Venice has been a tourist mecca for years, with millions of visitors flocking to explore this unique floating city on the face of the Earth. While there is plenty to see and do in Venice, a day trip to the neighbouring island of Murano, known worldwide for its beautiful Murano glass, makes for a great break away from the hustle and bustle of the Venetian crowds. The history of glassmaking in Murano dates back to 1291 when the Venetian government ordered the glassmakers of Venice to relocate to Murano as a precautionary measure to avert a huge fire. From there on, the small island emerged as one of the most prominent centres of glassmaking in the world. Today, you can still catch firsthand glimpse of artisans handcrafting glass in a number of foundries in Murano.
If you’ve never heard of Murano glass you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. What makes it different from the normal glass windows we have in our homes? First of all, the process of making Murano glass is different from any others. It requires a special glassblowing process that is over 1000 years old. Rediscovered by local artisans who found the remains of ancient Roman glassware at the end of the first millennium, they continuously developed and enhanced the technique which has been relied upon ever since. When making the glass they mix it with other minerals which gives it its funky colours and vibrant designs. The resulting liquid glass mixture is then mouth-blown and then handcrafted by master glassmakers in a series of elaborate steps. They used tools to mould, shape and polish the glass to create unique and beautiful designs. For this reason, high-end Murano Glass is called art glass.
The typical Murano glass is made of silica and requires great accuracy! Using silica, soda, lime and potassium glassmakers will begin to heat up the elements so they melt together. They do this in a special furnace at a temperature of 1500 degrees Celcius, until it reaches a liquid state. Very thin layers of real gold or sterling silver are then added to the glass mixture (also known as gold or silver leaf), along with various minerals to give the glass its vibrant colours and designs. For example, copper is used for Avventurina mineral-like sparkles, zinc is added for white colour, cobalt for blue, manganese for violet and gold for red. The resulting liquid glass mixture is then mouth-blown (done by blowing air through a long tube) and hand-crafted by master glassmakers in a series of elaborate steps using special techniques such as Millefiori, Sommerso, Reticello, Filligrana, Bullicante, and many others.
P.S. It is important to note that “by hand” in these conditions means using iron tools for reshaping, as the glass is still burning hot! No bare hands are involved there.
Most of the tools used have were developed in the Middle Ages, and both these and the glass-blowing process have barely changed since then. This method of glass making results in the most beautiful creations, rich in colour and surreal in the patterns and shapes created. That’s why, although all sorts of other glassware has been created around the world, none of it is produced with the same rich history and artistic value behind it as Murano glass.
As mentioned above, what makes Murano glass so special is its history and methods of creation. It is world-famous for its unparalleled quality, exquisite range of colours, and not to forget the unsurpassed craftsmanship. In fact, the avant-garde Murano glass is so fine that it can be easily differentiated from all other forms of Venetian glasses. What’s more; the island of Murano boasts a monopoly of quality glassmaking for more than 700 years, developing and perfecting numerous glassworking techniques that are still employed by the local glass artisans, who are using them to handcraft everything from glass tableware, figurines and famous Murano glass chandeliers. Plus, the incredibly wide range of pure colours of Murano glass is still looked at with awe (and envy) by the glassmakers from all around the world.
You can see the history of this exquisite glass art at the Murano Glass Museum, located on the island the glass is named after. Look carefully at the rare and precise deigns that still give the impression of a moving liquid, whilst also looking so fine and fragile when the light hits them. Accessible by vaporetto, you can reach the island of Murano in 10 minutes from Venice. When there, take a walk around its colourful streets and you’ll find yourself stumbling across all sorts of glass-designs. Don’t forget your camera!
Murano is included in our Venice Islands Tour, which also includes Burano and Torcello, an easy way to see all 3 at once!
Related article: Visiting Piazza San Marco
The ten largest glass manufacturers in the world are examined in this article. You can skip a detailed examination of these businesses and the glass sector and get straight to the biggest glass producers on the planet.
