Global Flexible Glass Market Overview
Flexible Glass Market Size was estimated at 1.29 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Flexible Glass Market is expected to grow from 1.51 (USD Billion) in 2023 to 6.51 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Flexible Glass Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 17.61% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).
Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Key Flexible Glass Market Trends Highlighted
Key market drivers for flexible glass include its unique properties, such as its lightweight, shatterproof nature, and flexibility, making it suitable for various applications.
The increasing demand for flexible glass in the consumer electronics sector, particularly in smartphones and tablets, is a major growth factor.
Additionally, the growing adoption of flexible glass in automotive and architectural applications is further propelling market expansion.
Opportunities to be explored include the development of flexible glass with enhanced optical properties, such as increased transparency and reduced glare, which could open new applications in various industries
The integration of flexible glass with other advanced materials, such as sensors and electronics, could create innovative products and unlock new market segments.
Trends in recent times include the increasing adoption of flexible glass in wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, due to its durability and lightweight properties.
Furthermore, advancements in manufacturing processes and the development of new materials are enabling the production of flexible glass with improved flexibility and reduced production costs, making it more accessible for various applications.
Flexible Glass Market Drivers
Growing Demand for Flexible Electronics
The emerging popularity of flexible electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices, drives the need for flexible glass. Being the excellent material for creating such devices, it is lightweight, durable, and optically transparent.
Moreover, it results in manufacturing devices that are strong, slim, and flexible. As new flexible electronics appear on the world market, flexible glass will continue experiencing an increased demand.
Advancements in Display Technology
The advancements in display technology, such as the development of OLED and foldable displays, are also contributing to the growth of the flexible glass market.
Flexible glass is well-suited for these applications due to its ability to conform to curved surfaces and its high optical quality. As display technology continues to evolve, so will the demand for flexible glass.
Growing Adoption of Solar Energy
Another factor boosting the market development is the increasing shift to use solar power. Since flexible glass is lightweight, strong, and can be incorporated into various surfaces, there is no wonder it is a great material for solar panels.
Hence, with the rise in the demand for solar energy, the popularity of flexible glass will increase as well.
Flexible Glass Market Segment Insights
Flexible Glass Market Application Insights
The Flexible Glass Market is segmented by applications, including Electronic Devices, Automotive, Medical, Industrial, and Architecture.
The market dynamics, growth drivers, and challenges are specific to each segment. In the case of electronic devices, the increasing need for flexible and wearable electronics is likely to drive the Flexible Glass market.
Devices such as smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices are used increasingly for various applications, and with it, the demand for Flexible Glass is likely to be high as they are lightweight, durable, and conformal.
In the automotive segment, the adoption of Flexible Glass is also high as the automotive industry is concentrating on lightweight vehicles, combustible-efficient vehicles, and, most recently, vehicles equipped with innovative and safer options.
For all these improvements, the usage of Flexible Glass in front and rear wind shields, sunroofs, and glass instrument panels is common as the Flexible Glass is lighter and provides better view and design flexibility.
In the medical market, the Flexible Glass Market is likely to rise as the applications are for surgical instruments, medical implants, and diagnostic devices.
These uses require precise measurements, which is difficult with other materials. Further, they are used for minimally-invasion procedures and patient monitoring as they are bio-compatible.
The industrial segment of the Flexible Glass Market has wide uses including food packaging and flexible displays and sensors. These displays are preferred as they are transparent, flexible, and heat and chemical resistant.
In the case of architectural applications, the use of Flexible Glass is increasing in commercial constructions and residential uses as it is energy-efficient and aids lighting with natural lighting.
The use of the material in construction including skylights, glass enclosures, and interior doors divides is likely to result in the growth of the market in the architecture segment.
Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Flexible Glass Market Technology Insights
The market is segmented by technology into OLED, LCD, EL, PDLC, and TFT. OLED is expected to be the largest segment by 2023, with a market share of around 50%.
Higher display quality is one of the major factors driving the demand for OLED over other technologies. OLED displays have higher contrast ratios, wide color gamuts, and fast response times, which are not possible in other technologies.
