For eighty years, today's Saflex® has been the world leader of protective interlayer for laminated glass serving the automotive and architectural industries. Saflex protective interlayer for laminated glass is used to protect some of the world's most precious artifacts, including the US Constitution and the Mona Lisa. However, Saflex interlayer isn't reserved for priceless documents and artwork alone. Saflex interlayer is found in over 50 percent of laminated architectural and automotive glazing applications globally. In fact, Saflex interlayer is so strong, that glass made with Saflex is used in the windows of airplanes.
Working together is what makes us stronger. The knowledge we have gained is built on our eighty year history of actions, not words. It takes time. It takes effort. And, most of all, it takes commitment. Please take a few moments to read about the rich history of Saflex.
| Key Saflex Milestones |
| 1924 |
First laminated windshields are installed in cars. |
| 1927 |
Springfield, MA plant produces the first plastic interlayer (nitrocellulose) used in laminated windshields. |
| 1938 |
All US domestic windshields are converted from cellulose acetate to PVB. Legislation requiring laminated windshields begins to appear in several states. |
| 1951 |
Back windows of cars shift from laminated glass to tempered, reducing PVB usage. |
| 1961 |
PVB production begins in Europe with a plant in Ghent, Belgium. Side windows of most North American vehicles convert to tempered glass. |
| 1965 |
High penetration resistance interlayer (HPR) is introduced to the industry. This triples the penetration resistance of windshield interlayer, and is called the greatest automotive safety development of its time. This product is such a dramatic success that the entire auto industry converts by 1966. |
| 1967 |
Federal Standards mandating penetration resistance are implemented. |
| 1972 |
Independent study confirms improved performance of HPR films thus making HPR windshields superior, with no penetration in real accidents. |
| 1984 |
A New Color Process (NCP) co-extrusion process is introduced which is a major breakthrough that reduces customer lead time. |
| 1988 |
Saflex Opticolor® interlayer is introduced and expands the line of colors that are available. |
| 1991 |
Saflex Pigmented Extruded Gradient (PEG) interlayer is introduced. This makes it possible to recycle both clear and shade band portions of sheet and it improves the product life to 10 years. |
| 1996 |
KeepSafe® brand laminated glass is introduced by Monsanto for use in residential windows. |
| 1997 |
Solutia is formed from the Chemical group of Monsanto. Saflex IIIG® interlayer introduced based on improved adhesion control chemistry to give superior long term durability, edge stability and reduced moisture sensitivity. |
| 1998 |
An Enhanced Protective Glass (EPG) moniker is introduced for side laminates of vehicles. |
| 2001 |
Solutia introduces Vanceva® advanced interlayer to product offering. |
| 2007 |
Solutia refocuses on their rich Saflex interlayer history and launches a new branding initiative, including renaming their protective interlayer division Saflex, a unit of Solutia. |
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