BOROSILICATE GLASS

Thanks to its composition and specific properties, borosilicate glass is a material used in several areas of manufacturing. Unlike ordinary soda-lime glass, it contains a high proportion of silicon dioxide and boron. Thanks to these components, it has low thermal expansion, resulting in high resistance to sudden changes in temperature. This makes it suitable for the manufacture of items used in the preparation of hot food and drinks, as well as for dining itself. The range includes bottles, jugs, carafes, mugs, glasses, jars, pots and baking tins of many types. Borosilicate glass is also chemically resistant, hard, strong and boasts excellent optical clarity. The combination of thermal and chemical resistance makes it ideal for the production of laboratory and technical glassware. Due to its durability and lightness, it is often used in lighting fixtures. Its safety for human health contributes to its use in the food industry. It is particularly suited to designer accessories and architectural elements, as well as the production of gift items and unique works of art.

Borosilicate glass was invented by the German chemist Friedrich Otto Schott, who devoted himself to its development at the turn of the 1880s and 1890s in a laboratory in the German city of Jena. This laboratory formed the basis of today’s SCHOTT AG group. In the Czech Republic, several companies are involved in the processing of borosilicate glass into tubes, rods and profiles; however, the only company actually engaged in production is KAVALIERGLASS, a.s., based in Sázava. It has been manufacturing specialised chemically and heat-resistant laboratory glass since its inception in the 1830s. In response to international developments and customer demand, both production processes and glass compositions were continually improved. The Sázava glassworks launched its first borosilicate glass onto the market in 1923. Development continued. Gradually, during the 1950s, the Czech borosilicate glass compositions SIAL (1951) and, subsequently, the more advanced SIMAX (1958) were developed and introduced into production. SIMAX continues to be used by consumers in various forms to this day.

The ‘Borosilicate Glass’ exhibition will offer a representative insight into the current production of four companies – KAVALIERGLASS, DETESK, TECHNOSKLO and DT GLASS – which, although they have different histories, sizes and, to some extent, differing production focuses, are united by a passion for working with this unique material.



The exhibition is being held as part of the Jablonec 2026 International Triennial of Glass and Jewellery.



The International Triennial of Glass and Jewellery is held under the patronage of:

Zuzana Mrázová, Minister for Regional Development of the Czech Republic

Oto Klempíř, Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic

Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic

Martin Půta, Governor of the Liberec Region

Miloš Vele, Mayor of the statutory city of Jablonec nad Nisou

Czech Chamber of Commerce

Association of the Glass and Ceramics Industry of the Czech Republic

Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic

Association of Glass and Costume Jewellery Manufacturers



Project partners:

Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic

Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic

Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic

Liberec Region

The Statutory City of Jablonec nad Nisou

Czech Chamber of Commerce

Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic

Association of the Glass and Ceramics Industry of the Czech Republic

Messe Frankfurt



General media partner:

Czech Television



Media partners:

Czech Radio Liberec, Material Times, Glassmaker and Ceramist, Designmag