As a leading coatings and glass manufacturer, PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) has been an active materials provider to the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. PPG supplied low-emissivity (low-e) glass for the U.S. pavilion, Seigneurie(R) Inotex(TM) super-low-volatile organic compound (VOC) interior coatings for the France pavilion, and Seigneurie Supersoytex(TM) waterborne paints to protect more than 1 million square meters of elevated roads in Shanghai in support of the upcoming expo.
With the theme “Rise to the Challenge,” the U.S. pavilion will showcase many core values central to the American spirit: sustainability, teamwork, health, technology and innovation. Jeff Yigdall, director of engineering and international business for PPG’s performance glazings business, said, “The application of low-e glass from PPG underlies the sustainability of the U.S. pavilion. Introduced in 2006 as the world’s first triple-silver-coated, solar control low-e glass, Solarban(R) 70XL glass remains the industry’s highest-performing environmental glass as measured by light-to-solar gain ratio.” Solarban 70XL solar control, low-emissivity glass from PPG transmits 64 percent of the sun’s natural light while blocking 73 percent of its solar energy, making it 20 percent more energy-efficient than competitive products. As a result, the glass helps to save energy, cut costs and reduce the cooling equipment requirements for buildings where it is installed.
Using the most advanced construction technologies and materials, the France pavilion featuring “The Sensual Cities” will reflect the modernity, dynamism and technological innovation of France, while showcasing the quality of life in its cities. As the exclusive sponsor of coatings for the France pavilion, PPG is providing super-low-VOC Seigneurie Inotex interior coatings to decorate and protect all interior walls of the exhibition halls, corridors, waiting area, washrooms and kitchens in this building, covering 150 square kilometers of walls. Although adding color is not the only function of coatings, color does matter. To better reflect the design concept of “The Sensual Cities,” color experts from PPG helped to choose the most suitable colors for every part of the building. Although white is dominant, red, which symbolizes good luck in the Chinese culture, grey, which symbolizes formality and tranquility, and black, the color of elegance, are also widely used and perfectly match the French forest inside. Most important, the low-VOC, low-odor coatings from PPG will help to ensure clean air in the France pavilion.
In addition to the U.S. and France pavilions, Seigneurie Supersoytex waterborne paints also are used to protect more than 1 million square meters of main elevated road in Shanghai, helping to improve the traffic experience of Expo visitors.
Eco-conscious IVY(R) waterborne wood coatings from PPG also were used in pavilions for countries such as China, France, the United States and Russia.
About PPG
PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Founded in 1883, the company serves customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, PPG operates in more than 60 countries around the globe. Sales in 2009 were US$12.2 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.
