On December 16th, 2021, at the Campidoglio Hall in Rome, the seventh edition of the 100 Italian Excellence Award was held, organized by the Liber Association in collaboration with the RDE Publishing House and with the contribution of Official Partner Sanity System. The purpose of the event was to recognize 100 protagonists of the best Italy, acknowledging the valuable contributions each of them has made to the growth of our country. Through the stories of these 100 Italian Excellences, the event aimed to showcase the face of beautiful Italy—individuals, companies, and entities that, through their work, help to enhance the emblem of a distinctive brand recognized worldwide.

With great pride, we are pleased to announce that Isoclima was awarded as an industrial excellence in the field of security glass. The symbolic recognition was presented to Daniele Santi, Commercial Director and Vice President of Isoclima S.p.A., directly by the President of the LIBER Association, Verdiana Dell’Anna, and the publisher Riccardo Dell’Anna.

The event was skillfully hosted by Dr. Safiria Leccese, a journalist and host for Mediaset. The Honorary Ambassadors of 100 Italian Excellences recognition was given to several members of the Honorary Committees of past editions, including Carlo Verdone.

We would like to express our deepest thanks to the entire Isoclima team for their invaluable contribution, which has led our company to achieve this remarkable result.

Anticipating and promoting future trends with products and services.

“More than just a supplier, Isoclima identifies itself as a partner that co-designs solutions, responding to needs that are sometimes very complex and technologically challenging. Innovation plays a pivotal role in our DNA, which is why we are often able to anticipate the trends of multiple sectors, without being affected by the cyclical crises we face, handling them with organizational flexibility and a now-consolidated compensation system. With a broad market outlook, we benefit from a constant business movement, always projected towards the future.” Daniele Santi, Commercial Director of Isoclima, emphasizes the Group’s leadership in the creation of high-quality glass and transparent surfaces, high-tech products that stem from an engineering process undertaken together with the client. “We provide a complete, highly customized package,” he points out, “where the competitive advantage we hold is shared with the client, regardless of the market they belong to. Recently, for example, we are experiencing exponential growth in the nautical sector, which has orders for the next three years, for which we are organizing strategic activities to adjust the organization and plants. More generally, I can confirm that our focus is increasingly future-oriented: we’ve been innovating since 1977, and we’ve never stopped embracing challenges. The recent pandemic, in a sense, froze the old world, marking a before and after, and we are already in that after. Urban transport, electric cars, hybrid boats, but even further ahead, we’re talking about autonomous driving, with vehicles that allow passengers to look around, and they will do so through ever-larger, smarter, and interactive windows, and drones designed for transporting people within the new metropolises. Throughout all of this, sustainability remains a priority, with investments in new 100% recyclable materials and 97% recovery of special waste.” Complex geometries, meeting specific requirements such as lightness, maximum safety, solar protection, acoustics, large sizes, and extreme curvatures with high performance (up to almost 10 meters, thanks to the bending furnace and the new chemical tempering plant, the largest in Europe, which will be inaugurated by the first quarter of 2022 in Saletto), are already a reality.

“Our solutions have become true case studies, and giants like Apple, Formula Indy, Leonardo, Mercedes, and the major shipyards –” adds Santi, “involve us in exciting and many futuristic projects. And we’re here: when something starts moving, we’re already ready.” Isoclima Group, with 5 production plants, 120 patents, 1,000 employees, over 500 clients, and 500,000 square meters of glass produced, excels also in post-sale services, with maintenance, monitoring, and timely interventions; 5% of turnover is dedicated to Research & Development, the beating heart of the Group and a forge of solutions where a team of professionals, creating unique patents, is able to revolutionize the market. “We can’t stop now, just as we are facing a new world,” concludes Daniele Santi, “and our mission will continue to be that of enabling present and future generations to see through.”

One of the flagship products for which we are known and appreciated worldwide is the large-size curved laminated glass. This creation has helped us become global leaders in the high-performance glass market, thanks to a series of applied and developed technologies over time.

In laminated glass, as in all our products, you will find a constant pursuit of perfection, quality, and extreme technical characteristics that represent the highest expression of innovation and ingenuity. Laminated glass is designed for human safety in various environments: on land, in the air, and at sea.

