We talk to Duncan Douglas, managing director at Uniglass, who explains the company’s strategy for the UK market in 2026.
Glass Times (GT): What challenges does the UK market pose in the coming year?
Duncan Douglas (DD): Entering 2026, the UK market is shaping up to be increasingly challenging for glass manufacturers and suppliers. Customers are becoming far more cost-conscious, scrutinising every element of pricing, including raw material and production costs.
In this environment, there is very little tolerance for slow-moving or redundant stock. Inventory that sits idle isn’t just a financial burden; it also occupies valuable warehouse or retail floor space, tying up capital that could be used more effectively elsewhere.
In parallel, consumer expectations are evolving, they want products that offer both practical benefits and design appeal. We’re seeing a growing emphasis on laminated glass, particularly laminated patterned glass.
This reflects heightened awareness around safety, security, and meeting aesthetic standards. For businesses operating in the UK, this combination of cost pressures and rising demand for higher-specification products requires a balancing act, but also presents a significant opportunity.
GT: Why does Uniglass see such significance in patterned glass in the UK market?
DD: Patterned glass has always held a unique position in the UK. Its appeal goes beyond functionality, it is deeply tied to the nation’s architectural and design history.
The demand for patterned glass reflects size, texture, and style preferences that have evolved since the early 20th century. Over the decades, countless variations, including coloured and decorative designs have mirrored changing fashion and interior trends. Some vintage patterned glass, particularly pieces produced between the 1950s and 1970s, has even become collectable, sought after by enthusiasts on online marketplaces.
However, the market has gradually consolidated. Rising production costs and the need for operational efficiency have led to a rationalisation of what was once a vast array of patterns. Today, over 90% of UK patterned glass demand is concentrated in just nine core designs. Recognising this trend, Uniglass introduced the Decorvue range, a carefully curated selection designed to meet the most common requirements efficiently, without compromising on quality or reliability.
GT: What are the business goals of Uniglass for 2026?
DD: Looking ahead, our primary goal is to establish Decorvue as a strong alternative to established suppliers. We aim to introduce healthy competition into a market that has historically been dominated by a small number of producers, ensuring that the trade has genuine choice and that monopolistic conditions are avoided.
Uniglass has a long history of importing patterned glass, providing high-quality alternatives to domestic offerings at competitive prices. Our business model is built around accessibility, reliability, and cost efficiency. For 2026, we want to strengthen these advantages, allowing our customers to source high-quality patterned glass without compromising on price, delivery speed, or specification compliance.
GT: Where do you see market development opportunities for patterned glass?
DD: The UK patterned glass market is mature, which means there’s limited potential for overall expansion in volume. However, we see significant opportunity in market simplification and rationalisation.
For decades, the sector has been dominated by domestic manufacturers, which has restricted the competitive landscape and limited options for the trade.
Textured and patterned glass remains essential for applications such as residential bathrooms, partitions, and internal screens. Modern customers expect products to meet baseline standards for privacy, safety, and compatibility with toughened, laminated, double, or even triple glazing.
The trade is increasingly seeking solutions that match these specifications but also offer faster lead times, more reliable availability, and competitive pricing. This is precisely where Uniglass sees a clear opportunity to differentiate itself.
GT: Why have you introduced the Decorvue range of patterned glass?
DD: Decorvue is designed to simplify the patterned glass market. By consolidating the nine most in-demand patterns into a single, cost-effective range, we make it easier for customers to manage stock while ensuring consistent availability.
The range meets all the specifications expected by the trade, without the complexity and overhead of maintaining a broad, slow-moving inventory. In essence, Decorvue represents patterned glass simplified: high-quality, reliable, and efficient, tailored to meet the needs of the modern UK market.
