Global Smart Glass Market By Technology (Electrochromic, Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC), and Other Technology),  By Application (Architectural, and Other Applications), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

The Global Smart Glass Market size was valued at USD 5.0 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% and reach USD 13.2 billion during the forecast period of 2023-2032. Smart glass is a special glass that can change its appearance and light transmission properties by applying heat, voltage, or light.

The increasing use of smart glass in many applications, including architectural, aerospace, marine, and automotive, has driven the market’s growth. These factors play a major role in the global market. The government’s strict guidelines for equipping existing buildings with energy-saving and green technologies will also help to increase the adoption rate of switchable glasses.

Driving Factors

Increasing Integration of Smart Glasses in Automotive Glass Panels to Drive the Market

In order to create a unique selling proposition (USP) for their products, a number of global automakers are concentrating on incorporating cutting-edge design ideas into their vehicles. In the past decade, as consumer spending capacity has increased, customers have also demanded that luxury features be included in the vehicle selection process.

The use of switchable glass is one such design change that has gained a lot of traction in the automotive industry. They are used in glass panels for panoramic view windows, windshields, rearview mirrors, sun visors, and sunroofs. In addition to controlling light transmission in the vehicle compartment, these glass panels also aid in maintaining privacy and temperature. These products improve the vehicle’s energy efficiency and passenger comfort because of these properties.

In addition, an increase in the number of tourist activities all over the world has contributed to an increase in the demand for automobiles with panoramic window panels and sunroofs, which allow passengers to take in the scenic beauty from the comfort of the vehicle. The market is anticipated to expand during the forecast period due to the rising demand for switchable glass for automotive glass panels.

Increasing Adoption of Smart Glass in the Construction Industry to Drive the Market

Smart glass contributes to the illumination of the building, resulting in multifunctional spaces that can easily adapt to users’ requirements. It is also able to provide thermal and acoustic insulation in buildings, saving energy and offering 3D design options to building architects and interior designers. These glasses are used to design smart facades, skylights, and windows in buildings.

This gives the building a unique, dynamic look and lets people control their privacy inside, especially in office spaces and hospital partitions. The demand for sophisticated building materials is anticipated to rise as consumer spending increases in emerging economies. This will make it possible for consumers to live elegant lives.

Restraining Factors

High Cost of Smart Glass to Limit its Adoption

The material cost, installation costs, electricity costs, and functional features, such as control latency, transparency differential, and dimming capabilities, all play a role in determining the overall cost of smart glass. This glass costs a lot more than regular glasses because of these costs.

Additionally, the use of rare chemicals and electronic systems necessitates specialized treatment procedures for the disposal of waste glass panels, which further drives up the final cost. Manufacturers of switchable glass find it difficult to list the customers’ benefits and attractive returns on investment when using switchable glass because of these factors. Even though these glasses have many benefits, few people are using them because of how expensive they are.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Due to the temporary closures of supply chains and assembly plants around the world, the COVID-19 crisis had a significant impact on the market outlook. The second quarter of 2020 saw a drop in automotive sales of around 45%, particularly in Europe. This affected the overall demand for smart glasses.

Following that, there was less demand for building glass because construction activities were temporarily halted during the pandemic. From February 2020 to April 2020, construction activity in Italy, France, and Luxembourg decreased by 71.5 percent, 63.9%, and 55.0 percent, respectively, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

Businesses were able to breathe easier as a result of the cooperative government initiatives in various nations. During the pandemic, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) was one of several initiatives launched by the British government. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with annual revenues of up to USD 60.34 million (approximately) are eligible for the program, which are experiencing cash flow disruptions as a result of the pandemic are eligible for approximately USD 6.7 million in government financing.

By Technology Analysis

It is segmented according to innovative glass technology into suspended particle devices, polymer dispersed crystal glass, and electrochromic, photochromic, and thermochromic glasses. The transmission of light is controlled by the electrical alignment of nanoparticles in the film between the glass panels. Suspended particle devices (SPD) glasses are used to control this. These glasses are easily integrated into buildings and can be controlled remotely using switches, dimmers, and motion detectors. This segment holds the largest market share and will continue to be the most desirable technology for manufacturing over the forecast period.

The smart glazing or film laminated between two glass panels makes up polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) glass. When an electrical signal is applied across the glass panel, the randomly arranged crystals align themselves, transforming the film into a transparent form from a milky translucent appearance. Because of this property, PDLC glass is widely used to construct privacy partitions in buildings. Additionally, it is utilized in automotive glass panels to control glare and light flow inside the vehicle, such as panoramic windows and sunroofs.

By Application Analysis:

The market is divided into architectural, consumer electronics, automotive and transportation, power generation, and other applications. Consumer spending capacity has increased in recent years, and living standards have improved, particularly in North America and Europe. This has led to an increase in the demand for premium SUVs and luxury cars. For the production of glass panels like windshields, head and tail lights, and window visors, this glass is extensively utilized in the automotive industry. This segment holds the largest global market share and is anticipated to expand at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This is due to the growing use of these glasses in the transportation and automotive industries.

