EVA and TPU films debut at the 2026 China International Glass Exhibition: What aspects should glass processors truly focus on?
Anyone sourcing interlayer films for laminated glass projects knows that China Glass remains one of the few trade shows where you can compare multiple TPU and PVB suppliers side-by-side on a single day. The highlight of the 2026 show isn't just the number of exhibitors, but also the growing number of automotive OEMs, solar panel manufacturers, and architectural glass contractors actively questioning whether traditional PVB films are still suitable for their applications. TPU films have risen from a niche product to a strong competitor, and trade shows like China Glass are the ideal place for buyers to review technical data sheets, ask targeted questions, and determine if the logistical inconvenience of switching materials is worthwhile.
This is not an advertisement for any particular brand. This article aims to introduce the products EVI will be showcasing at the 2026 China International Glass Exhibition, explain why they are particularly focused on automotive, photovoltaic, and architectural glass applications, and what questions you should ask if you are evaluating TPU films for your next project.
2026 China International Glass Manufacturing Exhibition: Practical Information You Need to Know Before Booking Your Trip
Exhibition Dates and Location : The exhibition will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). If you are comparing multiple TPU suppliers, timing is more important than you might think—most interlayer film suppliers are concentrated in specific halls, and if you arrive on the last day, key technical staff may already be packing samples. Exhibition fatigue is real; engineers who can answer specification questions about moisture resistance or edge delamination are typically only available for the first two days.
Exhibition Hall Layout : The China Glass Exhibition typically separates processing machinery exhibitors from raw material suppliers. TPU films used for glass lamination are usually located in the materials area, often near adhesives and sealants suppliers. If you've attended before, you should know the process—get an exhibition hall map upon registration and mark the booths you want to visit before lunch. If it's your first time, be prepared to walk more than expected.
Where can I find EVA TPU film? What can I expect at their booth?
EVA's booth number and specific hall location will be confirmed closer to the show, but what's more important is what you'll actually see when you arrive. Most film suppliers will bring sample rolls, technical data sheets, and some laminated glass demonstrations. The real value lies with the booth staff—sales representatives can discuss prices and delivery times, but if you have questions about thermal cycling performance or UV degradation rates, you'll need to speak with an application engineer. Understand the differences and don't waste valuable show time asking irrelevant questions about Shore hardness or peel strength specifications.
For buyers evaluating TPU films for glass interlayers , EVI's focus areas—automotive, photovoltaic, and architectural glass—reflect where TPU truly outperforms PVB in specific application scenarios. This is not to claim that TPU is superior in all aspects, but rather to understand when the switch is truly meaningful.
Why is EVI focusing on the automotive, photovoltaic, and architectural glass sectors?
The truth is, TPU film isn't always the best choice. In many standard laminated glass applications, PVB film performs well and is less expensive. However, in applications requiring high impact resistance, UV stability over 20 years, or strong thermal cycling performance, the limitations of PVB film become apparent. This is precisely where TPU film comes in, particularly in automotive applications and photovoltaic encapsulation.
Automotive laminated films : Modern car side windows and panoramic sunroofs place higher demands on thinner, stronger laminated films. Why? Because weight reduction targets and crash safety standards are becoming increasingly stringent. TPU films can provide the same puncture resistance as thicker PVB layers, and every kilogram of weight reduction improves fuel efficiency, making this crucial. Automotive engineers are also very concerned about edge stability—delamination of laminated glass after five years of use in humid climates can trigger warranty claims, something no one wants.
Photovoltaic Encapsulation : Solar panels are typically placed outdoors for 25-30 years, exposed to UV radiation, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Over time, the PVB film yellows and loses its transparency, reducing the panel's efficiency. TPU film used for solar panel encapsulation offers better moisture resistance and UV stability, meaning a longer lifespan. This difference is crucial if you are designing solar installations in coastal or high-altitude areas.
Architectural and safety glass : When building codes require glass to have blast-resistant or hurricane-resistant properties, TPU is often the preferred interlayer material. This is not because TPU itself is "high-end," but because TPU can meet specific performance standards that PVB struggles to achieve, and PVB cannot meet these standards without adding extra layers and increasing costs.
The practical role of TPU film in automotive glass
If you're unfamiliar with laminated glass, here's a simple explanation: Laminated glass panels consist of two layers of glass with a thin film sandwiched in between. When the glass breaks, the film holds the fragments together, preventing injury. In automotive applications, this is crucial for windshields, side windows, and the increasingly common large sunroofs.
Typical thickness range : Automotive TPU films are typically between 0.38 mm and 0.76 mm thick, while PVB's standard thickness is 0.76 mm. Thinner doesn't mean less strength—it means more sophisticated engineering and higher impact energy absorption per unit thickness. This is why automotive OEMs specify TPU for head-up display (HUD) windshields—TPU's refractive index stability across different temperature ranges prevents image distortion.
Engineers choose TPU over PVB : This is rarely a simple price-based choice. TPU is often chosen when complex windshield curvatures require thermoforming without causing interlayer deformation, or when higher sound insulation than standard PVB is needed. Some TPU formulations also seal edges better in high humidity environments, reducing the risk of long-term delamination.
The Application of TPU Film in Photovoltaics and Architectural Glass: A Real Trade-off
For solar panel manufacturers, the choice of encapsulation material directly impacts long-term energy output. TPU film is more resistant to UV degradation than PVB film, meaning it yellows less and has higher light transmittance after 15-20 years of outdoor exposure. Moisture infiltration is another issue—water vapor penetrating the encapsulation layer can corrode electrical connections and reduce panel efficiency. TPU's lower moisture permeability makes it more advantageous in humid or marine environments.
In the field of architectural glass, especially for explosion-proof or hurricane-resistant exterior walls, the key factor in choosing between TPU film and PVB film for laminated glass is the required energy absorption. TPU has a higher elongation at break, meaning it can stretch further before tearing, which helps dissipate the impact energy of flying debris or shock waves. Therefore, in typhoon-prone areas, government buildings, embassies, and high-rise buildings typically use TPU film.
What questions should you ask at the 2026 China International Glass Manufacturing Exhibition?
If you visit an EVA booth—or any TPU supplier's booth—don't just ask for product brochures. Also inquire about the product's peel strength after accelerated aging testing and its edge stability at 90% relative humidity. Furthermore, ask if their TPU films require an improved autoclave process compared to PVB films, because material properties are meaningless if your laminating equipment cannot accommodate process changes.
For those evaluating how to choose a TPU film for glass lamination , the key is not to find the "best" film, but to find the film that best matches your specific application needs, production capacity, and long-term performance expectations. At the 2026 China International Glass Exhibition, you can get these answers face-to-face, compare datasheets, and ultimately decide whether switching from PVB to TPU is truly right for your project.
