Society of Glass Technology

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Society of Glass Technology A non-profit organisation with the object of advancing the study of glass

The Society of Glass Technology was inaugurated at a meeting in the University of Sheffield, on Thursday November 18th 1916. Its object was defined as the general advancement of the various branches of Glass technology by the association of persons interested in glass and glassware: the reading and discussion of papers; the publication of scientific information on glass technology; the formation of a library and museum.

2016 marks the Society's centenary year, and we will be celebrating with a range of events including a return to the University for our Annual Conference.

17/09/2026

Each year, the Society of Glass Technology presents the Paul Award for the best presentation by a newcomer at the SGT Annual Conference. The award is judged by the Basic Science and Technology Committee.

This year, the award was presented to Ms Miu Onaru from Sheffield Hallam University for her presentation entitled:

“Understanding the High-Temperature Density of Radioactive Waste Glasses and Melts”

Miu’s PhD supervisor is Professor Paul Bingham.

Congratulations to Miu on this well-deserved success, achieved despite strong competition from many other excellent presenters at the Conference.

Thank you, Miu, for your participation in the Conference. We look forward to welcoming you back next year.

As Cambridge 2026 comes to a close, SGT would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who contrib...
09/09/2026

As Cambridge 2026 comes to a close, SGT would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the conference such a success.

Whether you joined us as a speaker, delegate, organiser, volunteer, or supporter, your contribution played an important part in creating such a memorable event.

The conference simply would not have been possible without your time, enthusiasm, expertise and support. We are truly grateful to everyone who helped make Cambridge 2026 a special occasion.

Thank you for being part of Cambridge 2026, and we look forward to welcoming you again at future SGT events.

The Cambridge Conference Banquet was held in the beautiful and historic Clare College Banquet Hall, a venue steeped in c...
09/09/2026

The Cambridge Conference Banquet was held in the beautiful and historic Clare College Banquet Hall, a venue steeped in centuries of history and tradition.

Our delegates enjoyed a wonderful three-course meal in the elegant surroundings, providing a fitting occasion to celebrate the conference and the fellowship shared throughout the event.

Grace was said by Mary Parker who has had a long-standing affiliation with SGT spanning more than 30 years.

At the centre of the top table was our current President, Angela Seddon, who was joined by fellow distinguished guests for this memorable evening.

Michael Cable Award PresentationWe were delighted to see Arun Varshneya, our Past President, receive the Michael Cable A...
08/09/2026

Michael Cable Award Presentation

We were delighted to see Arun Varshneya, our Past President, receive the Michael Cable Award, presented by another of our Past Presidents, Stuart Hakes.

Arun also gave a thought-provoking and engaging overview of Michael Cable’s life, work, and contributions, providing a fitting reflection on the legacy of an important figure in the field of glass science and technology.

It was a special moment to recognise both Michael Cable’s lasting contribution and Arun’s achievements within our community.

08/09/2026

Cambridge 2026 Conference – Underway in Cambridge

We are pleased to share that the Cambridge 2026 Conference is now underway, bringing together 85+ delegates from across the research, industry, and heritage communities.

This year’s conference provides an opportunity for researchers, industry professionals, and heritage specialists to come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and explore the latest developments in glass science, technology, sustainability, and innovation.

Over the coming days, we look forward to a programme of thought-provoking presentations, discussions, and opportunities for collaboration, with a shared focus on the future of glass and its heritage.

A warm welcome to all our delegates, speakers, and contributors, and we hope everyone enjoys the conference.

Our appreciation awards were created by the very talented Oseng Rees Reflection LtdEach piece was made from discarded wh...
10/06/2026

Our appreciation awards were created by the very talented Oseng Rees Reflection Ltd

Each piece was made from discarded white bottle glass, kiln‑fused, cut to 10×10 cm, edge‑polished, and set into a diamond‑shaped stand crafted from reclaimed wood.

The awards recognised contributions to innovation and sustainability within the glass industry, a perfect use of materials that reflect circularity and responsible design.

Meaningful to turn waste glass into something that celebrates progress.

10/06/2026

SGT Annual Conference 2026 – The Evolution and Innovation of Glass

Join us at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, from 7–9 September 2026 for the Society of Glass Technology's Annual Conference.

This year's conference will bring together researchers, industry professionals, and heritage specialists to explore the latest developments in glass science, technology, sustainability, and innovation.

