Invisible glass made in Latvia protecting art throughout the world

Latvian company “Groglass” is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of anti-reflective and UV-blocking glass and acrylic coating. In other words, Groglass makes invisible glass. Based in Riga, this innovative company has been showcasing the potential of Latvian business and science for more than 20 years already by becoming an increasingly important player in the global market.

Groglass offers anti-reflective and UV-blocking glass and acrylic distinguished by optical precision and a sustainable manufacturing process. The special glass and acrylic coatings produced by the company reduce reflection of light and provide protection against ultraviolet radiation, making them ideal for framing art, museum display-cases, electronic displays and architectural solutions. The manufacturing process of this unique glass made right here in Latvia has been patented and as such is kept a secret.

International success

While artwork at several museums in Latvia has been framed using Groglass glass, the absolute majority of the company’s products are exported. Groglass exports 99% of its products to more than 50 countries around the world, including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway. Moreover, this year Groglass expanded its export market with nine new countries. 

Groglass has reason to be proud of its excellent business indicators, e.g., its turnover has increased by approximately 25% as compared to last year, and its staff has grown by about 20%. 

Groglass is protecting the collections of more than 300 museums throughout the world, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The company estimates that every year Groglass is used to frame nearly two million pieces of art. Notably, 20 000 portraits of King Charles III which are located in UK embassies, schools and public buildings have been framed using this glass made in Latvia. 

Groglass products are also widely used in retail. For example, if you visit a supermarket in Germany, chances are good that the refrigerator cases and other food stands will contain this Latvian-made glass. Research has shown that the glass used in display cases has an impact on the satisfaction of store customers, thus boosting profits. This company’s unique product is an example of how glass can combine aesthetics and functionality. 

Groglass customers include manufacturers of electronics who use the the company’s products in a wide array of electronic display cases indoors and outside, including LED displays, info stands and elsewhere. 

Full speed ahead

Every day, more than 250 Groglass employees make sure that customers throughout the world receive the highest quality glass and acrylic products. The company ended last year with a turnover exceeding EUR 25 million, and according to its data, its factory manufactures more than one million square metres of glass every year. 

Since its foundation in 2004, Groglass has received countless awards for achievements in business, innovation and exports. The company intends to maintain its leading position in Europe and enhance its standing in the global market as well. The innovations implemented by Groglass provide stable ground for bringing these ambitions to life. The company appreciates the strong talent Latvia has to offer in science and innovation. The Groglass team also includes a manufacturing and design department which is tasked with constantly improving the company’s technologies and developing new solutions. Several new projects are in the works in collaboration with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) supported by EU funds. The company also collaborates with research institutions, such as Riga Technical University, the Institute of Solid State Physics and other universities abroad. Looking ahead, Groglass has no plans to rest on its laurels and will continue to further develop the manufacturing of nearly invisible glass. 

Information material prepared with the support of the European Regional Development Fund