Mirox 3G: The most environmentally friendly mirror
Mirox 3G is the third generation of ecological mirrors developed by AGC Glass Europe and its patented manufacturing process is exclusive to the latter. Mirox 3G is the first mirror to comply with the EU's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive (2002/95/EC), which seeks to restrict the use of hazardous substances, including lead, in industrial production processes.
AGC Glass Europe, a market leader in mirrors, has continuously sought to make them ever more environmentally friendly at all stages of their life cycle, from manufacture and processing right through to end-of-life recycling.
By 1995, the use of copper in MNG (Mirox New Generation) had already been phased out, the copper coating conventionally used to protect the reflective silver layer having been replaced by a special surface treatment. This development meant that the ammonia used in the coppering process was eliminated from both wastewater and effluents produced during processing.
In 1996, MNGE (Mirox New Generation Ecological) went further still by eliminating over 95% of the lead traditionally contained in a mirror in the two coats of paint protecting the silver coating. These two initial steps were a major advance in terms of environmental considerations: removing copper and lead from the end product meant that it could be classed as inert waste and also reduced the concentration of organic material in the wastewater produced in manufacturing it by 90%.
In 2008, AGC revolutionised the mirror industry once more by bring out Mirox 3G. In addition to not containing any copper 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. What's more, this anthracite-grey epoxy paint contains 70% fewer solvents than the paint used in MNGE.
Mirox 3G has already won three awards since it was launched.