INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Innovation & Excellence Awards
Since its inception, the International Glass Manufacturing Show (IGMS) has been dedicated to advancing the global glass manufacturing industry. As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, IGMS proudly presents the IGMS Innovation & Excellence Awards, a premier platform recognizing outstanding achievements, technological advancements, and industry leadership within the glass manufacturing sector.
Held alongside IGMS 2026, the awards ceremony celebrates innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking solutions that are shaping the future of glass manufacturing. The event combines professional recognition with high-level networking opportunities, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers under one roof.
All submissions undergo a transparent and rigorous evaluation process conducted by an independent panel of industry experts and practitioners. The awards are divided into both Corporate and Individual categories, honoring companies and professionals who demonstrate exceptional performance, creativity, and contribution to the growth of the global glass industry.
Timeline
Opening Submission Announcement
2nd February 2026
Closing Submission
15th April 2026
End of Judging Period
21st April 2026
Awards Ceremony
22nd April 2026
Award Categories
The Best Innovative Glass Manufacturing Solution Award recognizes groundbreaking technologies, machinery, systems, or process innovations that have significantly advanced the glass manufacturing industry. This award honors solutions that address current market challenges, improve operational efficiency, enhance sustainability, and unlock new commercial opportunities across the global glass value chain.
Jury Criteria:
Concept:
This criterion evaluates the originality and distinctiveness of the solution, its alignment with current industry needs, and its potential to open new market opportunities. It also considers the technological advancement and the strength of research and development behind the innovation.
Value:
This measures the solution’s cost efficiency, return on investment, and tangible operational benefits such as improved productivity, automation, and quality. It also considers the economic contribution to manufacturers and the overall market desirability and competitiveness of the product or initiative.
Delivery:
This assesses how easily the solution can be implemented and integrated into existing operations, its scalability across diverse production environments, and the quality of after-sales support and technical reliability provided to users.
Impact:
This evaluates the solution’s potential for industry-wide adoption and influence, its contributions to sustainability through energy efficiency, waste reduction, or emission control, and its broader economic and promotional benefits. It also considers the solution’s ability to drive long-term transformation in manufacturing practices.
The Digital Transformation Leader Award celebrates organizations that have successfully integrated digital technologies into glass manufacturing operations. This award recognizes excellence in automation, AI, IoT, smart factories, data-driven decision-making, and Industry 4.0 solutions that redefine efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within the glass sector.
Jury Criteria
Concept:
The evaluation considers the strategic vision of the organization for digital transformation, its innovative application of Industry 4.0 technologies, alignment with evolving market demands, and the forward-thinking roadmap for implementation.
Value:
Submissions are assessed based on their contribution to operational efficiency, data-driven performance optimization, cost reduction, productivity gains, and the enhancement of customer experience and responsiveness.
Delivery:
The seamless integration of digital systems, workforce enablement and training, system usability and accessibility, along with cybersecurity and infrastructure reliability, are key factors in assessing delivery.
Impact:
Judges evaluate measurable business transformation outcomes, improvements in sustainability through digital optimization, strengthened competitive positioning, and the replicability and scalability of the digital models implemented.
The Emerging Glass Manufacturing Company of the Year Award honors a rising company that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and market impact within a short period. This award recognizes new or expanding businesses that are reshaping the industry through dynamic leadership, technological advancement, and strong commercial performance.
Jury Criteria
Concept:
The award recognizes companies with a distinct market position and innovative business or production approaches. It honors organizations that can identify and capitalize on new opportunities while demonstrating a clear and strategic growth roadmap.
Value:
This criterion evaluates the company’s financial performance, revenue growth, and investments in technology and talent. It also considers competitive advantage, market relevance, and the ability to attract and retain customers effectively.
Delivery:
Delivery focuses on operational efficiency, production quality, and the capability to expand into new markets. It also considers brand positioning, visibility, and the effectiveness of management in executing business objectives.
Impact:
Impact measures the company’s contribution to the industry, including job creation, economic growth, and sustainability initiatives. It also assesses the organization’s influence at regional and international levels.