternatives to low iron glass, including tinted, laminated, transparent, toughened, and more. These alternatives are comparable in terms of their performance, strength, production method, and other comparable aspects, which might limit the low iron glass market's expansion. Because it has many advantages over low iron glass, including greater scratch resistance and more affordable options, clear glass is frequently used in place of low iron glass in a variety of end applications, including electronics, building & construction, and more. It also performs and is stronger than low iron glass. Thus, hampering the market growth.

Low Iron Glass Market: Opportunities

Growing product launch offers a lucrative opportunity for market growth

The growing product launch is expected to offer a lucrative opportunity for low iron glass industry growth during the forecast period. For instance, in March 2022, SunGuard® SNR 35 and SunGuard® SNR 50 coated glass are the two newest additions to Guardian Glass North America's commercial double silver coated glass line. Architects may use SunGuard SNR 50 and SunGuard SNR 35 coated glass separately or in combination to produce a specific aesthetic and bring their plans to life. Both materials provide an exceptionally low solar heat gain, a neutral silver look, and outstanding neutral reflection. A variety of performance attributes are offered by the products: With a 48% visible light transmission, a 02.5 solar heat gain coefficient, and a crisp, reflecting appearance, SNR 50 offers a blend of medium reflectivity and neutral aesthetic; SNR 35, on the other hand, offers even superior energy-saving efficiency with a lower solar heat gain coefficient of 0.17.

Low Iron Glass Market: Challenges

High cost poses a major challenge to market growth

When comparing pricing, transparent glass often costs around US$ 1.72/square meter, but low iron glass typically costs anywhere from US$ 3.0 to much more per square meter. Low-iron glass is identical to its alternatives in terms of performance and quality, but it is more expensive and less scratch-resistant, which may be a significant barrier to the low iron glass market's expansion.

Low Iron Glass Market: Segmentation

The global Logistics Picking Robot industry is segmented based on the type, application, industry vertical, and region.

Based on the type, the global market is bifurcated into float glass and rolled glass. The float glass segment is expected to hold a significant low iron glass market share over the forecast period. Float glass is incredibly smooth and lacks distortion. It is transparent and has a naturally occurring greenish color. With its ability to transmit the vast majority of incoming light, the glass offers a vision that is crystal clear. The greenish color associated with float glass is minimized by lowering the iron level. Low iron float glass has excellent light transmission, hardness, thermal conductivity, and little expansion, rendering it very suitable for both functional and aesthetic purposes in the construction industry. It is utilized as the display cover glass for smartphones and LCD and LED television displays in the electronics and electrical industries. Thereby, driving the segment growth.

Based on the application, the global low iron glass industry is bifurcated into solar panels, aquariums, architectural, display cover glass, lighting, optical, smart glass/touchscreen displays, furniture, and others. The architectural segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Low iron glass can be utilized in architecture, both on the outside and in some internal building spaces. Because low-iron glass has a better apparent light transmittance than standard clear glass, it may deliver maximum brightness and transparency in architecture. Low iron glass is utilized not just for external applications but also for internal ones, including conference rooms and offices, where a pure neutral hue is required. Low iron glass and low e-coating work together to provide extremely transparent, high-performing building exteriors that provide vivid inside views, high visual light transmittance (VLT), and realistic façade vistas. When color rendering or color harmonization with metal, paint, and other construction materials is important, low-iron glass is also taken into consideration. Low iron glass consumption will benefit from increased building development.

Based on the industry vertical, the low iron glass industry is bifurcated into construction, automotive, energy, aerospace, consumer goods, electrical & electronics, and others.

Low Iron Glass Market: Report Scope

Low Iron Glass Market: Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific is expected to capture a significant market share during the forecast period

The Asia Pacific is expected to capture a significant low iron glass market share during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region's fastest-growing industries include energy, electrical & electronics, residential & commercial buildings, and others. These industries' expansion is speeding up consumer demand for low-iron glass, which is propelling the market's expansion. Essential functions of low iron glass include maximum clarity, long-term durability, and long-term protection against environmental factors. It is therefore widely utilized in solar energy and green construction initiatives. The Asia-Pacific region's green construction and solar energy sectors are growing due to several causes like rising demand for sustainable development, government efforts, and other comparable considerations. For instance, according to secondary sources, over the past ten years, China's solar photovoltaic market has experienced significant growth. The nation's solar capacity grew from 4.2 gigawatts in 2012 to over 390 gigawatts in 2022 as a result of tremendous efforts. The amount of additional solar capacity added in that previous year hit a record of over 85 gigawatts.

Low Iron Glass Market: Competitive Analysis

The global Low Iron Glass market is dominated by players like:

• Guardian Glass
• Vitro Glass
• Pilkington
• Saint-Gobain
• Euroglas
• Asahi Glass
• Jinjing Glass
• Yaohua Pilkington
• CSG Holding
• Taiwan Glass
• Xinyi Glass
• Ancai Hi-tech

The global Low Iron Glass market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Float Glass
• Rolled Glass

By Application

• Solar Panels
• Aquariums
• Architectural
• Display Cover Glass
• Lighting
• Optical
• Smart Glass/Touchscreen Displays
• Furniture
• Others

By Industry Vertical

• Construction
• Automotive
• Energy
• Aerospace
• Consumer Goods
• Electrical and Electronics
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa