200 years of the Pilkington brand — NSG Group anniversary, the leader shaping the future of glass

The Pilkington brand, founded in Britain in 1826, has grown from a regional glassmaker into one of the most recognised and respected glass brands in the world. Over two centuries, its pioneering approach has shaped the development of numerous industries – from revolutionising architecture to helping create safer, more technologically advanced vehicles. Known for its quality, technical excellence and constant innovation, Pilkington is today synonymous with advanced glass solutions used in architecture, infrastructure and transport worldwide.

The breakthrough came in January 1959, with the invention of the float process – a technology that made it possible to produce perfectly flat, uniform glass on a large scale. This innovation did not just change the Pilkington brand – it changed the world. More than six decades on, it remains the dominant method of glass production and one of the most important industrial achievements of the 20th century.

A plan for the next 200 years

The same spirit of innovation continues to drive the company forward. Pilkington is once again setting the direction for the industry, introducing the world's first augmented-reality Head-Up Display system, which improves driver safety by projecting key information directly into their field of view. In recent years, NSG Group has also consistently pursued decarbonisation, launching Pilkington Mirai™ – glass with a reduced carbon footprint – as well as recycling initiatives such as renew:glass, supporting the development of a circular economy in the glass industry.

As part of a global organisation, the plants in Poland play a significant role in this story – employing more than 4,000 people across a dozen or so locations and supporting customers in sectors such as architecture and automotive.

Photo: press materials, Pilkington IGP Sp. z o.o.

Innovations that set the standard

Today the Pilkington product portfolio includes advanced solutions that its founders in 1826 could scarcely have imagined – from self-cleaning and solar-control glass to fire-resistant and acoustic glass, specialist mirrors and decorative products. These innovations continue to push the boundaries of performance, design and sustainability.

NSG Group in Poland is investing in sustainable production and innovation, supporting the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Photo: press materials, Pilkington IGP Sp. z o.o.

Leopoldo Castiella, Head of Architectural Glass Global at NSG Group, said:

'Celebrating our 200th anniversary is a remarkable milestone for the Pilkington brand. It reflects generations of innovation, craftsmanship and commitment. In Poland, we are proud to help write this story, and we look forward with optimism to the next chapter, investing in our people, our plants and a more sustainable future. We will be delighted to celebrate this anniversary with our employees, customers and partners throughout the year.'

— Leopoldo Castiella, Head of Architectural Glass Global, NSG Group

In 2026, NSG Group teams across Europe and around the world will mark the anniversary through a range of activities and initiatives showcasing the brand's history, its innovation and its plans for the future.