`Futuristic' Self-Cleaning Glass Available Now from Pilkington

TOLEDO, Ohio--April 10, 2003--It's not an urban legend. It's not experimental. And, the government is not secretly hiding it in Roswell.
    Pilkington North America really did introduce the world's first self-cleaning glass in June 2001. Since then, Pilkington Activ(TM) self-cleaning glass has been used in homes and businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada.
    "Even today, some call self-cleaning glass 'experimental,'" explained Stephen Weidner, Pilkington North America's vice president of sales and marketing. "That's ridiculous. We have real-life installations in most every state and province. People who have used it have said that their windows with Pilkington Activ(TM) self-cleaning glass work."
    As with any new product, early acceptance tends to be gradual. However, according to one research firm, the demand for self-cleaning glass is expected to grow in the next several years.
    According to a June 2002 study released by The Freedonia Group Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, the demand for self-cleaning glass (in residential and non-residential structures only) is expected to be $40 million by 2006 - with two-thirds being residential. By 2011, the demand is expected to be $125 million.
    Pilkington North America is selling Pilkington Activ(TM) self-cleaning glass to more than 50 window manufacturers and glass fabricators. These companies then sell the glass to glazing contractors, or in windows to the public or through literally 1000s of dealers, contractors and retail outlets in North America.
    "We've received a tremendous public reaction to Pilkington Activ(TM) self-cleaning glass," Weidner added. "Because of the response and the typical need for education with any new product, we've been careful not to sensationalize how it works. We won't say you will never have to clean your windows again, but Pilkington Activ(TM) glass will significantly reduce the need to clean them."
    What makes Pilkington Activ(TM) Glass self-cleaning is the titanium dioxide that is applied to one surface of hot glass while it is being formed. Because the titanium dioxide is bonded to the glass surface, Pilkington Activ(TM) self-cleaning glass is durable. Tests conducted by Pilkington show that the self-cleaning surface will not peel or degrade, and will perform as long as the glass does.
    Since Pilkington Activ(TM) glass was introduced, some "easy-cleaning" glass products have been announced. However, Weidner added, only true self-cleaning glass has three qualities. One is its durability. The other two deal with self-cleaning.
    The first of the two self-cleaning processes is the PhotoActiv(TM) action. The PhotoActiv(TM) action uses the sun's ultraviolet light, which occurs naturally in daylight, to continuously attack, loosen, break down and get rid of dirt.
    Secondly, when it rains or water is sprayed on Pilkington Activ(TM) self-cleaning glass, water sheets down to wash away any remaining dirt particles. This action prevents streaks and water spots from forming, and is called the hydrophilic or "water sheeting" process.
    For more information about Pilkington Activ(TM) self-cleaning glass, call 1-866-88 ACTIV (1-866-882-2848), or visit www.activglass.com.