From Wednesday, Jan. 17 to Friday, Jan. 19, Flanders Expo in Ghent was all about innovation during an impressive 21st edition of Polyclose, the European networking and trade fair for window, door, sun protection, façade and access technology. With more than 200 exhibitors and - despite the announced snowfall - as many as 12,108 trade visitors, it was another bustling event, presenting the latest trends and solutions to the -challenges facing the construction industry. Most of the visitors, of course, came from Belgium. 23% of the professionals present were from the Netherlands.
Surprisingly many innovations at the well-attended Polyclose 2024. Visitors took note of the firsts unveiled on the beautifully finished stands, and there were numerous live demonstrations for installers. Lots of familiar exhibitors signed in, but some newcomers also presented themselves to the market for the first time. Three themes took center stage on the exhibition floor: home comfort, circularity and climate control.
Insulation on facades played an important role at the show. Slim and sleek window profiles remain very popular and manufacturers are doing everything they can to make them meet the challenges of insulation, ventilation and installation. Within the door industry - in addition to insulation, draught exclusion and design - burglary safety remains a focus.
Manufacturers of façade elements are increasingly using films to give these elements the desired appearance or properties. In addition to aesthetic and durable films, several exhibitors also showed sun protection, soundproofing and even burglar-resistant films. In addition, green facades are increasingly popular.
Solar shading has risen sharply within the facade industry over the past few decades and thus also at Polyclose. A diverse range of solar shading systems could be discovered at the fair, many of which are automatically controlled with natural energy sources such as solar energy.
Manufacturers and suppliers supplying the window, door and facade market were also represented. But software solutions, which support window, door, blinds and façade manufacturers, were also back at the fair, as were machine manufacturers.
Polyclose reaffirmed its position as an international platform tailored to the windows, doors, facades, blinds and access technology sector. The presence of high-quality exhibitors and professionals from different countries illustrates the internationalization of the sector.
Fair founder Guy Martens: "Of course we are extremely satisfied and grateful that once again so many European exhibitors and visitors have found their way to our fair. But above all, we are proud of the quality of the contacts made here. Undoubtedly, the fair has once again provided many business opportunities for the attendees, which they can reap the benefits of over the next two years."
The innovations and sustainable solutions on display indicate a sector that continues to evolve. In light of the success of last edition, the fair organizers are looking forward to the next edition, on January 14, 15 and 16, 2026 (with nocturne on Thursday) in Ghent.
"The event once again proved to be an important meeting place for professionals involved in the development and progress of the industry," said Guy Martens. "Moreover, the industry continues to face many challenges in terms of sustainability and building is becoming more and more complex. This calls for more cooperation between the various parties and disciplines. Polyclose is happy to do its part by bringing together the players in the world of window, façade, door, shading and access technology in 2026."
Make a note in your agenda: 22nd edition Polyclose on Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 January 2026 at Flanders Expo in Ghent. Interested exhibitors can already register now: [email protected]