LCD is expected to be the second-largest segment, with a market share of around 30%. LCD is more affordable than OLED and displays good image quality.
EL is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the coming years due to low power consumption and its flexibility in operation. PDLC is expected to be used in a variety of applications including smart windows and privacy screens.
TFT is expected to be used in high-end applications, such as smartphones and tablets. The Flexible Glass Market is expected to reach USD 3.8 Billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 15.5% from 2024 to 2032.
The market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for flexible electronic devices. Flexible glass is used in a variety of applications, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables.
The increasing demand for foldable and rollable devices is also expected to drive the growth of the market.
Flexible Glass Market Form Factor Insights
The Flexible Glass Market is segmented based on form factor into sheets/rolls, flat panels, curved, transparent, and flexible.
The sheets/rolls segment held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for around 45% of the Flexible Glass Market revenue. This is attributed to the widespread use of sheets/rolls in various applications such as window films, display screens, and protective coatings.
The flat panels segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to the rising demand for flexible displays in smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Curved flexible glass is gaining popularity in automotive applications, particularly in panoramic sunroofs and rear windows, owing to its ability to conform to complex shapes.
Transparent flexible glass offers high optical clarity and is used in applications such as touch screens and transparent electronics. The flexible segment is expected to grow at a steady pace, driven by its use in wearable devices, foldable displays, and other emerging applications.
Flexible Glass Market Transmission Insights
The Transmission segment of the Flexible Glass Market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Transparent flexible glass is gaining popularity due to its high transparency, enabling it to be used in a wide range of applications such as display screens and solar panels.
Translucent flexible glass, with its ability to diffuse light, is finding increasing use in architectural applications, creating unique lighting effects. Opaque flexible glass, offering complete light blockage, is being explored for use in privacy screens and automotive applications.
The growing adoption of flexible glass in various industries is driving the segment's growth, with the Flexible Glass Market revenue projected to reach USD 2.24 billion by 2025.
Flexible Glass Market Regional Insights
In terms of regional segmentation, North America is expected to dominate the flexible glass market, holding a significant market share in 2023.
This dominance can be attributed to the strong presence of major players in the region, as well as the high adoption rate of advanced technologies in the construction industry.
Europe is another key region for the flexible glass market, with a growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building materials.
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth rate in the coming years due to the increasing construction activities in emerging economies such as China and India.
South America and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are also expected to contribute to the overall growth of the flexible glass market, albeit at a slower pace compared to the other regions.
Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Flexible Glass Market Key Players and Competitive Insights
The Flexible Glass Market is a major sector, and the key market players strive to develop more and more innovative flexible glass solutions to meet the increasing demands of the end-use industries.
It is also an established fact that one of the main activities of the leading Flexible Glass Market players is related to numerous partnerships, cooperation and acquisitions which help to expand the product range, stimulate the manufacturing facilities, introduce new technologies and enter new markets.
The Flexible Glass Market is characterized by a great number of emerging collaborations between the leading companies and the research institutions which initiate new technologies and have the potential to commercialize manufacturing based on developed solutions.
These strategic partnerships help both parties to use human and financial resources wisely and in the most effective way, providing impetuous development for the Flexible Glass Market.
Considering the above-mentioned information, it is reasonable to mention that two of the primary competitors in the Flexible Glass Market are SCHOTT AG and Corning Incorporated. SCHOTT AG is a leading company in the production of specialty glass and glass ceramics.
The company is characterized by a 130-year history, numerous innovations, advanced technologies, and many types of flexible glass, such as Xensation Cover and UTG.
Moreover, SCHOTT AG Flexible Glass Market company has enough experience and loyal customers to remain one of the main competitors in this field.
Corning Incorporated is a well-known producer of Gorilla Glass, and it is the world’s biggest company specialized in numerous technologies and manufacturing of specialty glass and advanced materials.
As a rule, Corning Incorporated’s Gorilla Glass demonstrates the capability to resist scratching and breaking. That is why the biggest device manufacturers choose this flexible glass to improve the quality of their products.
