Often overlooked, glass is of infinite value to humankind. So, when the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 2022 as the International Year of Glass, it felt monumental. Glass, a humble material, finally gets the recognition it deserves.

As our team relishes in the world of manufacturing at IMTS this week, we here at BCC Research are following the trend. Greg and Joel are observing the event, looking out for exciting innovations and insights from the industry.

IMTS is in full swing, which means manufacturing is taking centre stage over in Chicago. The team from BCC Research are on the show floor at IMTS, gaining valuable intel on the latest industry innovations. Today and tomorrow, they’re attending the Additive Manufacturing Conference. Here, they’re taking an applications-based look at the machines, materials and methodologies that are shaping the current manufacturing landscape.

The United Nations general assembly proclaimed this year, 2022, as the international year of glass. The Year will celebrate the essential role glass has and will continue to have in Society. It was highlighted in the draft resolution, “the International Year of Glass, 2022 can facilitate the exchange of best practices and the creation of partnerships between key stakeholders to support developing countries in achieving sustainability in the glass industry, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.”

While the global nanotechnology market is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years, it is market’s smallest segment set to make the largest splash. Nanofibers currently make up just 3.1% of the market, but since BCC Research first began tracking the nanofiber segment in 2005, the market has grown at a remarkable pace – approximately 27% compound annual growth rate.

The powder metallurgy industry, despite being impacted by the onslaught of the 2020 pandemic, has seen significant growth since. The global market for powder metallurgy is expected to grow from $22.7 billion in 2021 to $32.7 billion in 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% for 2021-2030.

As BCC Research has been covering the Material industry for 50 years, we like to keep an eye out for new advancements. Here’s some industry news we thought you should know.

Check out Part 2 of our Q&A with lithium battery market expert Christopher Frye, below.