AGC Asahi Glass WONDERLITE™ Adopted for Luxury Train, "Train Suite Shiki-shima"

AGC Asahi Glass, a world-leading manufacturer of glass, chemicals and high-tech materials, announced today its light control glass, WONDERLITE™, has been adopted for JR East luxury sleeper train, Train Suite Shiki-shima ("Shiki-shima"), which began service on May 1.

JR East's luxury sleeper train Shiki-shima, conceptualized as a train for 'enjoying changes in time and space', has been designed with individualized themes for each compartment. To realize this vision, JR chose AGC's exterior and interior railway safety glass.

Of particular note, the front carriage, containing a special area for enjoying panoramic views of Japan's landscape, has been outfitted with WONDERLITE™ light control glass, which makes it possible to adjust passing sunlight simply with a switch.

WONDERLITE™ not only controls passing light1 but also has a special coating2 applied which, even in transparent mode, blocks sunburn-causing ultraviolet light as well as heat-causing infrared light.

The glass' combination of light control and special coating provides an ideal environment for passengers while greatly contributing to reduced power consumption including the load on air conditioners.

The AGC Group has over 50 years experience in railway safety glass including the glass used on Japan's famous bullet trains. Under its AGC plus management policy, the AGC Group is committed to continuing to draw on its diverse materials and technologies to offer products that give its customers the added pluses of 'safety', 'security', and 'comfort'.

Note 1: Variable light control works by applying voltage to fine particles embedded in laminated glass to cause them to line up.

Note 2: A thin metallic coating on the glass surface which greatly improves heat-shielding properties by reducing sunlight.