Glass is unparalleled for its wide variety of beneficial use: from the glass ornaments made by ancient man or the art objects fashioned by Emile Gallé and René Lalique to the window glass that we encounter every day, or the functional components used in electronic devices. Today glass still has much potential as a functional material that is absolutely indispensable for advanced fields such as the thin flat-panel displays that have become the essential interface between people and information or in the constantly evolving field of optical data communications. Central Glass is exploring the potential of glass in advanced fields such as the environment, information and communications, or electronic devices. We have ongoing R&D program aimed at finding ways to realize the potential of glass through new technologies.

Based on the four proprietary technologies that we have developed (glass materials design and manufacturing technologies, functional thin film coating technologies, glass/functional resin films hybrid technologies, and light, heat, electromagnetic wave control technologies), we aim to provide new, original and inspiring materials by devising ways to further improve and merge these technologies. By means of R&D activities supported by these core technology platforms, we endeavor to provide new products, based on our advanced technology, that may meet the needs of the future.

Based on our proprietary technologies, we have classified our research and development structure into four categories (materials for creating spaces, high functional thin film, advanced functional materials and basic physical properties) leveraging the synergy among the technologies we are able to seamlessly develop solutions to a wide range of needs. We have also defined the direction of the R&D projects for each category.

In the commodities field, we have also identified the developing trends for each business segment, and we endeavor to match the direction of our R&D with the needs of society and the future.

• Technology for architectural field: energy-saving, safety security, sound insulation, thermal insulation, electromagnetic wave suppression
• Technology for the automotive field: water repellant and water-slip feature, UV and IR shielding, anti-fogging

Besides commodities, in the field of fine glass, we are continuing to explore new applications for glass with the keywords, such as, information and communication, energy, and the environment.