Just like with laminated glass, we respond to every type of need and customization request based on the client’s specifications.

Features and Characteristics of Laminated Glass

The production of laminated glass with Privalite liquid crystal film began in 2001, along with another major milestone: the launch of production for the naval sector of curved laminated glass with chemical tempering.

In the specific case of laminated glass, we at Isoclima have successfully harnessed the potential and unique qualities of the material, adapting it to a series of additional functionalities. The exclusive bag-lamination technology and the use of proprietary adhesion promoters contribute to ensuring the absolute quality of the glass. But these incredible characteristics are not limited to just these. The combined use of interlayers with differentiated elastic modules allows application in the most varied and versatile security scenarios, making it suitable for any type of context.

Furthermore, the integration of functional elements for solar control, acoustic control, and aesthetic patterns within the laminate enables us to meet the most complex energy and appearance requirements.

The Right Glass for Every Sector

Curved or flat laminated glass is perfect for showcasing its beauty across multiple sectors, especially those where the production of accessories and components with high technological content and large dimensions is required, merging quality and safety standards.

Isoclima products follow three core principles: quality, safety, and aesthetics. Every design we create embodies these three qualities equally and with the same level of importance.

We have worked hard to reach this point and become a reference not only for reliability but also for versatility, which has allowed us to create patented, advanced, and certified solutions adopted by some of the largest companies in the world, from automotive to other sectors.

On November 4th, Isoclima completed the acquisition of Dlubak Specialty Glazing Corporation and Global Security Glazing in the United States. These companies, market leaders for over 70 years, are renowned for their ability to provide complete solutions for safety glazing, protective glass, special and architectural glass for embassies, detention facilities, schools, and military vehicles. The two companies operate production facilities in Pennsylvania and Alabama and have now been consolidated under the unified control of Isoclima Specialty Glass LLC.

This acquisition represents an important step forward in our global growth strategy. Expanding into a new market segment and leveraging production facilities located in a key region to achieve our goals, the group strengthens its leadership in the field of transparent solutions for ballistics. From this strong foundation, Isoclima aims to become the leader in the North American market for armored transparent materials.

Lance Cotton, the current President and CEO of Isoclima Specialty Glass LLC, commented: “Isoclima is known for its focus on quality, innovation, culture, and partnerships with leading companies. The organization is focused on the design and production of high-value-added engineered glass, and we couldn’t be more excited to have now a property that provides us with the necessary resources to continue offering the best solutions to our customers.”

When we talk about glass, it can be considered an “enigmatic” object. Yes, exactly: it has evolved from being a simple transparent material to a formidable barrier of safety that protects both things and people. Thanks to incredible technological advancements (which we at Isoclima apply daily), today glass is available in highly resistant variants that ensure a higher level of protection.

This type of glass, commonly known as “safety glass,” is used in a wide range of applications, from architecture to the automotive sector (where we specialize), playing a crucial role in safeguarding people and property.

The Benefits of Safety Glass

Safety glass is designed with inherent characteristics that make it extremely resistant to impacts and external forces. One of the most common variants is tempered glass, which undergoes a rapid heating and cooling process. This creates surface tension that makes it up to five times stronger than standard glass. In the event of breakage, tempered glass shatters into small, blunt fragments, minimizing the risk of injury. These qualities make it ideal for applications where safety is paramount, such as partition walls in public spaces, impact-resistant windows, or automotive windshields for the protection of people or objects.

Another form of safety glass is laminated glass, made up of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a plastic interlayer. This structure makes it highly resistant to impacts and intrusions, preventing the passage of unwanted or dangerous objects. Moreover, if it breaks, laminated glass remains attached to the interlayer, preventing fragments from dispersing and providing an additional layer of safety.

Safety for Every Sector

Safety glass has applications across a wide range of industries, contributing significantly to the protection of people and property. In architecture, safety glass walls and facades provide reliable protection without compromising transparency or aesthetics. In vehicles, safety glass reduces the risk of injury in the event of an accident and prevents unauthorized access. It is also used in industries where it protects against chemical agents or extreme temperatures.

There’s no denying that safety glass represents a formidable safeguard for protecting things and people. Thanks to its resistance and durability, it offers a reliable solution in a wide variety of contexts. The widespread use of this technology in architectural applications, transportation, and industry underscores the crucial role that safety glass plays in promoting the safety and well-being of communities.