Glass is one of the most needed materials in today’s structural era, from small to big buildings, fixtures and aesthetic interiors and exteriors, from medical to consumer product industries; you can see the presence of this material in different forms. Seeing this gives the glass manufacturer an era where their main product is the star. Giving all their technological advancement and innovations to cope with today’s glass demand fully. From loading glass’ raw material into melting surfaces and forming different shapes, thicknesses, strengths, and durability.
The size of the worldwide glass market, which was predicted to be worth US$115.8 billion in 2019, was reported in the most recent industry analysis published in Research and Market. By 2024, it is anticipated to reach US$153.3 billion, with a CAGR of more than 6.6%.One of the main drivers of the expansion of the global glass market is the flourishing building sector in every country, which necessitates the use of glass in the production of windows, doors, mirrors, etc. In the meantime, the worldwide solar energy industry makes extensive use of glass in solar modules and solar panels. The need for glass will soon increase tremendously due to the rising demand for sustainable energy worldwide.
Please feel free to look up and browse some of the world’s famous glass manufacturers:
It is among the most prominent glass manufacturers in the world. It has operations in more than 68 nations and employs about 1,71,000 people. They currently lead the globe in glass door suppliers. They have enormous production capability and have factories in practically all countries. They have a sizable workforce and a sizable company. Saint Gobain has a revenue of $49.3 billion.
Saint-Gobain Official Website: https://www.saint-gobain.com/en
Saint-Gobain About: https://www.saint-gobain.com/en/group/our-history
Saint-Gobain Products: https://www.saint-gobain.com/en/group/our-main-brands
Saint-Gobain Solutions: https://www.saint-gobain.com/en/solutions
AGC is one of the most outstanding Japanese manufacturers of many types of glasses. They manufacture exterior windows, interior glass, decorative glass, etc. They provide glass to various industries, including the ceramics, chemical, and automation industries. He employs 15,500 people globally. They are the biggest producers of glass. And they always provide high-quality goods. Many glasses are available; you can select any kind based on your requirements.
AGC Official Website: https://www.agc.com/en/
AGC About: https://www.agc.com/en/company/history/index.html
AGC Products: https://www.agc.com/en/products/index.html
AGC Technology and Innovation: https://www.agc.com/en/products/index.html
A global American corporation, Corning Incorporated, specializes in advanced optics, specialty glasses, ceramics, and related materials and technologies, primarily for industrial and scientific applications. They are among the world’s most significant industrial and technical glass enterprises, with revenues of US$11.5 billion. Gorilla Glass, the glass used in many smartphone screens, was also created and produced by Corning.
Corning Official Website: https://www.corning.com/
Corning About: https://www.corning.com/worldwide/en/about-us/company-profile.html
Corning Products: https://www.corning.com/worldwide/en/products/advanced-optics.html
Corning Innovations: https://www.corning.com/worldwide/en/innovation/the-glass-age.html
One of the most well-known big glass company in the world is PPG. One of the top global firms, PPG, sells its products worldwide. This business always uses cutting-edge technology to produce products with distinctive designs. They provide both commercial and domestic glass industry services. It is a Fortune 500 American firm that serves the entire world. Their corporate headquarters are in this country.
PPG Official Website: https://www.ppg.com/
PPG About: http://corporate.ppg.com/home.aspx
PPG Products: https://sustainability.ppg.com/Product-Innovation
PPG Sustainability: https://sustainability.ppg.com/
They are one of the biggest industries producing glass. They provide services to various global industries, including automation, building, commercial, and residential. It is an innovative technology that promotes further development. They employ about 26,000 people worldwide. Selling products in nearly 100 countries worldwide, he has a turnover of US$5.7 billion.
Nippon Sheet Group Official Website: https://www.nsg.com/
NSG Group About: https://www.nsg.com/en/about-nsg
NSG Group Investors: https://www.nsg.com/en/investors
NSG Group Sustainability: https://www.nsg.com/en/sustainability
They are among the biggest glass producers in the world. They are also well-known. They have many workers and a sizable production facility. Another top-tier glass manufacturer is this one. They provide goods for glasshouses, retail consumers, architects, and planners, as well as glass for the automobile sector. Additionally, they offer excellent customer service.
