Glass Expertise

Glass is in our nature. It’s at the core of who Iittala is and what we do. For over a century, we have been developing a deep understanding of glass as a material. Our glass expertise is unrivaled in colour, innovation and sustainability.

Innovation

Since it was established in 1881, the Iittala Glass Factory has earned an international reputation as experts of glass. Much of this is because of the master skills, extensive knowledge, commitment to innovation and incredible teamwork of the craftspeople at the Iittala Glass Factory. Our skilled artisansare known for their constant innovation and dedication to finding new ways to produce glass.

Colour

With over a thousand secret colour recipes and an extensive colour palette, our mastery of pigments and colours is unique in the world. Our dual ability to create monochromatic tones as well as a palette that varies from light to medium to intense is rare.

From perfectly clear to vibrant hues

Continued innovation in colour recipes

Glassblowers

The main factory ovens contain 40 tons of molten glass at 1450° Celsius. Red-hot glass is difficult to control and takes incredible skill to handle. Glassblowing requires small breaths, soft blowing and sensitive adjustments to airflow. The master glassblowers at the Iittala Glass Factory say that a good glassblowers “needs to have hands that can ‘see’ what’s happening—almost like their fingertips have eyes.”

Finishing glass

Glass polishers have one of the most demanding jobs at the Iittala Glass Factory. Their craft requires precision and a steady hand. The polisher’s hand and eye must work in seamless unison. Polishers must also be able to listen to the glass because changes in tone during polishing can be signs of flaws, cracks or stress in the object. If the sound changes in tone, the object may be in danger of breaking.

Highest quality

Our glass objects are subject to strict quality criteria and every employee at the Iittala Glass Factory is a quality inspector. From blowers, polishers, porters, inspectors and packers, every item goes through several steps before it is determined to be worthy of the Iittala “i” label.

Works of precision

Sustainability

From lasting design to our 100% recycled collection, we are a pioneer in sustainability.

We understand the nature of glass because glass is in our nature. By choosing Iittala, you choose thoughtful design that is in tune with the everchanging nature of your life, from year to year and generation to generation.