Pilkington marks sales milestone for self-cleaning glass

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has sold 10 million square meters of its self-cleaning glass product Pilkington Activ, the world’s first self-cleaning glass product, launched in 2002.

The product range, which marked its 15th anniversary in 2017, works by using a microscopic dual-action coating.

The coating is activated by daylight to break down organic deposits such as dirt, which is then washed away when rainwater hits the glass and runs off in a ‘sheet’.

Pilkington Activ was independently verified last year as the first dual-action product to meet the new European Standard for self-cleaning glass. It’s often used in glass extensions and hard to reach areas, including conservatory roofs, orangeries and atriums in commercial buildings.

The range was used in the £3 million renovation of the orangery at Mansion House, St Helens. It’s also been used in other high-profile projects across Europe including hotels and power stations.

Kevin Sanderson, head of innovation at the NSG Group, said: “When we launched self-cleaning glass in 2002 it represented a key innovation in the sector, and we’ve continued to invest in and develop the range to ensure it remains best in class.

"For example, we launched Pilkington Activ SunShade in 2013, which has superior solar control properties to help reduce heat gain and help maintain a comfortable climate in homes and other buildings.

“Shipping 10 million square metres of self-cleaning glass, the size of around 1,400 football pitches, is a huge milestone for the Pilkington Activ product family. We’re hoping for the same success for our future innovations.

“Our research and development team continue to break new ground and push boundaries in terms of the role glass can play in the built environment, from building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) to switchable glazing.”