Pilkington has introduced K Glass™ A, an on-line coated low-emissivity glass designed to improve the thermal insulation performance of insulating glass units. The coating is applied during the float glass manufacturing process, forming a durable pyrolytic coating bonded to the glass surface. When incorporated into double glazing units, K Glass™ A can help reduce heat loss through the glazing, supporting improved energy efficiency in building envelopes.
The product's durable coating allows the glass to be handled, processed and stored in a similar way to standard float glass, subject to normal glazing industry practices. This handling characteristic is a key advantage of the pyrolytic process, which bonds the coating chemically to the glass at high temperature during manufacturing. The glass can be cut, edged and tempered using standard processing equipment without requiring specialized protective protocols throughout the supply chain.
Pilkington specifies that K Glass™ A is typically used where reliable thermal insulation and robust handling characteristics are required within the fenestration supply chain, including residential and light commercial glazing applications.
Low-emissivity coatings function by reflecting long-wave infrared radiation back into the building interior, reducing radiative heat loss through glazing. The on-line pyrolytic process applies the coating while the glass is still at high temperature, resulting in a chemically bonded surface layer that is inherently more durable than softer off-line coatings.
Pilkington identifies several key application segments for K Glass™ A: residential double glazed window units, replacement glazing in existing housing stock, PVC-U, timber and aluminium window systems, new-build housing developments, refurbishment and retrofit glazing projects, and general fenestration supply chain applications requiring low-emissivity glass.
The product is compatible with a range of insulating glass unit configurations, enabling integration into diverse window system designs and fabrication workflows. Pilkington provides handling and processing guidelines, a Declaration of Performance (DoP) in accordance with the EU Construction Products Regulation, and technical support through local UK representatives. Supporting test evidence and samples are available on request.
