From centuries-old craftsmanship to cutting-edge energy solutions, Czech glassmaking company Novosad & Son Glassworks is proving that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. With support from the Enterprise Europe Network, the company is cutting energy costs and boosting sustainability—showing how even the most traditional industries can thrive in a modern world.
Nowadays, Harrachov is home to one of the most popular ski resorts in Czechia. However, the town was established in the 17th century for a different purpose: glassmaking.
The tradition still lives on at Novosad & Son Glassworks, the oldest still-operating glassworks company in the country, established in 1712. In 1993, the Novosad family privatised the factory, expanding its offerings to include a brewery, spa, museum, and hotel.
But making glass in 2025 is an energy-intensive industry. After salaries, energy bills are the second-highest costs for the company, accounting for 30% of production costs.
Thanks to a collaboration with the Technology Centre Prague, an Enterprise Europe Network partner based in the country’s capital, the company has now also improved its energy efficiency and management procedures.
Years of collaboration
The partnership between the Technology Centre Prague and the factory dates back to 2009. At the time, Frantisek Novosad, CEO and owner, was looking for funding for a new glass furnace and reached out to the Centre for advice.
In 2014, TC Prague enlisted the factory to help with a special request from a London-based design studio. The designer was on the hunt for a company that could make a specially shaped vase. Aware of the glass-making tradition in the Czech Republic, they worked together to make the vase a reality.
"The collaboration of Novosad and the British studio Rokos raised awareness in Western countries of the Czech glass industry," said Petr Novosad. In no time at all, the company were out of stock in its vases’ warehouse.
The partnership earned the European Enterprise Network’s award for the best business co-operation of 2014.
Rethinking energy flow
In their most recent collaboration, the partners took on a new challenge: the energy crisis. Amid soaring and unpredictable energy costs, efficiency is a high priority for glassworks companies like Novosad & Son and a big factor in increasing their competitiveness.
"The glass industry is dependent on traditional technology and energy supply is crucial," said Jiri Vavrinek, Sustainability Advisor from the Technology Centre Prague.
The Technology Centre Prague began by mapping the company’s total energy flow. Using a specialised tool, they calculated total energy consumption analysing how much electricity, gas, oil, and renewables were used, and when.
Next they identified areas for optimisation with the company. One key step was applying for an EENergy grant of EUR 10 000 to replace old and inefficient lighting in the production area with more reliable and energy-saving LED lights.
A more sustainable system
The glassworks are already seeing the positive impact - both on its energy bills and working conditions.
"Without the support of the Technology Centre Prague we would not even have known about the EENergy call, let alone applied for it," said Petr Novosad (son), the present CEO.
In addition to lower energy costs, he also reports lower spending on maintenance and fewer accidents due to broken glass. The company’s reduced carbon footprint may also help secure future collaborations with financial institutions and business partners.
"The EENergy funding has proven that even a small amount like EUR 10.000 can lead to a change within an energy-intensive industry such as glassmaking," said Novosad.
Looking to the future, he hopes to continue the collaboration with the Technology Centre Prague and other partners to ensure that the glassmaking tradition lives on.
"We are open to new international business opportunities, as well as funding advice that could help us continue to sustain traditional Czech crafts."