The new dates of the Düsseldorf, Germany-based trade show is June 15 to 18, 2021.

Organiser Messe Düsseldorf said "In view of the continued uncertainties in terms of travel restrictions and quarantine provisions in the core target markets Messe Düsseldorf has opted in favour of these new dates in close coordination with the trade fair’s advisory board and all partners involved."

It added that it is cooperating with associations to offer digital service formats for 2020 with the aim of bringing customers and exhibitors together and digitally on the original trade fair dates in October.

Egbert Wenninger, Chairman of the glasstec advisory board and Chairman of VDMA’s Glass Technology Forum, said: "The economic crisis caused by the Corona pandemic has also hit the glass industry and its machinery and equipment manufacturers hard.

Many companies are forced to switch to crisis mode and put all investments – including trade fair participations – to the test to mitigate possible negative economic impacts.

"Potential travel restrictions and the protection of visitors’ and exhibitors’ health will have an impact on visitor numbers. A smaller glasstec 2020 with markedly fewer visitors would in our view not do justice to the trade fair.

"glasstec has been and will be the most important global event for the glass industry, mechanical engineering and skilled crafts; and since it should continue to be that way we decided to postpone.

"In 2021 we expect a strong glasstec with high international attendance, ideally in perfect sync with a phase of economic recovery after Corona."