Sustainability at Glaston

Glaston is actively involved in developing its industry. We promote the development of both the industry and its technologies in our operations and with our partners.

Glaston is actively participating in international glass industry organizations such as International Commission on Glass, NGA/GANA in the United States, China Glass Association in China, Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau glass technology forum in Germany and in the flat glass associations in Germany and Finland.

In addition, Glaston is an active member, authorized by the Finnish national working group, in glass industry committees of CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) as well as in working groups preparing safety glass (tempered and laminated glass) standards.

Through these, the company’s representatives can influence the creation of industry standards and communicate through their practical experience the needs and requirements that the standards should cover.

The Glass Performance Days (GPD) conference, organized by Glaston, brings together all of the various stakeholders in the glass processing chain. The conference aims to gather together the latest information among sector actors and to promote the development of new areas of application and technological features.

The conference has been organized since 1992 and over the years more than 15,000 glass industry professionals have attended the event.

To boost the industry’s development and increase innovation, Glaston has twice organized a start-up event for the glass industry, Step Change. The event is a forum for innovators, potential partners, customers and investors. The event has been organized in conjunction with the Glass Performance Days (GPD) conference.

Glaston has joined the Ahlström Collective Impact initiative to invest in a better future for children through a unique co-operation model with UNICEF Finland. Ahlström Collective Impact (ACI) is a joint responsibility initiative by Ahlström Network companies.

Initiated by Eva Ahlström Foundation in 2020, Ahlström Collective Impact is a new co-operation model between the partnering companies and UNICEF Finland focusing on achieving change in the global society and improving the lives of children worldwide by making strategic investments. The partnership’s activities and funding decision are guided by commonly selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations.

In 2022, a total of EUR 770,000 has been directed into UNICEF’s Global Education Program, which supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals number 4. (good education), and supports the development of millions of children learning, growing and developing life skills. In addition, the companies, employees, foundations, and shareholders within the Ahlström Collective Impact have raised nearly EUR 300,000 for the children in Ukraine.