Optical Materials

Our overriding philosophy is a worldwide focus on total quality combined with technological leadership.

PPG Industries is the world's largest producer of optical grade monomers used in the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses. With more than 50 years of experience engineering and producing optical monomers and coatings, PPG is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the ophthalmic lens industry.

Our extensive line of optical monomers and coatings products includes CR-39™ monomer and Trivex® lens material. Developed by PPG in 1945, CR-39 monomer was the first plastic resin to be used in the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses and continues to be the leading lens substrate in the world. Trivex lens material is the world's first tri-performance lens material, offering a triple combination of features never before found in a single material--superior optics, impact resistance and ultra light weight.

Our Hi-Gard® lens coating solution is cured to form a scratch resistant coating on ophthalmic lenses made from plastic materials. The optical quality of plastic lenses is maintained, and lenses coated with Hi-Gard lens coating are four to six times more abrasion resistant than uncoated lenses made from CR-39 monomer.

Our Photosol® photochromic dyes reversibly alter their color upon exposure to ultraviolet sources. These chameleon-like dyes respond to natural solar irradiation as well as artificial sources.

International Polarizer, a PPG Optical Products business, is a leading manufacturer of sunglass polarizers sold on the open market. The company also designs and manufactures other high-tolerance polarizers for a variety of applications.

In addition to having some of the industry's leading products, our Optical Materials business operates the world's largest optical monomers manufacturing facility in Barberton, Ohio, and also has production capability in Chiba, Japan.

As a member of the American Chemistry Council, PPG is committed to the Responsible Care® Product Stewardship initiative.