Şişecam Group is working with the International Commission on Glass (ICG) for the declaration of 2022 as the International Year of Glass by the United Nations (UN).

Such a declaration would underline the technological, scientific and economic importance of glass, the Turkish glass manufacturer said.

Prof. Ahmet Kırman, Şişecam's Vice Chairman and CEO, said: “The glass industry offers endless potential in creating a sustainable future.

"The importance of the industry grows day by day thanks to its ability to create sustainability solutions for the most critical issues such as the environment, climate, energy, and healthcare.

"As an active member of ICG, the world's most respected organization of glass science, Şişecam Group operates globally for all its stakeholders, driven by the goal of the 'UN International Year of Glass 2022.

“We believe that Turkey, which has created a global brand from the Anatolian lands where the glass industry was born, will play a leading role in the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly in order to create the global awareness that the industry deserves."

The International Commission on Glass (ICG) is working on the declaration of 2022 as the “International Year of Glass” by the United Nations (UN), and boosting the global focus on glass material.

ICG, founded in 1933 to promote the development of glass science and technology, is an organisation in the field of glass, made up of universities, scientific institutions, glass manufacturers and suppliers.

Kırman remarked that no industry remains untouched by glass since the first glass production, which can be considered the beginning of the glass industry, in Anatolia in 1500 BC, and that the functions and areas of use ascribed to glass and glass products are now proliferating.

“Glass is a product that constantly develops with technology.

"The glass industry contributes to the global economy significantly as one of the key input providers to many industries including construction, automotive, home appliances, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, tourism, furniture, agriculture, retail, renewable energy, defense, aviation, space technologies, electricity, electronics and optics."

Kırman added that the global glass market is currently worth $170 billion.

The International Year of Glass 2022 website is www.iyog2022.org.