Şişecam to Bring the Future of Climate-Resilient Cities to the Agenda at COP31

Şişecam will participate as a Climate Supporter in the United Nations 31st Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP31), to be held in Antalya on 9-20 November 2026. The company will address the role of glass technologies in energy efficiency, decarbonization and climate change adaptation with global stakeholders, and will share solution proposals for the future of sustainable and climate-resilient cities.

Operating globally in the glass and chemicals sectors, Şişecam will bring to the agenda, within the scope of COP31, its technologies that enhance building performance and support cities' net-zero targets. The company will also organize a special panel addressing the role of energy-efficient buildings and advanced material technologies in sustainable urbanization.

Şişecam, which will be present in the Climate Resilient Cities Area throughout COP31, will also showcase to participants its applications supporting sustainable urbanization, particularly its high-performance coated glass solutions.

Transformative solutions for the future of cities

Cities, which are responsible for a significant portion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, are also affected by climate-related disasters such as extreme temperatures, drought and floods. For this reason, solutions that increase energy efficiency, optimize resource use and support adaptation to climate change are of critical importance for the future of sustainable cities.

Şişecam proceeds from the approach that achieving net-zero targets is possible not only through clean energy production but also through the transformation of buildings and urban infrastructure where energy consumption takes place. Within the scope of COP31, the company will address, from different dimensions, the role of energy efficiency and climate adaptation technologies in the future of sustainable cities.

Carrying out its activities in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Şişecam aims to develop solutions that support environmental benefit and quality of life by bringing together material science, technology and sustainability.

Glass takes on a strategic role in the decarbonization of cities

Şişecam General Manager Can Yücel drew attention to the importance of public institutions, the business world, academia and financial institutions acting together in the fight against climate change.

Yücel made the following statements in his assessment:

“The fight against climate change is a shared responsibility that cannot be postponed. In order to leave a much more livable world for future generations, to achieve Net Zero targets and to support sustainable development, the business world, public institutions, academia and the financial world need to be part of a collective solution. This transformation concerns not only how we produce energy, but also how we consume and conserve it. For this reason, making our cities and buildings more efficient, more resilient and more supportive of sustainable living is of critical importance.

Glass, an indispensable element of shelter, one of humanity's most basic needs, today plays an important role in the construction of cities that are highly energy efficient and more resilient against climate change, beyond quality of life. We view glass not merely as a building material, but as a strategic solution element supporting cities' decarbonization and resilience processes against climate change; we focus on converting the potential of materials into value for life. With the technologies we develop, we are not content with offering only higher-performance products, but also strive to ensure that the spaces where people live and work contribute to a brighter and better future.

Advanced material technologies are undoubtedly one of the indispensable elements of sustainable living. With our high-performance glass technologies, our investments that transform glass into a value-added commodity, and our half-century of R&D accumulation, we produce solutions for the energy efficiency and climate change adaptation needs of cities. By extending our focus beyond Türkiye's borders, we will continue, without pause, to be part of this transformation on a global scale and to contribute to a more livable world.”

Şişecam to share research findings at COP31

Şişecam will organize events bringing together different stakeholders within the scope of COP31 in order to strengthen dialogue on the future of sustainable and climate-resilient cities.

In this context, representatives from academia, international civil society organizations and the business world will come together at the panel to be hosted by Şişecam on 10 November. The panel will address the role of building performance, energy efficiency and innovative materials in making cities more resilient against climate change.

At the event, the initial findings of the research conducted by Şişecam in collaboration with METU-GÜNAM will also be shared. The research, which examines the effects of high-performance coated glass solutions in different climate, building and energy transition scenarios, will evaluate the potential of advanced glass technologies in terms of energy efficiency, reduction of carbon emissions and economic impacts.

By sharing its knowledge and experience, supported by scientific research, with global stakeholders, Şişecam aims to contribute to the search for joint solutions for climate action.

About Şişecam

Established in 1935 by Türkiye İş Bankası with the aim of developing Türkiye's glass industry, Şişecam today operates on a global scale in the glass and chemicals sectors. Operating in all core areas of glass, the company ranks among the world's top five producers in its sectors.

Manufacturing in 13 countries across four continents, including Türkiye, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Egypt, India and the USA, Şişecam operates in the fields of flat glass, glassware, glass packaging, chemicals, automotive, glass fiber, mining, energy and recycling. The company delivers its products to customers in more than 150 countries.

Operating with approximately 23 thousand employees, Şişecam aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in line with its CareForNext strategy. The company continues its technology and innovation investments with a focus on protecting the planet, empowering society and transforming life.