GW: What are the prevailing market conditions for the hollow glass sector in Vietnam?

The current capacity of the hollow sector in Vietnam is approximately 470tpd. The hollow glass industry in Vietnam was reportedly experiencing moderate growth and was expected to continue to expand in the years ahead. However, government regulation regarding alcoholic beverages is controlled tightly and that has changed customer behaviour. In addition, used/returnable glass bottles are becoming more prevalent; prices of furnace oil and raw materials are increasing sharply; and there is a lot of importation from overseas… All those factors mean that Vietnam’s hollow glass sector is facing a lot of challenges.

In coming times, the increasingly high demand for packaging solutions in various sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics will be among the key drivers of the market and will influence a change in investment in this sector.

[See page 54 of the July/August issue for a full report on the Vietnamese glass industry.]

GW: And the flat glass sector?

The current capacity of the flat glass sector in Vietnam is more than 5,000tpd – making it the third-largest flat glass manufacturer of the ASEAN countries.

After nearly 30 years of development, Vietnam’s flat glass industry now includes four float glass manufacturers, three solar glass manufacturers and three sheet glass manufacturers.

The flat glass market in Vietnam has witnessed steady growth, driven by an increase in construction and infrastructure projects. With the rise in urbanisation and industrialisation, there is a growing need for flat glass in commercial and residential buildings, and also in the automotive and electronics sectors.

The trend towards green buildings and eco-friendly materials is expected to drive demand for high-performance glass, particularly in the energy-saving sector. However, the flat glass industry has also faced challenges related to the high cost of production, import tariffs, and competition from cheaper imports from neighbouring countries. Nevertheless, the positive growth trajectory of the industry is expected to continue in the coming years.

GW: What can visitors expect from the 45th ASEAN Glass Conference in September in Nha Trang?

Nha Trang is a coastal city located in the South of Vietnam. This is the capital city of Khanh Hoa province and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country thanks to its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and tropical climate. The city is home to various attractions such as Hon Tre Island, Hon Mun Island and Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography.

The Nha Trang area is also known as the source of high-quality white sand material for Vietnam’s glass industry.

All ASEAN Federation of Glass Manufacturers (AFGM) members and glass manufacturers, processors and industry suppliers from the world of glass are invited to attend this year’s conference. We are expecting to welcome 350 delegates from more than 30 countries to join this special event to meet with worldwide partners, suppliers, glass manufacturers and local companies as well as to explore the ChamPa culture and foods.

GW: What was the motivation to adopt the theme ‘Our Net Zero Future’ for the conference?

Glass production is a very energy-intensive process with significant emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). However, there are various strategies that can help move towards a net zero future for glass. One approach is to improve the energy efficiency of glass production processes.

Vietnam and ASEAN have both made some commitments towards a net zero future, although more action is needed to fully achieve this goal. ASEAN has also set some targets for climate action, including a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 23% by 2025. The organisation has also launched the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation, which aims to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in member states.

Vietnam has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 9% compared to business-as-usual levels by 2030, and this target could be increased to 27% with international support. The country has also set a goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in its total energy mix to 15–20% by 2030.

With the theme ‘Our Net Zero Future’, the 45th ASEAN Glass Conference is aiming to create a forum where glass manufacturers, processors, traders, suppliers and participants will have access to the latest solutions, technologies and equipment that can be adopted by manufacturers and governments to further reduce CO2
in glass production for a net zero future.

GW: How beneficial will the technical conference presentations be to attendees?

The organisers are committed to selecting presentations that will focus on providing ASEAN Glass Conference attendees with solutions, technologies and equipment to gradually reduce CO2 through the latest solutions and technologies and equipment. The focus will be on:-

• Using more efficient furnaces, improving insulation and recovering and reusing waste heat generated in the production process.
• Switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydroelectricity, to supply the energy needs of glass manufacturing facilities.
• Using alternative raw materials to replace traditional sources. For example, some companies are exploring the use of recycled glass materials in the manufacturing process, which can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the glass manufacturing process.
• Finally, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies can be used to capture and store carbon emissions from glass production. This approach can help offset residual emissions that cannot be eliminated by other means and move towards a zero future for glass production.

Overall, the combination of energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy, alternative raw materials as well as carbon capture and storage can help the glass industry move towards a net zero future.

