Marking 30 years of expertise in mirror technology, AGC Flat Glass Europe (formerly Glaverbel) presents Mirox 3G, its third-generation ecological mirror. Mirox 3G features no copper, no formaldehyde and a very low level of lead and solvents, making it even more respectful of the environment than its predecessor. This is the last word in mirrors, offering numerous technical benefits for processors and glaziers alike. The patented manufacturing process is exclusive to AGC.
Most environmentally friendly mirror
Mirox 3G is the first mirror to comply with the European Commission's RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances, 2002/95/EC) on reducing the presence of certain harmful substances, including lead, in industrial production processes. Thanks to Mirox 3G, AGC Flat Glass Europe will soon be the only company in the world whose entire mirror output (5 industrial sites) complies with the directive. This marks a major step forward in the sector.
Apart from no copper 1 or lead, Mirox 3G also boost protection for people and the environment by not using formaldehyde (a colourless irritant gas) in the new paint used to cover the silvering. In addition, this anthracite grey epoxy paint contains 70% fewer solvents than the previous mirror, MNGE.
Resists scratching, corrosion and cleaning productsMirox 3G is exceptionally resistant to scratching, corrosion and cleaning products.
Its high-quality protective paint is not only environmentally friendly, but also:
- three times more resistant to scratching than conventional mirrors;
- ten times more resistant to corrosion than the standard (Cass test), making the risk of long-term corrosion from humidity is much lower;
- especially resistant to the chemicals found in typical cleaning products.
Another major benefit for glaziers: the coat of paint on the back of Mirox 3G is compatible with
twice as many adhesives as its predecessor.
Available in safety and antibacterial versions
Mirox 3G is available in a safety version. A 'Safe' polypropylene film is applied to the back of the mirror. If the mirror is accidentally broken, the shards of glass remain stuck to the plastic film.
The Mirox 3G mirror is also available in an AB (antibacterial) version. This is an exclusive that could find many applications in multiple sectors (hospitals, hotels and more).
AGC innovation
Mirox 3G is one of the striking and recent innovations from AGC Flat Glass Europe. It is the culmination of advanced research carried out at the AGC Research & Development Centre with a view to environmental excellence and quality. The product can be recognised by the 'Mirox 3G Ecological' mark on the grey back of the mirror.
Mirox 3G recently received the Belgian Environment Award 2007 and will consequently take part in the European Environment Awards in 2008. The product will be rolled out gradually on all markets between November 2007 and December 2008.
1 In the first generation of mirrors, the copper was applied in the form of copper nitrate. This generated a high output of ammonia that required treatment before the wastewater was discharged.
AGC Flat Glass Europe, a European leader in flat glass
AGC Flat Glass Europe (formerly Glaverbel) makes and processes flat glass for the construction industry (exterior glazing and interior decorative glass) and specialist sectors. Based in Brussels, Belgium, it is the European branch of AGC Flat Glass, the world's leading producer of flat glass.
Its baseline - 'Glass Unlimited' - reflects the possibilities and scope offered by:- glass as a material that meets a growing range of requirements (comfort, energy control, health & safety, appearance);
- its production facilities comprising 18 float glass plants and some 100 processing units located throughout greater Europe, from Spain to Russia;
- its worldwide marketing network;
- its new applications resulting from ongoing R&D in advanced glass technology;
- the resources of its personnel motivated by a shared desire for excellence.
AGC Flat Glass Europe currently employs around 10,700 people.
For more information, go to http://www.agc-flatglass.com (corporate site) and http://www.yourglass.com (site specifically for construction glass).
This press release is available on http://www.agc-flatglass.eu. Images can be downloaded from www.agc-flatglass.eu.