What is Glass?
► Glass is a manufactured material formed when a
mixture of sand, soda, and lime is heated to a high
temperature and assumes a molten, or liquid, state.
Natural Resources
Silica sand 72%
Soda Ash 17%
Lime 5%
Silica Sand
► Three of most common rock forming minerals on earth
► Chemically named: quartz sand / rock crystal
► Properties:
▪ Extremely heat durable
▪ Chemical stack resistance
Soda Ash
► Anhydrous sodium carbonate
► Texture: soft
► Color: grayish & white
► Appearance: lump / powder in nature
Today’s Glass Manufacturing Process:
1. Silica sand, limestone, soda ash
and cullet (recycled glass or
broken glass) are keep dry and
cool in a batcher house in silos or
compartments
2. Mixing and weighing into proper
proportion
3. Send to furnaces in hoppers
▪ operated by natural gas
▪ heat the mixture at 1300-1600
degrees Celsius into soften or
molten state
Fig.12
4. Molding --- molten glass flows to forming machine to mold into desire
shapes
5. Annealing --- reheating the glass in an oven
▪ to ensure even cooling of glass for strengthening of the products
6. Cooling process --- Cool for 30 min to an hour for safe to handle.
7. Glass products are then decorated,
inspected again and finally packaged
and shipped to our customers.
glass furnace
cooling systems
Popular glass manufacturing companies
in India:
Asahi India Glass Limited: manufactures automotive and architectural glass for
domestic and international markets; has manufacturing plants in Roorkee,
Rewari, Chennai, Taloja, and Gujarat
Saint-Gobain India Pvt Ltd: manufactures flat glass, processed glass, and mirrors
for various applications, such as buildings, automobiles, solar energy, and
security; has manufacturing plants in Sriperumbudur, Chennai, Bhiwadi, and
Jhagadia
Borosil Glass Works Ltd: manufactures laboratory glassware, consumer
glassware, and scientific instruments for domestic and international markets;
has manufacturing plants in Mumbai and Bharuch
Factors affecting industry location:
Availability of raw materials: such as sand, soda ash, limestone, and other
additives
Proximity to transportation: such as ports, railroads, and highways, for
importing raw materials and exporting finished products
Availability of energy sources: such as electricity, coal, and natural gas, for
powering the manufacturing process
Access to skilled labor: including engineers, technicians, and factory workers
Infrastructure and government support, such as tax incentives, subsidies, and
permits, for setting up and operating manufacturing facilities
Best location in Rajasthan for glass
manufacturing
Bhiwadi: Bhiwadi is a growing industrial hub located on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), which
provides good connectivity to major cities and ports. It has a good supply of raw materials such as sand,
soda ash, and limestone, and access to energy sources such as electricity and natural gas.
Jodhpur: Jodhpur is located in western Rajasthan and has a good supply of silica sand, which is a key raw
material for glass manufacturing. It also has good connectivity to major cities and ports and a well-
developed transportation infrastructure.
Jaipur: Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and has good connectivity to major cities and ports. It has a
well-developed infrastructure and access to skilled labor. Additionally, the state government has been
promoting the development of the manufacturing sector in the region, which could provide additional
support for glass manufacturers.
Schemes for glass manufacturing in India offered by
the Governments:
Make in India: This initiative aims to promote manufacturing in India
and attract foreign investment in various sectors, including glass
manufacturing.
National Solar Mission: This scheme promotes the use of solar
energy and provides incentives for the manufacture of solar
equipment, including glass for solar panels.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: This scheme provides funding and
loans for small and medium enterprises, including glass
manufacturing units, to start or expand their businesses.
Government bodies responsible for implementing
some of the schemes mentioned earlier:
Make in India - Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
National Solar Mission - Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),
Government of India.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana - Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency
(MUDRA), Government of India.
Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) - Ministry of Textiles, Government of
India.
Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme - Rajasthan State Industrial Development
and Investment Corporation (RIICO), Government of Rajasthan.
Some of the best locations in Rajasthan for
raw material are:
Jaisalmer district: This district is known for its high-quality silica sand reserves,
which are suitable for use in glass manufacturing.
Jodhpur district: This district has large reserves of limestone, which is used as a flux
in glass manufacturing.
Bhilwara district: This district has reserves of soda ash and limestone, which are
used as a flux in glass manufacturing.
Ajmer district: This district has reserves of silica sand and limestone, which are used
in glass manufacturing.
Udaipur district: This district has reserves of silica sand and soda ash, which are used
in glass manufacturing.
Largest Glass Manufacturers
As of 2020, the global glass manufacturing industry has a market size of $120.3
billion.
At least 20 million tons of glass is produced each year.
The global glass manufacturing industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7%
through 2028.
1 SAINT GOBAIN
2 AGC
3 CORNING INC
4 PPG
5 NIPPON SHEET GLASS CO.