The $130 million upgrade incorporates a five beam chemical vapour deposition (CVD) coater that will allow for production of new, environmentally efficient glass products including energy saving glass for buildings, self-cleaning glass and glass that will be used in solar energy production.
The plant upgrade represents the next evolution of manufacturing in this state, transforming Pilkington in Victoria from a manufacturer of largely commodity products to a source of innovative value-added products through practice applications that underpin the future of the Victorian glass industry.
High quality energy-efficient glass that will be produced at the plant can play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the use of low e coated glass in Victorian homes will significantly reduce household electricity and gas consumption each and every year, and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35 percent while saving consumers money.
Australia: Pilkington Signs EPA Sustainability Covenant
According to Pilkington, it has been invited to sign the EPA covenant because of the societal value the energy and water saving products will create when the Dandenong plant is upgraded next year to manufacture high-tech coated glass products.