Ceramic and glass business news of the week for November 10, 2025

PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES

University of Buffalo launches new quantum institute

The University at Buffalo announced the creation of the UB Quantum Institute, which will unite university scholars across physics, engineering, materials science, computer science, chemistry and other fields to create a leading-edge hub of innovation and education in quantum science.

Kansas Geological Survey expands research, lab space for rock core, critical materials analysis

Industry executives, state policymakers, and University of Kansas leadership joined the Kansas Geological Survey on November 6 for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Watney CORELAB. The event represents a milestone toward the institution’s goal of becoming the premier hub for rock core and critical materials analysis in the Midcontinent.

Pilkington North America leases 33,000-square-foot facility in San Antonio

Glass manufacturer Pilkington North America, a subsidiary of NSG Group, signed a lease at a 33,580-square-foot facility in San Antonio.

US backs Serra Verde’s Brazilian rare earth project with $465M funding

Brazilian rare earths producer Serra Verde secured as much as $465 million in funding from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to help cover upgrades to the company’s Pela Ema mine in Brazil’s Goiás state.

Nuclear energy startup to establish HQ, manufacturing operations in Indiana

First American Nuclear, a startup developing a fast-spectrum small modular reactor for nuclear energy, is planning to invest more than $4 billion to establish its headquarters in Indiana and develop a nuclear plant and “energy park” in the state.

ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

Samsung signs MOU with Sumitomo to manufacture ‘Glass Core’ for package substrates

Samsung Electro-Mechanics signed a memorandum of understanding with  Sumitomo Chemical Group to establish a joint venture for manufacturing “Glass Core,” a key material for next-generation package substrates.

AGC, NPC developing new PV cover glass recycling tech

Japanese glass, chemicals, and materials manufacturer AGC will collaborate with solar photovoltaic equipment manufacturer NPC Inc. to promote the recycling of solar panel cover glass and its use as part of the raw material used in the production of architectural flat glass.

Saint-Gobain Ceramics and Eurodia Industrie partner on direct lithium extraction

Saint-Gobain Ceramics partnered with Eurodia Industrie, a process engineering specialist in liquid purification technologies, to provide integrated solutions for the fast-growing direct lithium extraction market.

Nokia Bell Labs and KDDI Research unite to drive innovation in 6G

Nokia and KDDI Research entered a joint research agreement to accelerate the development of sustainable, intelligent, and resilient 6G networks. To accomplish this objective, they will combine KDDI’s real network data and operational insights with Nokia Bell Labs’ advanced energy consumption models and features and expertise in programmable network architectures.

Trump administration and private investors sign off on $1.4B deal with rare earth startups

The Trump administration and private investors are partnering with two rare earth startups, Vulcan Elements and ReElement Technologies, in a $1.4 billion deal to scale up the nation’s access to materials and technology that is crucial for producing an array of high-tech goods and military equipment.

Purdue and BWXT forge strategic collaboration to advance nuclear innovation

Purdue University and BWX Technologies Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of nuclear components and services for the commercial and government sectors, signed a memorandum of understanding to forge a groundbreaking research relationship focused on next-generation nuclear manufacturing, including small modular reactors and microreactors.

OTHER STORIES

ABET workshop on program assessment plans taking place in January 2026

ABET’s Institute for the Development of Excellence in Assessment Leadership is a professional development opportunity that equips educators with the skills to develop and implement a program assessment plan. This four-day, in-person workshop will take place Jan. 5–8, 2026, in Austin, Texas.

World of Concrete plans for expanded educational content and new products in 2026

Concrete construction and masonry tradeshow World of Concrete announced game-changing features, more than 200 new exhibitors, and groundbreaking educational programming for the upcoming 2026 event, which will take place January 20–22 in Las Vegas.

Calderys Group celebrates 160 years of innovation and industrial excellence

In 2025, the Calderys Group celebrates its 160^th anniversary, marking a legacy that began in 1865 in Pennsylvania through the origin of HWI, the brand of the Americas region of the Group.

Hot end equipment supplier D A Oldfield celebrates 30^th anniversary

U.K.-based company D A Oldfield has achieved 30 years of service manufacturing and supplying hot end equipment to the global glass industry. The family-owned company was founded in 1994 by Don Oldfield, who has been in the industry for more than 70 years, and Garry Oldfield, who has more than 40 years of service.

Christian Mias to succeed Andreas Reisse as CEO of SCHOTT Pharma

The Supervisory Board of SCHOTT Pharma Management AG appointed Christian Mias as CEO of SCHOTT Pharma. He will take over from Andreas Reisse, who will retire as planned in April 2026. Since 2018, Mias has served as executive vice president of SCHOTT’s Electronic Packaging Business Unit.

MARKET TRENDS

Ten charts on global energy and emissions trends since Paris treaty

In the decade since the landmark COP21 Paris agreement aimed to limit global warming, both a lot and a little has changed when it comes to the energy sector makeup and the trajectory of emissions. Reuters published 10 charts that take stock of where things stand as the COP30 climate meetings get underway in Brazil.

NEW PRODUCTS

XJet expands access to metal and ceramic AM with Carmel Pro multimaterial printer

XJet announced the Carmel Pro, a compact and cost-efficient metal and ceramic 3D printing system that makes industrial-grade NanoParticle Jetting technology accessible to small-to-medium enterprises, research centers, and premium jewelry manufacturers.

Verallia taps LionGlass for low-carbon glass packaging for consumer products

Verallia, the world’s third largest producer of glass containers for food and beverages, entered into a research partnership with The Pennsylvania State University to test LionGlass for use in consumer packaging.