As Specialist Glass Products looks towards 2026 and beyond, our team has been analysing the key trends, challenges, and shifts that have defined the industry over the past few years. 

Andrew Taylor, our Managing Director at SGP, shares his perspective on what will matter most for manufacturers and the glass industry over the next few years, and why clarity, transparency, and risk management will make market leaders stand out. 

As you look toward 2026, what do you believe will matter most for manufacturers that want to stay competitive, and why?

What will matter most is being clear about what your business is actually good at and building your business around that.

In specialist glass, customers aren’t just buying a product. They’re buying confidence that it will work, arrive on time, and not cause problems later in the project.

Manufacturers who can consistently deliver on complex or specialist requirements and explain that value clearly to customers will stay competitive. Those relying purely on volume or price will find it harder as costs and expectations continue to rise.

What manufacturing trend do you think is being underestimated right now, but will have a major impact by 2026?

The commercial impact of transparency and traceability is underestimated.

Buyers, especially in construction, façade engineering, and premium architectural markets, are increasingly expecting clearer data on origin, carbon footprint, testing, and compliance.

In 2026 and beyond, manufacturers that provide credible, easy-to-understand product data will be far more attractive to specifiers and developers than those that do not, even if the physical product is similar.

From your perspective in the glass sector, are there challenges or shifts that other manufacturing industries will soon experience as well?

Yes, particularly a shift from price-led to risk-led procurement.

In specialist glass, customers are increasingly focused on reliability, lead-time certainty, and technical assurance because failures are costly and visible.

Other industries will experience the same shift as supply chains remain fragile and projects become more complex. Manufacturers who can position themselves as low-risk partners, not just suppliers, will gain more business this way. 

How do you expect the regulatory environment to evolve by 2026, and what should manufacturers be preparing for now?

Regulation will increasingly focus on embodied carbon, product transparency, and lifecycle performance, rather than on safety or quality compliance alone.

From a commercial standpoint, manufacturers should position compliance as a benefit rather than a burden. Clear documentation, environmental product declarations, and auditable processes will become sales tools, particularly when engaging with architects, contractors, and developers.

What do you see as the biggest operational or supply chain challenge manufacturers will face over the next two years?

The biggest challenge will be volatility combined with customer expectations.

Energy pricing, raw materials, logistics, and labour will remain unpredictable, while customers still expect fixed pricing and reliable delivery.

This puts pressure on sales teams to manage expectations more strategically and on manufacturers to price risk intelligently. Those who can communicate early, clearly, and credibly with customers will outperform those who simply absorb or react to volatility.

Are there material-specific considerations, such as energy use, sustainability, or sourcing, that will shape the future of manufacturing, especially in glass production?

Absolutely. Glass is inherently energy-intensive, so energy efficiency and sourcing strategy will directly influence brand perception.

By 2026, customers will increasingly ask: How energy-efficient is your process? How local is your supply chain?

Glass suppliers who can confidently answer those questions, like us, will have a better commercial edge, especially in premium or specialist segments.

How is technology changing manufacturing in ways that aren’t getting enough attention?

What’s often overlooked is how technology enhances sales credibility, not just production efficiency.

In our industry, state-of-the-art processing machinery, automation, and process control reduce uncertainty. The confidence then transfers directly to the customer.

Demonstrating precision, repeatability, and predictability helps sales teams win complex projects where performance really matters.

In your view, what will separate manufacturers that grow in 2026 from those that struggle?

The difference will be how well manufacturers align operations with market messaging.

Growing companies will know exactly who their ideal customer is and communicate a clear value proposition. Those who struggle will try to compete across everything, like price, speed, and volume, without a clear market position.

What mindset shift do manufacturing leaders need to make before 2026?

Manufacturing leaders need to see their business through the customer’s eyes.

That means understanding where risk sits in a project and how your business helps reduce it. Sales and production need to be aligned around that thinking; it can’t be fragmented in the business anymore.

If you could give one piece of advice to manufacturing professionals planning for 2026, what would it be?

Be clear about the value you bring and stand by it. In the specialist glass industry, trust, reliability, and technical confidence will always outperform being the cheapest option, especially as projects become more complex and expectations continue to rise. 

Ultimately, the businesses that succeed moving forward will be those that understand their strengths, communicate clearly, and position themselves as reliable partners.To learn more about SGP’s expertise or discuss your upcoming projects, contact our friendly team.