NSG Group is celebrating the 200-year anniversary of Pilkington, honouring a legacy of engineering brilliance that has transformed the way the world builds, travels and lives, while looking ahead to an even more innovative and sustainable future.
Founded in 1826 in the UK, Pilkington has grown from a regional glassmaker into one of the most recognisable and trusted glass brands worldwide. Over two centuries, the company’s pioneering spirit has reshaped entire industries: from revolutionising architectural design to enabling safer and smarter vehicles.
Renowned for quality, technical excellence and continuous innovation, the Pilkington name is synonymous with advanced glass solutions used in buildings, infrastructure and transport across more than 100 countries.
A defining moment came in January 1959 with the invention of the float glass process, a breakthrough that allowed perfectly flat, uniform glass to be reliably produced at scale. This innovation didn’t just change Pilkington, it changed the world. More than six decades later, it remains the dominant method of glass manufacture globally and one of the most significant industrial innovations of the 20th century.
Designed for the next 200 years
That same spirit of innovation has continued to drive the business forward. Under the Pilkington brand, NSG Group led the industry again with the world’s first Augmented Reality Heads Up Display, enhancing vehicle safety by projecting key navigation and hazard information directly into the driver’s line of sight.
More recently, the company has taken major steps towards decarbonisation with Pilkington Mirai™, the lowest embodied carbon glass on the façade market and recycling initiatives such as renew:glass to collectively help support the transition to a circular glass economy.
Today, Pilkington brand’s product ranges include advanced solutions the founders of 1826 could never have imagined – from self-cleaning and solar control glazing to fire protection, acoustic insulation, specialist mirrors and decorative products. These innovations continue to push the boundaries of performance, design and sustainability.
NSG Group continues to invest in sustainable manufacturing and innovation, contributing to the Group’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Leopoldo Castiella, Head of Architectural Glass Global at the NSG Group, said, “Celebrating 200 years is an extraordinary milestone for the Pilkington brand. It reflects generations of innovation, craftsmanship and dedication. Here at NSG Group we are proud to contribute to this legacy and excited about what the next chapter will bring as we invest in our people, our facilities and a more sustainable future. We look forward to marking this bicentenary with colleagues, customers and partners throughout the year.”
Throughout 2026 NSG Group teams across Europe and beyond will be marking the bicentenary with a programme of activities and initiatives celebrating the brand’s heritage, innovation and future ambitions.