Pilkington Official Website: https://www.pilkington.com/
Pilkington About: https://www.pilkington.com/en/us/about-us
Pilkington Products: https://www.pilkington.com/en/us/products
Pilkington Window Manufacturers: https://www.pilkington.com/en/us/window-manufacturers
Cornwall Glass is one of the biggest manufacturers that can offer you a variety of designed glasses. The domestic, manufacturing, commercial, and news and service industries, among others, are just a few of the many areas in which they offer their services globally. They have over 40 years of experience in this field and know how to communicate with customers. They provide high-end eyewear all over the world.
Cornwall Glass Official Website: https://cornwallglass.co.uk/
Cornwall Glass About: https://cornwallglass.co.uk/about-us/
Cornwall Glass Manufacturing: https://cornwallglass.co.uk/trade/
Cornwall Glass Other Services: https://cornwallglass.co.uk/services/
Another major glass manufacturer in the globe is Guardian Industries. They have an extensive background in this area. This business specializes in selling glassware, glass products, and other materials for both commercial and domestic use. Additionally, they offer the highest caliber glasses for building supplies. Almost 18,000 people are already employed by this company. The business was established in 1932 and is now the leading supplier of sentinel glass.
Guardian Industries Official Website: https://www.guardian.com/us/en
Guardian Industries About: https://www.guardian.com/us/en/about-us
Guardian Industries Stewardship: https://www.guardian.com/us/en/stewardship
Guardian Industries Careers: https://www.guardian.com/us/en/careers
It is one of the world’s biggest glass and refrigerator door manufacturers. Most suppliers, distributors, business owners, trade industry, and private households have consistently recognized this brand—one of the best glass manufacturing companies in the long run.They also employ a sizable crew to produce a glass of the finest quality consistently.
Besteer Official Website: https://www.besteerglass.com/
Besteer About: https://www.besteerglass.com/about-besteer/
Besteer Products: https://www.besteerglass.com/products/
Besteer Other Services: https://www.besteerglass.com/support/
Vitro Glass, one of the largest glass businesses in the world, was founded in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1909. Glassware worth $2.1 billion is produced, processed, distributed, and sold by Vitro through businesses in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Vitro operates through more than 30 companies throughout Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama.
Vitro Glass Official Website: https://www.vitroglazings.com/
Vitro Glass About: https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/
Vitro Glass Products: https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/
Vitro Glass Design Resources: https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right glass manufacturers.
Significant knowledge, skills, and expertise developed over many years of experience are needed for glass manufacturing. The organization you pick ought to be knowledgeable about and skilled at handling projects of your particular kind and generally have experience in this sector.
Speaking with the glassmaker or your project coordinator, whether in person or by video conference, can help you decide whether they are reliable, experienced, and informed. This stage allows you to raise real-time questions to determine if you and the designated manufacturer are on the same page (ideal, but only sometimes geographically practical).
Glass producers resemble other businesses they work with in many ways. Ensure you are receiving the best value for your money while choosing. Get quotations from various manufacturers, particularly if you have yet to gain prior expertise or knowledge of the business. He generally requests three quotes from three different lens makers. You can determine what is reasonable, excessively expensive, and excessively expensive for your position as long as everyone delivers the same project with the same scope, lead, and schedule.
Finding the ideal business doesn’t only mean discovering they can’t complete the assignment by the deadline. One of the initial queries is to discover the current lead time for a project of your size and scope. In this way, neither you nor the glassmaker will waste time if the firm fails due to logistical issues.
Finding the proper glass manufacturer is a crucial decision. This is where the future of your business and projects depends. The above glass manufacturer brands are top of their fields, and considering their reputation in the industry, they are the brands that are worth trusting.