Glass Innovation

Advancing Glass Technology Since 1883

Throughout its history, R&D teams from Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass) have been committed to setting and exceeding glass industry standards for solar control, color neutrality and both optical and spectral performance.

Since its inception, Vitro Architectural Glass has registered more than 500 patents. Our state-of-the-art glass research and development center in Harmar, Pennsylvania, employs nearly 200 people. In the coming years, architects, glass fabricators and glazing contractors—especially those involved in sustainable building and design—can expect a continuing stream of new glass products and solutions.

Committed to R&D
From Solex glass, introduced in 1934 as the first environmental, heat-absorbing glass, to Solarban^® 90 glass, introduced in 2016 as the world’s first quad-silver-coated glass, Vitro Glass has consistently built on its own prior advancements in glass technology to provide new, innovative solutions. Learn more about our History.

Oxy-Fuel Furnace Technology
Vitro Architectural Glass plants employ furnaces equipped with proprietary oxygen-fuel technology developed by Vitro for improved energy and environmental performance as glass is processed from sheet glass to float glass to oxy-fuel float glass. Today, Vitro is producing its latest high-technology products including Starphire Ultra-Clear^® Glass, using our proprietary oxy-fuel furnace technology.

Jumbo Glass Capabilities
Within the business’s first month as Vitro Architectural Glass, Vitro acquired North America’s largest jumbo magnetron sputtered vacuum deposition (MSVD) coater, which will produce even larger expanses of high-performing, energy-efficient low-e glass. We expect to complete construction in 2018. The new technology will enable the production of high-performing, energy-efficient low-emissivity (low-e) glasses in standard sizes of 130-by-240 inches, with larger sizes available for special orders. Learn more.

Sustainability Programs & Resources
Vitro Architectural Glass products are commonly specified to meet LEED^® and other increasingly stringent green building criteria. Solarban^® solar control low-e glasses, Starphire Ultra-Clear^® glass and other Vitro glasses have been installed on hundreds of LEED-certified buildings and three of the world’s 11 certified net-zero-energy, “living” buildings. Learn more.