Key Companies in the Flexible Glass Market Include
- Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Corning Incorporated
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
- 3M Company
- SABIC
- Toray Industries, Inc.
- Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.
- Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
- Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
- DuPont
- Dow Chemical Company
- Eastman Chemical Company
- LG Chem
- SCHOTT
- Saint-Gobain
Flexible Glass Market Developments
The flexible glass market is expected to witness significant growth over the next decade, driven by increasing demand from various end-use industries such as electronics, automotive, and construction.
Recent news developments and current affairs in the flexible glass market include strategic partnerships, product launches, and technological advancements.
For instance, in 2023, Corning Incorporated and Samsung Display announced a collaboration to develop and manufacture flexible glass substrates for foldable displays. Additionally, major players like Schott AG and Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. are investing heavily in research and development to enhance the performance and functionality of flexible glass.
Flexible Glass Market Segmentation Insights
Flexible Glass Market Application Outlook
- Electronic Devices
- Automotive
- Medical
- Industrial
- Architecture
Flexible Glass Market Technology Outlook
- OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
- EL (Electroluminescent)
- PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal)
- TFT (Thin Film Transistor)
Flexible Glass Market Form Factor Outlook
- Sheets/Rolls
- Flat Panels
- Curved
- Transparent
- Flexible
Flexible Glass Market Transmission Outlook
- Transparent
- Translucent
- Opaque
Flexible Glass Market Regional Outlook
- North America
- Europe
- South America
- Asia-Pacific
- Middle East and Africa
Flexible Glass Market Report Scope
| Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2022 |
1.29(USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2023 |
1.51(USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2032 |
6.51(USD Billion) |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
17.61% (2024 - 2032) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Base Year |
2023 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2024 - 2032 |
| Historical Data |
2019 - 2023 |
| Market Forecast Units |
USD Billion |
| Key Companies Profiled |
Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Corning Incorporated, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, 3M Company, SABIC, Toray Industries, Inc., Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., DuPont, Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, LG Chem, SCHOTT, Saint-Gobain |
| Segments Covered |
Application, Technology, Form Factor, Transmission, Regional |
| Key Market Opportunities |
Foldable Smartphones and Smartwatches Automotive Applications Wearable Devices Construction |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Growing demand Technological advancements Increasing focus on energy efficiency Rising adoption of display applications Government regulations |
| Countries Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Flexible Glass Market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 1.51 billion by 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.61% from 2024 to 2032, reaching a value of USD 6.51 billion by 2032.
Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the Flexible Glass Market, accounting for the largest share due to the increasing adoption of flexible glass in consumer electronics and automotive applications in the region.
Major applications of Flexible Glass include Consumer Electronics Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices- Automotive Automotive displays, instrument clusters, and heads-up displays- Industrial Flexible displays for industrial automation, medical equipment, and military applications.
Key competitors in the Flexible Glass Market include Corning Incorporated- SCHOTT AG- Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.- NEG Microtec GmbH- Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.
Key growth factors driving the Flexible Glass Market include Increasing demand for flexible and foldable electronic devices- Growing adoption of flexible glass in automotive applications- Technological advancements in manufacturing processes- Government initiatives, and support for flexible glass research and development.
Challenges faced by the Flexible Glass Market include the High cost of production- Technical challenges in mass production- And competition from traditional glass and plastic substrates
Opportunities for the Flexible Glass Market include Growing demand for flexible and foldable electronic devices- Increasing adoption of flexible glass in automotive applications- Technological advancements in manufacturing processes- Government initiatives, and support for flexible glass research and development.
Key trends in the Flexible Glass Market include Increasing adoption of flexible glass in consumer electronics and automotive applications- Development of new manufacturing technologies to reduce production costs- Growing focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness.
The Flexible Glass Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.61% from 2024 to 2032, reaching a value of USD 6.51 billion by 2032.
Potential applications of Flexible Glass beyond consumer electronics and automotive include Healthcare Flexible displays for medical devices, wearable health monitors, and surgical tools- Energy Flexible solar panels and energy storage devices- Aerospace Flexible displays for aircraft cockpits and heads-up displays- Defense Flexible displays for military equipment and communication systems.
