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Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, celebrates 200 years while pursuing hydrogen, recycling, and lower-carbon glass manufacturing pathways
Decarbonizing glass production isn’ t a straightforward challenge. Furnaces run around the clock, temperatures soar above 1500 degrees Celsius, and the process’ s energy demands leave few alternatives as emissions targets get tougher. Yet Pilkington UK has faced moments like this before. Throughout its 200-year history, the company has repeatedly adapted to changes in technology, markets, and customer expectations.
Marking Pilkington UK’ s milestone anniversary, it’ s once again adapting to market changes. In St Helens, where Pilkington UK developed the float glass process that set the global standard for flat-glass manufacturing, investments in coatings, recycling, hydrogen, and lower-carbon production are shaping the company’ s next chapter.
For Neil Syder, Managing Director UK & Ireland, that challenge fits into a broader pattern of change. Neil explains:“ Innovation is simply about adapting to change. Nothing stays the same for long. What was profitable
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