SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - KCC Glass said Thursday it has developed South Korea’s first bird-safe glass.
The product, named SAVIRDS, employs a sandblasting technique that etches subtle patterns across the surface of the glass. The markings, spaced five centimeters apart, are visible to birds and recognized as obstacles — reducing the risk of fatal collisions that have become a growing environmental concern.
SAVIRDS recently received certification from the American Bird Conservancy, meeting the organization’s standards for bird-collision prevention.
The launch comes amid increasing alarm over bird fatalities caused by glass structures. A 2019 report estimated that nearly eight million birds die each year in South Korea after flying into transparent or reflective windows. In response, the government amended the Wildlife Protection and Management Act in 2022, requiring public buildings to incorporate bird-safety measures into their designs.
Conventional solutions — such as applying films or stickers — have proven difficult to maintain over time. KCC says SAVIRDS offers a more durable alternative, with permanently etched patterns that require no additional maintenance. The glass can also be processed like standard glass and features a special coating that improves insulation, combining wildlife protection with energy efficiency.
KCC plans to promote SAVIRDS first for use in public buildings, before expanding to commercial and residential structures.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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