🌍 Special Theme: Sustainability

🎤 Featuring invited speakers from leading institutions across the world, including:
• Delia Brauer – Friedrich Schiller University, Jena
• Angela Seddon – University of Nottingham
• Grant Henderson – University of Toronto
• Clare Thorpe – University of Sheffield
• Morten Smedskjaer – Aalborg University
…and many more.

🍽️ Conference Banquet Dinner
📅 Tuesday 8 September
📍 Clare College, Cambridge

📢 Abstract Submission & Registration Open
Late abstracts may still be accepted – submit yours as soon as possible!

Whether your interests lie in science, industry, sustainability, cultural heritage, or glass technology, we welcome your participation.

We look forward to seeing you in Cambridge for three days of discussion, collaboration, and discovery.

The 2026 Michael Garvey Award was presented to Olivier de Lataulade of L'Oréal in recognition of his contribution to inn...
04/06/2026

The 2026 Michael Garvey Award was presented to Olivier de Lataulade of L'Oréal in recognition of his contribution to innovation and sustainability within the glass industry.

About the Michael Garvey Award

The Michael Garvey Award for the best presentation at Furnace Solutions is generously sponsored by Guardian Glass.
The award commemorates Michael Garvey, who delivered a memorable presentation entitled “Challenges in the 21st Century” at Furnace Solutions-3. Michael made a lasting impression on colleagues and delegates through his enthusiasm, technical knowledge, and commitment to the glass industry.
After graduating from the University of Sheffield, Michael joined Guardian Glass in Carleton, Michigan, before returning to the UK as a key member of the process team at Guardian’s Goole plant.
Tragically, Michael lost his life in a climbing accident in 2008 at the age of 27.
The award was established through the efforts of Richard Hulme (Guardian Glass), Chris Windle (DSF), Geoff Evans, and other members of the SMTC, and serves as a lasting tribute to Michael’s contribution to the industry and his passion for innovation.
The 2026 Michael Garvey Award was presented to Olivier de Lataulade of L’Oréal for the best presentation at Furnace Solutions 2026.
Previous recipients of the award include

• Paul Bingham, Sheffield Hallam University
• Alessandro Monteforte, K2-CO2
• Fabrice Fasilow, AGC
• Sven Roger Kahl, Ardagh Group
• Lara Edison, Encirc
• Rob Ireson, Glass Futures

The award continues to highlight individuals whose work is advancing the future of glass manufacturing through technological innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration.

The second day of Furnace Solutions 20 commenced with an Introduction and Welcome from Christopher Windle of SMTC. The m...
04/06/2026

The second day of Furnace Solutions 20 commenced with an Introduction and Welcome from Christopher Windle of SMTC. The morning session was chaired by Stuart Hakes HonFSGT and focused on decarbonisation, energy efficiency, electrification, and digital innovation within the glass industry.

The first presentation, delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams due to visa issues, was given by Giorgio Di Lascio of Industrious Global Technologies. His paper explored reducing CO₂ emissions in glass manufacturing through the installation of waste heat recovery systems and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology.

Emanuele Donati of Glass Service S.r.l. followed with a presentation on next-generation electric forehearth technology designed to support low-carbon glass forming. Gregoire Quere of Schneider Electric then discussed how glass manufacturers can combine profitability with lower-carbon operations, demonstrating that sustainability and commercial success can work hand in hand.

The application of artificial intelligence in glass production was the focus of the fourth presentation, delivered by Phillip Kerbois of Ametek Land, who presented on using AI to improve glass batch detection and process monitoring. Carsten Sorof of SORG subsequently highlighted how state-of-the-art technologies are contributing to decarbonisation across the glass manufacturing sector.

The final presentation of the morning was delivered by Matthew Wenban-Smith of Responsible Glass, who addressed the question of whether responsible glassmaking and the journey to net-zero emissions can be made profitable, stimulating discussion around the commercial realities of sustainable manufacturing.

The afternoon session, chaired by Liam Wray, continued the sustainability theme. Ernesto Catteno of STARA Glass presented pilot test results from the LIFE SUGAR Project, offering valuable insights into innovative approaches for reducing the environmental impact of glass production.

The session also featured the following presentations:

Why the Future Grid Needs Glass Furnaces to Be Flexible in This Power Supercycle — Wei Deng, Sheffield Hallam University

Greener Glass Melting with Spent Foundry Sand — Robert Werner, Glass Technology Services

The conference concluded with the presentation of The Michael Garvey Award, sponsored by Guardian Glass and awarded for the best presentation delivered during Furnace Solutions.

Address

9 Churchill Way Chapeltown
Sheffield
S352PY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

01142634455

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