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The need for high performance coatings in the industrial sectors, that enhance the functionality of glass while supporting environmental sustainability in growing at a steady pace. Glass is a key material in construction, transportation, electronics and renewable energy technologies. Its performance is often defined by the coatings applied to its surface. As industries begin to adopt greener manufacturing practices, sustainable coatings that offer anti-reflective and anti-soiling properties are becoming increasingly important. Together with the performance improvement of glass, global efforts are also supported, to reduce environmental impact throughout the production and use phases.
Anti-reflective (AR) coatings are engineered to reduce surface reflection and increase light transmission, enabling more light to pass through the glass. This characteristic is critical in applications where optical efficiency is essential. In solar panels, for instance, higher light transmission directly boosts the amount of energy that reaches the photovoltaic cells, improving overall energy conversion. AR coatings can therefore play a direct role in increasing solar panel output [1,2].
In optical devices such as cameras, displays, and eyeglasses, AR coatings reduce glare and enhance clarity, improving both functionality and user experience. Architectural glass also benefits from AR coatings, as improved light transmission enhances aesthetics and energy performance in buildings [3]. Traditionally, however, many AR coatings rely on materials that have significant environmental drawbacks, including fluorine-based components. The shift toward sustainable AR solutions focuses on using eco-friendly materials that maintain performance while reducing environmental risks. Research in this area aims to develop coating systems that are effective and safe throughout their lifecycle, from manufacturing to end-of-life [4].
Anti-soiling coatings are designed to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, and contaminants, which can significantly reduce the efficiency and appearance of glass surfaces. This is especially important in outdoor applications such as solar panels, automotive glass, and building façades. When solar panels become covered with debris, the amount of light reaching the photovoltaic cells decreases, leading to lower energy output. Anti-soiling coatings help maintain surface cleanliness for longer periods, reducing energy losses and lowering maintenance costs [5].
These coatings achieve their effect by creating surfaces that repel water, oils, and particulate matter, allowing contaminants to slide off or be easily removed by rain. Current advances in this area focus on bio-based or non-toxic materials, ensuring that the coatings do not contribute to environmental pollution or require harsh chemical cleaners. This aligns with broader sustainability goals, including reducing chemical runoff and minimising dependence on cleaning agents that may harm ecosystems [6]. As research continues, these coatings represent a significant advancement in both material performance and environmental responsibility.
The PROPLANET project plays a leading role in developing sustainable, bio-based coatings tailored for glass applications. Its work focuses on hybrid siloxane coatings that offer both anti-reflective and anti-soiling properties while adhering to high environmental and safety standards. These innovations aim to replace traditional coatings that rely on hazardous substances with solutions that meet modern performance requirements without compromising sustainability.
Within the PROPLANET project, significant efforts have been dedicated to advancing sustainable glass coatings by developing PFAS-free functional solutions that maintain high performance while reducing environmental and health risks. This work is carried out through close collaboration between Tecnalia, being the research technical partner, and Pilkington (NSG Group) being the end-user, responsible for coatings validation in automotive and structural glass applications.
Moreover, several consortium partners combining expertise in material development, modelling, environmental assessment, and industrial validation. In particular, research organisations and industrial partners such as HOLOSS, NILU, NovaMechanics Ltd, and RINA-CSM collaborate to design and evaluate innovative coating formulations. Their work integrates experimental material development with advanced modelling tools and environmental fate assessments to ensure that the coatings meet Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) principles.
As these coatings rely on environmentally compatible materials, they can be used and disposed of with lower ecological impact, contributing to a more sustainable value chain in the glass industry.
Adopting sustainable coatings for glass has benefits for both industry and the environment. These coatings support compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations and respond to growing demand for eco-friendly products across multiple sectors [7,8]. They also contribute to reducing carbon footprints by minimising the frequency of cleaning, lowering chemical use, and improving energy efficiency.
Furthermore, sustainable coatings support the transition to a circular economy by promoting the use of renewable resources, reducing hazardous waste, and extending product lifetimes. As innovation continues, sustainable coating technologies will likely evolve further, resulting in solutions that are not only more environmentally sound but also offer improved performance and reliability [9].
IDENER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AGRUPACION DE INTERES ECONOMICO
Calle Earle Ovington 24-8, La Rinconada Sevilla, 41300, ES
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info@proplanet-project.eu
Funded by the European Union under the GA no 101091842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Funded by the European Union under the GA no 101091842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
IDENER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AGRUPACION DE INTERES ECONOMICO
Calle Earle Ovington 24-8, La Rinconada Sevilla, 41300, ES
Ask for more
info@proplanet-project.eu
Funded by the European Union under the GA no 101091842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
© Copyright 2026 by EXELISIS
© Copyright 2026 by EXELISIS IKE