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The special JV Award, also known as Jorma Vitkala Award of Merit, was created and introduced in 2017 together with Jean-Paul Hautekeer, Global Marketing Director at Dow and other glass industry leaders.

“GPD, the leading global glass industry conference dedicated to knowledge sharing and networking is approaching and this year, we will celebrate a new recipient of the 2025 GPD Jorma Vitkala Award” says Jean-Paul Hautekeer. “This award is intended to honor someone who has made personal and outstanding contributions to the international glass industry over the years, examples of which could be product /process development, innovations, systems, construction, design, architecture, ambitious research initiatives, advanced learning or sustainability”.

“In shaping the sustainable future of glass, new bold solutions are vital. We need innovative people in the industry to relentlessly drive progress. This work takes time, effort, and teamwork. Acknowledging distinguished people with an award is a visible action, while it is important to underline that it is for the common good and progress of the glass industry as a whole that the award is instituted,” says Marko Mökkönen, Sustainability Director at Glaston.

Nominations for contributors who have made a significant impact are welcome from the public through a simple online submission process. While proposing a name, a description of the nominee’s relevant merits and contributions is required. 

Should you have any suitable candidates in mind for this award, your nominations are welcome with delight at

The closing date for entries is today, 12 May 2025. The nomination committee will then select 5-10 candidates for voting online during May. The winner will be celebrated at the GPD Get Together on 11 June 2025. 

Gathering the industry would not be possible without the belief and financial help of GPD’s main supporters - the Glaston Corporation, other key industrial sponsors, various glass associations, exhibition organizers, international press, and especially different chairpersons, who have been and continue still to be the lifeblood of GPD. More about GPD, the catalyst for new ideas, new technologies, and new relationships at .