07｜History of Glass (Part 4): A Global History of Glass Manufacturing

In 1781, the French company Saint-Louis succeeded in manufacturing crystal, thus beginning the production of lead crystal. Lead crystal involves a chemical reaction during the manufacturing process by adding lead oxide, so there is no concern about so-called lead poisoning. At that time, as now, crystal glass was expensive and used by royalty and aristocracy. Common people used what was known as soda-lime glassware.

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution also impacted the glass and glassware industry. By mechanizing the blow-molding process, production efficiency increased, opening the way for mass production. French companies like Baccarat and Saint-Louis actively pursued these advancements, not only improving quality but also reducing prices through increased productivity, thereby laying the groundwork for the widespread adoption of crystal.

In Germany, a method for installing regenerative chambers to increase thermal efficiency during glass melting was devised. In Belgium, a continuous tank furnace for melting glass was invented, bringing about a revolutionary advancement in glass production.

Furthermore, the evolution of logistics due to the development of railway networks significantly raised the living standards of ordinary people, leading to a greater use of glasses in homes. The variety of glasses used in daily life expanded, including those for wine, aperitifs, and liqueurs.

With the migration of Europeans to America, the American glass industry flourished, utilizing glass manufacturing techniques from various European countries such as Germany and England. These developments led to the automated glass production that is now dominant worldwide.

At that time, America was one of the world's leading industrialized nations, and through mass production and consumption, glasses became common in the lives of the general public. Additionally, America's heat-resistant glass manufacturing technology was world-class.