French glassmakers La Rochère, Arc and Duralex: 2025 milestone anniversary

Look at the bottom of a Duralex glass and you will discover… your age. In school canteens across France, generations of pupils have turned this into a ritual game: the number moulded into the base of each glass would indicate their fictitious age. More than just a charming anecdote, these numbers serve a specific purpose. They correspond to the unique number of the mould used to manufacture them. They are used to authenticate the products and guarantee their quality.

In 2025, it is the turn of France's glassmakers to unveil their own. And the figures are impressive: 550 years for La Rochère, 200 years for Arc, 80 years for Duralex. Three stories, one shared passion for glass, quintessentially French.

This timing is no accident. From the Loiret to the Pas-de-Calais via the Haute-Saône, these three manufacturers share a common thread: they have navigated the decades by constantly reinventing themselves. Their longevity stems from the transmission of savoir-faire and expertise, high-performance industrial tools, and a constant capacity for innovation.

La Rochère: 550 years of history, Europe's oldest working glassworks

In 1475, Simon de Thysac, a gentleman glassmaker, established himself in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The region offered everything required: wood, silica, water, and an ideal position on European trade routes. La Rochère was born.

Five and a half centuries later, the glassworks remains Europe's oldest working glasshouse. Its artisans perpetuate the techniques of pressed glass and mouth-blown crystalline glass, passed down through generations. La Rochère's distinctive craftsmanship, rooted in centuries-old artisan traditions, lends everyday objects a unique character. Certain pieces have become emblematic, such as the Abeille collection.

Exports account for nearly 50% of La Rochère's turnover, representing a 4% increase compared to 2024. The brand is present in more than 50 countries, with key markets including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Asia and Northern Europe. The glassware company relies on a network of exclusive agents and distributors in 27 countries, as well as its American subsidiary La Rochère North America Ltd. Exports are a major strategic focus for development in 2026, both in the retail and HORECA markets.

For its 550th anniversary, the house has partnered with French designer Matali Crasset. Together, they have conceived an anniversary tumbler, an exclusive creation that embodies this encounter between centuries-old heritage and contemporary design.

Awarded the "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" (Living Heritage Company) label in 2010 and "Origine France Garantie" in 2023, La Rochère champions a clear vision: transforming glass into objects that carry both history and everyday joy.

Arc celebrates 200 years of French glassmaking innovation

1825, Arques, in northern France. A glassworks was born that would become an essential player in tableware both in France and across the globe. Today, Arc produces 4 million articles per day, with sites in France, China, the Emirates, and the United States.

The group's history is marked by industry firsts: tank furnaces in 1930, glass-blowing machines in 1948, toughened glass in 1958, automated production of stemware in 1960. The year 1970 marked a turning point: Arc succeeded in industrialising crystal manufacturing, transforming this once-inaccessible luxury into an everyday product for all.

Its brands (Luminarc, Cristal d'Arques Paris, Arcoroc, Chef&Sommelier) adorn tables around the world. Approximately 200 collections made in Arques bear the "Origine France Garantie" label.

The company is also looking towards the future. Its "Arc Responsible 2030" plan targets the circular economy and carbon footprint reduction. The result: a 20% decrease in CO2 emissions per tonne of glass between 2010 and 2023. The bicentenary thus honours a dual ambition: accessible quality and sustainable production.

Duralex marks 80 years: the story of a canteen glass turned icon… and so much more

June 1945, La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, near Orléans. Duralex came into being with a simple idea: to create tempered glassware that was both robust and accessible. The gamble paid off. Soon, its tumblers were equipping refectories, family kitchens, and restaurants.

Eighty years on, the company has transformed its status, becoming a SCOP (a worker cooperative where every employee holds a stake). Manufacturing remains local, responsible, and focused on people.

Today, the Duralex brand is present in 140 countries, with a strong presence in the United States and Canada, as well as in Asia and Europe. It generates 50% of its turnover from exports.

To mark this milestone, Duralex is launching a limited edition of its celebrated Le Picardie glass. Of the 225,000 pieces produced, the mention "80 ans" replaces the famous number at the base, echoing that school canteen game. And to add spice to the festivities, 100 "golden glasses" have been hidden within collector's packs, in the manner of Willy Wonka's golden tickets: winners receive €1,000 worth of products and a VIP tour of the factory.

Le Picardie, Le Gigogne, l'Empilable... These familiar silhouettes in clear or coloured tempered glass have become classics of French tableware. Everyday pieces, now part of France's heritage.

French glassmaking: the art of timeless reinvention

These three anniversaries tell a single story: that of French savoir-faire capable of evolving without losing its essence. Glass possesses qualities that our era is rediscovering. Infinitely recyclable, healthy, durable; it meets the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers. Against disposable plastic, it stands as an obvious choice.

Duralex, Arc, and La Rochère understood this long ago: by combining heritage with responsibility, these manufacturers demonstrate that French glass still has many beautiful years ahead.