FunGlass Researchers Present Innovations at the 39th Şişecam International Glass Conference in Venice

FunGlass proudly announces the participation of Dr. Jozef Kraxner and Dr. Hana Kaňková at the prestigious 39th Şişecam International Glass Conference, held in April 9–11, 2025, in Venice, Italy, under the inspiring theme “United to Innovate – Inspire Future”. The event gathered global leaders in glass science and industry to share the latest technological advancements, innovative products, and sustainable solutions shaping the future of the glass sector.

The conference served as a platform for world-renowned experts to collaborate and explore the ever-expanding potential of glass in building a sustainable future. It was an exceptional opportunity to foster dialogue, drive innovation, and inspire the next generation of breakthroughs in glass technology.

Dr. Jozef Kraxner: Driving Sustainability Through Recycling Innovation

Jozef presented his lecture, “Everglass—Innovative Glass Recycling Technology Process,” addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the glass industry: the recycling of non-soda-lime glass. His talk highlighted that Europe boasts effective soda-lime, borosilicate, and many other types of recycling systems.

In response, his research, conducted within the EU Horizon Europe-funded Everglass project, is developing a laboratory-scale prototype using Gmorph-Glass Laser Morphing technology. This pioneering approach aims to transform various glass waste streams into novel 3D objects, opening new avenues for sustainable, comprehensive recycling of all glass types.

“Glass is a key material for a carbon-neutral future, but our recycling methods must evolve. Everglass represents a step toward an innovative circular economy for glass,” Dr. Kraxner stated.

Dr. Hana Kaňková: Creating Reliable Lithium-Glass Calibration Standards

Hana contributed to the conference with a scientific poster titled “Development of a Series of Lithium-Containing Glass Calibration Standards“. Her work focuses on enhancing the accuracy of laser ablation ICP-MS analysis in geological studies by developing custom glass calibration standards with variable lithium content.

In response to the limited availability of commercial standards, she and her team created a series of glasses based on the NIST 61X series, incrementally increasing Li₂O content up to 11 wt.%. Her research optimized the melting process for improved homogeneity, validated by XRF and laser ablation—t. The result: reliable in-house standards suitable for evaluating Li-bearing raw materials.

Beyond the scientific presentations, the event also provided a valuable opportunity for networking and collaboration. Dr. Kraxner and Dr. Kaňková met with Professor Alicia Durán from the Institute of Ceramics and Glass (CSIC), Madrid, a long-standing partner of the FunGlass Center, Serena Panighello from Stevanato Group, Italy, and others to reinforce ongoing partnerships and collaborative research efforts.