This long-term look into the future of the glass industry places a premium on strategic planning. The companies that will prevail into the second decade of the 21st century will be those that have the foresight to invest wisely in long-term solutions to the challenges posed by more stringent environmental regulatory enforcement, a more mature and competitive market, and rising energy costs. In this era of tight margins and limited technological resources, glassmakers will need to use all the resources available to them. Partnering with a supplier or other outside resource that thoroughly understands the glass business, and is willing and able to share in the research and development of new technology is one way that glassmakers can plan for future growth while maintaining a tight grip on costs.
