Pilkington Launches Self-Cleaning Glass

Pilkington Plc has invented the world's first self-cleaning glass, giving the company's shares a lift as investors saw a potential window of opportunity for the UK glassmaker. The Pilkington Activ product has been developed for use in external windows. The product reacts chemically with the sun to break down unwanted dirt and causes water to form a sheet on the surface that allows dust and dirt to wash away, said a company spokeswoman. Pilkington Activ is undergoing trials in Ireland, Austria and North America, with further launches in Europe and North America planned for the end of the year. The company spokeswoman added that Pilkington had a patent on the new product. She also said Pilkington Activ could realize annual turnover of up to 300 million pounds ($433.4 million) by 2005 in Europe alone based on current projections. Pilkington reported group turnover of 2.7 billion pounds for the year ending March 2000.