ST HELENS glass manufacturer Pilkington is set to launch a new glass product to help reduce the transmission of infections in shared spaces and public transport.

The launch of the new glass product, Pilkington SaniTise™, follows the glass giant’s Lancashire based research and development team fast tracking its research into antimicrobial coatings in the wake of the pandemic.

The work was supported by testing at leading UK Universities.

Pilkington UK says the glass is suited for building façades of offices, schools, hospitals, restaurants and hotels as the interior surface on any exterior wall system.

It’s also designed for use in all types of public transport such as buses, trains and passenger boats.

St Helens Star:

Pilkington SaniTise™ is a transparent coated glass that’s activated through UV exposure.

When the glass is exposed to UV light, its antimicrobial activity is significantly increased compared to using uncoated glass.

It has a pyrolytic coating, which provides antimicrobial properties and acts against enveloped viruses on the glass surface.

Neil McSporran, Global Portfolio Manager – Incubator Program, at the NSG Group, said “Obtaining third party verification of the coating’s effectiveness is a huge milestone, which represents a major push by our Ormskirk and St Helens teams in responding to the very new challenges that the built environment and transport faces in the wake of the pandemic.

“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 passenger windows on a bus.

“The launch also represents how the North West remains at the heart of innovation in glass manufacturing, as we approach the 70-year anniversary of the patent for the modern float glass process - founded in St Helens.”

For more information, visit pilkington.co.uk/sanitise