GW: How important will the networking opportunities be during the event?

Networking opportunities are extremely important during any conference, and the 45th ASEAN Glass Conference is no exception. Attending this conference provides a unique opportunity to connect and network with professionals from the glass industry in South East Asia. Participants can exchange ideas and insights, establish new business relationships, and learn about the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

The conference will attract professionals from various segments of the industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and local partners, and therefore the event will provide an excellent platform for networking, sharing knowledge and building long-lasting relationships. It is an ideal opportunity to meet industry experts, learn about their experience, and ask relevant questions.

Beside the networking opportunities, the 45th ASEAN Glass Conference will also feature keynote speeches, technical sessions, and presentations from leading experts in the field. Most of Vietnam’s and the ASEAN’s largest glass manufacturers will join this event. Thus, the host country has been making efforts to organise business-connect spaces, themed parties, tours and opportunities for sponsors and participants to create valuable business partnerships, and to explore the local culture, foods and the people of Nha Trang.

The conference’s organising committee believes that those who participate in this event will gain a valuable experience and networking opportunity in the glass industry.

GW: What role does the Vietnam Glass Association (Vieglass) play in the glass industry in the ASEAN region?

The Vietnam Glass Association was established in 2004 and is the unique organisation representing the Vietnam’s glass industry. With Vietnam being one of the major glass producers in the ASEAN region, Vieglass has always determined to be an active and responsible member in ASEAN. We have set glass standards in Vietnam to harmonise with those of the ASEAN and towards higher standards in green and sustainable glass production. We have supported and successfully organised many major AFGM events as well as glass industry events in the region, and are supporting the Vietnamese government in its commitment to reduce emissions to zero by 2050. Vieglass has committed to supporting AFGM members to find and share suitable solutions for green and sustainable production.

GW: What does it mean to you personally to be Chairman of the Organising Committee and Vice Chairman of the 45th ASEAN Glass Conference?

Firstly, I am very proud to be a member of Vieglass and the AFGM. Being assigned the responsibility of being the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 45th ASEAN Glass conference is a great honour but also a lot of pressure because the conference requires a lot of creativity, connectivity and high efficiency.

This conference with the theme ‘Our Net Zero Future’ is a challenging topic, but I believe that with the support of Vieglass, together with its members and fellow country associations, we will successfully stage the conference.

GW: In your opinion, how important is the overall AFGM organisation in ensuring that the region remains a cost-effective manufacturing hub for glass production?

The AFGM as an organisation plays a crucial role in ensuring that the region remains a cost-effective manufacturing hub for glass production.

By creating awareness regarding the current market trends and the latest technological advancements, the AFGM can help manufacturers in the region to identify new business opportunities and production strategies. Through this, the AFGM helps to promote cost-effective manufacturing in the ASEAN region, leading to increased competitiveness in global glass markets.

In Plenary Meetings, countries in the AFGM present reports that help members to get a clear picture of the glass industry each country and across the region. The reports contain information about capacity, market share, advantages and difficulties, raw materials price and labour costs, etc. that can help members in benchmarking the competitive edges in sales and marketing for their products.

Besides this, the AFGM also exchanges experiences with its members regarding production, implementing new technology and solutions etc. for more sustainable products and better cost competitiveness.

Thus, AFGM’s role in promoting cost-effective manufacturing and its initiatives is crucial in facilitating the continued growth of the glass industry in the ASEAN region.

GW: Glass Worldwide is exclusive official journal of the AFGM. How does this benefit proceedings?

Glass Worldwide is a close friend of the AFGM and it provides a platform for the association to share news, events, and information pertinent to the ASEAN glass industry. By publishing journal articles on the latest trends, best practices and innovations within the industry, Glass Worldwide serves as a source of valuable information for AFGM members.

Additionally, as the official journal of AFGM, Glass Worldwide provides accurate and trustworthy reporting on the AFGM and its member activities and provides a bridge to effectively connect suppliers to glass manufacturers.

Glass Worldwide is continuously benefiting the AFGM and promoting a healthy and thriving glass industry in the ASEAN region.

Image: Attendees at the ASEAN Glass Conference in Vietnam in Da Nang in 2017 and (inset) Nguyen Huy Thang.