In contrast, architects and interior designers have turned their attention to this glass in order to produce appealing 3D designs for buildings and give customers control over privacy in various areas of the building. Additionally, the demand for hospital and healthcare facility design has grown as a result of Covid-19, which should further support the segment’s expansion. As a result, the architectural application market is anticipated to expand significantly between 2023 and 2032.

By End-User Analysis

Automotive and transportation, architecture and construction, aerospace, solar energy, and others make up the end-use segments of the market. In 2022, the construction and architecture industry dominated the global market for smart glass. The growth of the market is driven by the product’s growing use in building construction, rising living standards, rising disposable income, and the development of public infrastructure.

The use of the product in buildings makes them more energy efficient, saves money on maintenance, and saves a lot of energy. The growth of the market is driven by global urbanization and building automation growth.

Key Market Segments:

Based on Technology

• Electrochromic
• Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC)
• Suspended Particle Devices (SPD)
• Thermochromics
• Photochromic
• Other Technology

Based on Application

• Architectural
• Transportation
  • Automotive
  • Aircraft
  • Marine
• Consumer Electronics
• Power Generation
• Other Applications

Growth Opportunity

A Growing Market Trend is the Use of SPD Glass to Create Large Windows in the Aerospace Industry.

The rapid growth of the aircraft industry has led to an increase in demand. The manufacturers of aircraft are encouraging the use of windows that are larger because they would provide passengers with greater control and utility. For this purpose, they are wearing particular glasses, mostly SPD glass. When the aircraft is parked on the ramp, these glasses provide improved heat rejection, rapid and uniform reaction, excellent acoustic insulation, light management, and the fundamental qualities necessary to improve the aircraft’s performance.

By reducing glare, protecting vision, and enabling daylighting with a single button, these features improve passenger comfort. Consequently, there is a rise in the demand for these glasses in the aerospace industry because they have features that not only help passengers feel more content during the flight but also assist aerospace companies in preserving aircraft’s energy efficiency.

Increasing R&D efforts

Increasing R&D efforts have led to potential applications for smart glass in various end markets. For instance, smart glass may increase operational efficiency by 20 to 30 percent in solar-powered heating and cooling systems. Additionally, it is frequently utilized as a privacy glass in the interior barriers of fighter jets, airplanes, and cruise ships. This is anticipated to open up attractive market potential and result in an increase in sales of smart glass across a number of end-use industries.

Latest Trends

The Adoption of SPD Glass in the Aerospace Industry to Form Large Windows is an Increasing Market Trend

Demand has increased as a result of the aerospace industry’s rapid expansion. The use of larger windows, which would provide passengers with greater control and functionality, is being promoted by aircraft manufacturers. They are employing these glasses, primarily SPD glass, for this purpose. When parked on the ramp, these glasses provide superior heat rejection, rapid and uniform response, excellent acoustic insulation, light control, and other essential characteristics for improving the aircraft’s functions.

These features increase passenger comfort by controlling unwanted glare, maintaining the view, and preserving daylight at the touch of a button. As a result, the aerospace industry is experiencing a growing trend in demand for these glasses because these properties help aerospace companies maintain energy efficiency in airplanes and improve customer satisfaction during flights.

Regional Analysis

North America dominated the smart glass market at 32.0%, with a revenue share exceeding 32.0%. This is due to the availability and affordability of value-added products, such as laminated glazing, in addition to the creation of energy conservation regulations in the region. Regional companies are offering products that meet consumer needs.

Through 2032, the transportation sector in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 12.0%, making it the region with the highest CAGR. The growth of the regional market is aided by increased demand for high-end automobiles and increased disposable income. In addition, the adoption of energy-efficient windows and air conditioners is anticipated to be driven by the region’s growing awareness of energy conservation.

Key Regions and Countries:

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Ireland
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Benelux
  • Nordic
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • The Czech Republic
  • Greece
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Algeria
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Nigeria
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Rest of MEA

Market Share & Key Players Analysis:

Product Innovation and Partnerships with End-Users are Essential Aspects for the Growth of Companies Operating in the Market

Companies must maintain their market position through product innovation and partnerships with end users. One of the market’s most well-known businesses is Pleotint LLC. With 33 fabrication partners, the company operates in more than 36 nations and has completed more than 35 projects in various fields. Under the brand name “Suntuitive,” the company sells a variety of smart glass solutions throughout the United States and has focused on the creation of products that control the transmission of solar light inside buildings.

Market Key Players:

Listed below are some of the most prominent Smart Glass industry players.

• Saint-Gobain S.A.
• Corning Incorporated
• Guardian Industries
• Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
• Kinestral Technologies, Inc.
• Research Frontiers Inc.
• VELUX Group
• SPD Control Systems Corporation
• AGC Inc.
• RavenWindow
• Polytronix, Inc.
• Gentex Corporation
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments:

• In January 2022, In order to construct homes using environmentally friendly materials, View collaborated with Nabr, a home design firm. View’s smart windows and cloud-connected smart building network will be available in every Nabr residence.
• In January 2022, IMPAC, a Mexican leader in construction chemicals solutions, was acquired by Saint-Gobain. Expanding the Group’s portfolio of lightweight and environmentally friendly building solutions will lkely strengthen the Group’s position in Latin America and accelerate its expansion there.

Report Scope: