Society of Glass Technology

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 o

f 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.

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.

The Geoff Evans memorial Dinner was a roaring success, with 71 delegates in attendance.Among the distinguished guests we...
04/06/2026

The Geoff Evans memorial Dinner was a roaring success, with 71 delegates in attendance.

Among the distinguished guests were Dr George Woodward, Leader of St Helens Council; Marie Rimmer MP; Mark Palethorpe; and Lisa Harris, Executive Director of Place at St Helens Council.

Guests also enjoyed a thoughtful and engaging tribute to Geoff Evans delivered by David Cast, Director of Sustainability at NSG. His reflections highlighted Geoff's significant contribution and lasting impact, providing a fitting tribute during a memorable evening.

What a wonderful first day at the 20th Furnace Solutions event, focused on the reality of decarbonisation.The day starte...
03/06/2026

What a wonderful first day at the 20th Furnace Solutions event, focused on the reality of decarbonisation.

The day started with a warm welcome from Dr George Woodward, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, followed by an introduction from our sponsors.

We then enjoyed a series of insightful presentations that explored both the opportunities and challenges facing the glass industry on its journey to net zero:

• Simulating Glass Decarbonisation: Potential Versus Reality – Imogen Coker, Fives

• Glass Composition, Process, Bottle Design and Post-Treatment: Projects Dedicated to Each of These Pillars – Olivier de Lataulade, L’Oréal

• How Green Can We Go? The Reality of Refractory Manufacture in a Net Zero Era – Rhiannon Webster, DSF Refractories & Minerals Ltd

• Soldier Block Corrosion Profile Simulation: A Tool to Understand the Impact of Low-Carbon Melting Process Evolution – Michel Guabil, SEFPRO

• Enabling Furnace Decarbonisation: Alternative Fuel Trial Developments – Palma Gonzalez Garcia, Glass Futures

The presentations provided valuable insights into the practical realities of decarbonisation, highlighting the importance of innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making across the entire glass manufacturing value chain.

A fantastic start to the conference, with plenty of thought-provoking discussion and knowledge sharing. Thank you to all the speakers, chairs, sponsors, and delegates who contributed to a highly engaging first day.

The morning session was chaired by Christopher Windle, while the afternoon session was chaired expertly by Dr Juraj Raic.

Looking forward to seeing what day two has in store.

Clement Robert from Saint-Gobain after his presentation discussing Hybrid furnace for flat glass decarbonation: Volta mi...
03/06/2026

Clement Robert from Saint-Gobain after his presentation discussing Hybrid furnace for flat glass decarbonation: Volta mid sized pilot.

Andrea Bassi - Glass Service S.r.l. - receiving recognition for his presentation discussing Oxy-Gas Combustion: an eff...
03/06/2026

Andrea Bassi - Glass Service S.r.l. - receiving recognition for his presentation discussing Oxy-Gas Combustion: an efficient and sustainable solution for Glass industry decarbonisation.

Our sponsors introducing themselves as we start the furnace solutions 20. (from left to right)Electroglass LTDHFT Europe...
03/06/2026

Our sponsors introducing themselves as we start the furnace solutions 20. (from left to right)
Electroglass LTD
HFT Europe
F.I.C. (UK) Limited
Fives
DFS Refractories
Calumite

Olivier de Lataulade of L'Oreal receiving his award of appreciation from Chris Windle for his presentation on Glass Com...
03/06/2026

Olivier de Lataulade of L'Oreal receiving his award of appreciation from Chris Windle for his presentation on Glass Composition, process, bottle design post treatment and the projects dedicated to each of these pillars.

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
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