On the basis of the experience of the author, a range of examples of application of surface analytical investigations for the solution of industrial problems concerning soda lime silica glass products are presented. In the case of float glass, special highlights are dedicated to the surface composition and properties, hydrolytic alterations, coatings and contamination. In the case of container glass the main topics are the composition of the uncoated surface, the lubricants preventing the decay of mechanical properties (a dual system including a metal oxide primer and a functionalised organic lubricant), contamination and problems associated with further processing. In the case of soda lime glass containers for pharmaceutical purposes, the process of dealkalisation with reactive gases and its influence on hydrolytic performance are described.
