Pilkington owner NSG Group is claiming a world first in glazing with SaniTise, an on-line coated glass with a photocatalytic coating, that provides antimicrobial properties, and is now poised to launch the product following the completion of independent third-party testing.

 The product’s pyrolytic coating was developed at the group’s Lancashire-based research and development facility where it was fast-tracked after the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The work was supported by testing at leading UK universities.

When the glass is exposed to UV light, its antimicrobial activity is increased compared to using uncoated glass, causing the coating to act against enveloped viruses on the glass surface.

 The coated glass provides extra protection for any high-touch surfaces that are exposed to UV light. The company says the product is suited for building façades in the commercial, healthcare, education, retail & hospitality sectors, as the insulating glass unit’s (IGU) interior surface on any exterior wall system. It is also designed for use in all types of public transport such as buses, trains and passenger boats.

The coating is available on multiple tints and thicknesses. The pyrolytic on-line coating is said to last the lifetime of the glass and can be toughened, laminated, bent or processed into insulating glass units using standard techniques. It is also claimed to be compatible with harsh commercial grade cleaning products and resistant to corrosion, mechanical and chemical damage.

 Neil McSporran, the group’s Global Portfolio Manager – Incubator Program said: “Some viruses can live on glass surfaces for days if left untreated, creating a risk for people to become infected through contact transmission. Pilkington SaniTise ultimately helps to reduce the chances of this happening, which could make a big difference in high-touch applications such as shopping centre doorways or the passenger window of a bus, for example.

“Obtaining third party verification of the coatings effectiveness is a huge milestone, which represents a major push by our UK-based R&D team to respond to the very new challenges that the built environment and transport faces in the wake of the pandemic.”

pilkington.co.uk/sanitise

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