SHANGHAI, Jan. 20, 2011 – The optical products business of PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG) recently participated in the Shanghai Wanming Optical annual conference. In the new materials section of the conference, PPG representatives introduced their innovative optical product portfolio including TRIVEX(R) lens material, NXT(R) sun lenses and spectacle collections featuring NXT frame technology. They also exchanged ideas about high-technology optometric products with nearly 200 representatives from leading companies in the Shanghai optical retail industry.

“We are very satisfied with the PPG optical product portfolio and optimistic about its performance in the Chinese market,” said Zheng Peiyun, general manager of Shanghai Wanming Optical Co., Ltd.. “We believe more and more Chinese consumers will have good experiences with the first-class materials offered by PPG.”

Trivex material was derived from technology used for transparent armor in military applications. PPG adapted this unique plastic technology for use as an optical lens material and launched it in 2002. This category of lens material offers exceptional comfort, precision optics, safety and performance, and it is suitable for a wide variety of spectacle frames.

Using Trivex lens material and proprietary dye technology, NXT sun lenses offer superior visual comfort and performance for sunglass wearers. NXT lenses incorporate cutting-edge sun lens technologies and are available in photochromic, polarized and polarized photochromic options. Featuring light weight, clarity, protection and comfort, NXT sun lenses are used in many corrective and fashion brand-name spectacles.

In addition, NXT frame technology is used to produce optical frame collections that feature ultra-light weight, superb impact resistance, and exceptional flexibility and shape memory. One such frame collection, Synergy optical frames, showcases the versatility of the material, demonstrating how it can be used to create unique designs that feature transparency and shine as well as reliability, strength, and resistance to the effects of chemicals, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, cosmetics and perspiration. When fitted with lenses made from Trivex material, Synergy optical frames weigh only about 10 grams, making them some of the lightest-weight corrective spectacles in the world.

“PPG Optical Products is committed to offering the latest materials and technologies to the field of optometry,” said Vivian Waters, PPG director of optical materials business development, Asia/Pacific. “We will continue to launch groundbreaking products that offer customers clear vision, reliability and quality.”

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 2010 were $13.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.