Specialist horticultural glass brings more light into greenhouses

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has launched a new range of glass products for the horticultural market that facilitates better crop growth and helps to optimise conditions in commercial greenhouses.

The Pilkington Botanical range uses Pilkington Optifloat Clear, or low iron Pilkington Optiwhite glass. Anti-reflective coatings on one or both sides of the glass can then boost the transmission up to a potential 98%.

The range maintains a high hemispherical light transmission, which accounts for the different angles of incidence at which light meets the glass as the sun moves through the day. This ensures that plants in greenhouses, orangeries and winter gardens have the longest period possible where daylight enables the plants to grow

The glass is highly durable and can be toughened, bent or laminated. Additional specialist functionality can also be added to suit growers’ needs. For example, a coating can be added to help keep the glass cleaner for longer between cleaning cycles.

Alternatively, a light scattering coating can help control the haze and light diffusion from the penetration points, reducing shading and overheating at the top of the plant to ensure a more uniform light distribution.

Pilkington Botanical is the latest in a series of innovations by Pilkington UK designed to meet specialist requirements in the built environment. The manufacturer recently launched Pilkington AviSafe a coated glass that helps to limit the risk of birds colliding with buildings.

The company also launched antimicrobial glass Pilkington SaniTise during the pandemic to help create healthier spaces.

Phil Brown, European regulatory marketing manager at Pilkington UK, said: “To maximise crop yields it’s essential that the light that plants receive is optimised. This can be influenced by the type of glass used for a commercial greenhouse.

“The Pilkington Botanical range offers a variety of products that are suitable for different plants and crops and climatic conditions, helping to improve growth and respond to the issues faced by growers.

“The range is our latest innovation to demonstrate the power of specialist glass technology and how it solves a range of challenges in the built environment – from climate control to health.”