At CRISAL, glass is more than material, it’s memory, identity, and innovation. CRISAL is Portugal’s only fully automated, large-scale glass manufacturer. We have transformed everyday items into iconic symbols of Portuguese popular culture. From the iconic Galão glass, essential in every café or pastry shop and named after a uniquely Portuguese hot drink, to the Âncora stemware for Madeira’s poncha, and the Tulipa tumbler for wine in traditional taverns.
Even the classic Príncipe and Barrilito beer glasses have become synonymous with fino or imperial, and a visual hallmark of the brewing industry over the past decades.
Founded in 1944, CRISAL’s journey has been shaped by all those who have worked with us and continue to do so. Generations of families have chosen CRISAL as part of their life journey, building a legacy of knowledge, dedication, and growth. Today, we honor that heritage while looking confidently to the future.
Explore Our Timeline
1944
Where it all began
Founded in Alcobaça, producing crystal chandeliers and glassware.
1945
First Iconic Products
The Bar and Galão glasses are produced. They would later become symbols of Portuguese popular culture and the first to be automated.
1970
National Expansion
Relocated to Marinha Grande; automated production starts, launching the ‘Crisal Glass’ brand.
1977
First Commercial Ranges
Launch of the first glassware collections: Crisal and Mónica.
1986
Stock Market Debut
Listed on the stock exchange as ‘CRISAL – Cristais de Alcobaça, SA’.
1987
New Factory in Marinha Grande
A new 18,000 m² plant was built in Casal da Lebre, Lote 1, Marinha Grande.
1989
Large-Scale Production
Large-scale production starts operating one furnace feeding three press lines and one blown line. Launch of the ONIS brand for the Retail market.
1993
Bosque Collection
Launch of the iconic Bosque collection, the most complete in CRISAL’s history.
1996
A Year of Transformation and Innovation at CRISAL
First factory in Portugal to adopt natural gas for production.Natural gas powers new Furnace 2.
ISO 9001 certification.
Launch of the Crisal Glass brand.
1998
Capacity Expansion
Two furnaces in operation with five production lines.
1999
Foundation of Printglass
A decoration company established within CRISAL’s facilities, dedicated exclusively to the brand.
2001
Merger with Vista Alegre
New designation: "CRISAL - Automatic Glassware, SA."
2005
Integration into Libbey Group
Crisal is acquired by Libbey Inc., joining international brands such as Crisa (Mexico), Royal Leerdam (Netherlands), and Libbey China.
2006-2012
Sustainable Transformation
Implementation of the LE technology.Installation of an electrostatic precipitator to reduce dust emissions.
New pressing technology.
Investment in a wastewater treatment plant.
2016
Xtratuff® Process
Introduction of a special heat treatment that increases the strength of pressed glasses.
2022
New European Era
Anders Invest acquires CRISAL and Royal Leerdam, forming the Leerdam Crisal Glass group focused on innovation and sustainability.
2022–2023
ONIS Returns
The historic ONIS brand is reinvented with a focus on Foodservice market and bar professionals.
2023
Commitment to Decarbonization
CRISAL and REGA ENERGY sign a longterm agreement for the supply of renewable gases.
2024 october
CRISAL invests in a sustainable future
CRISAL invests its own capital and PRR funds in measures to reduce environmental impact and accelerate energy transition.
2024 december
Construction of an Oxyhybrid Furnace
Construction of a state-of-the-art furnace, with hybrid oxy-fuel technology, which allows higher efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
2025 - february
Green Energy transition
Conclusion of the installation of a photovoltaic self-production unit.