Isoclima SpA is once again at the forefront of its commitment to the international scientific community. On April 21st, Guglielmo Macrelli, Chief Scientist at Isoclima, gave a lecture at the international conference “2021 Virtual MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit,” titled “Diffusion and Chemical Stress—Induced Stress Effects in Ion Exchanged Inorganic Silicate Glass.” This presentation was part of the virtual symposium CT 08 “Mechanochemical coupling in chemical treatment and materials degradation.” During the presentation, some recent results were shared, relating to the modeling of interdiffusion processes relevant for achieving a significant increase in the mechanical strength of glass components. Specifically, current scientific topics were addressed regarding the mutual influence of diffusive fluxes and the stresses induced in glass. This topic represents a frontier for the application of glass-based technologies in terms of improving mechanical performance and the consequent reliability of glazing in structural applications for various uses of interest to Isoclima.

The MRS Materials Research Society, the event organizer with headquarters in Warrendale, USA, is one of the most important international organizations with over 11,000 members from more than 90 countries, including some “developing” nations. The conference serves as a crucial discussion forum for the scientific community and a window into the future of materials science: a unique opportunity to exchange technical information and network with fellow researchers, including Nobel Laureates and Kavli Prize winners. A special thanks to our Chief Scientist Guglielmo Macrelli for supporting Isoclima’s commitment to the development and progress of the scientific community.

Electronic privacy glass, also known as “smart glass” or “e-glass,” represents a revolution in the field of transparent surfaces. This advanced technology allows for dynamic regulation of the glass’s transparency through an electronic control system. Our response to this need is Isolite®, a flexible and dynamic solution that can transform the spaces in which it is placed.

A true marvel in terms of innovation, in which we at Isoclima are qualified and certified partners. The versatility of electronic privacy glass makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, spanning from architecture to automotive and interior design. This extraordinary material perfectly adapts to the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial projects, offering complete control over privacy, light, and temperature.

From Transparent to Opaque with a Simple Click

One of the most distinctive features of electronic privacy glass is its ability to switch from a transparent to an opaque state with a simple push of a button or remote control. This makes it possible to instantly adapt the environment to individual preferences, providing complete control over privacy. Additionally, electronic privacy glass reduces the amount of sunlight that enters the interior, helping to regulate temperature and reduce energy costs. This makes electronic privacy glass an eco-friendly choice, in line with modern sustainability needs.

Here’s an interesting fact: Did you know that electronic privacy glass has found revolutionary applications in the medical field, particularly in operating rooms and diagnostic environments? The ability to quickly and precisely control the transparency of the glass allows healthcare professionals to ensure the right amount of light and privacy during delicate procedures. This not only improves working conditions for medical staff but also contributes to the well-being of patients.

Comfort and Environmental Care

Choosing electronic privacy glass not only offers an unprecedented level of comfort and customization but also represents an investment for the future. Thanks to its ability to regulate light and temperature, this technology can contribute to a significant reduction in energy consumption, leading to substantial savings. Furthermore, its durability and resistance to weather conditions make it a safe and reliable choice for long-term projects.
Electronic privacy glass represents a step forward in the technological innovation of transparent surfaces. Its versatility and numerous advantages make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from the medical sector to architecture and automotive.
With total control over privacy and significant energy cost reduction, electronic privacy glass emerges as a modern and sustainable solution for comfortable and highly customizable environments.

Bulletproof glass, ballistic glass, crime-resistant glass, or transparent armor: these are all terms that refer to the same thing—protecting people from gunfire attacks. Wherever there is a need to protect someone, we respond with a specific product: OmniArmor®, one of Isoclima’s flagship products. However, before diving into the specifics of OmniArmor, it’s important to take a moment to focus on certifications, standards, and regulations that govern the production of such products. How familiar are you with this subject?

Standards, Regulations, and Bulletproof Glass

Bulletproof glass is a highly specialized product, and it’s certainly not something that can be improvised. All Isoclima products fully comply with European and international standards in this area, and that’s non-negotiable. The strength of the glass is tested and certified according to all regulations and standards: In Europe and around the world, bulletproof glass must meet the firearm resistance requirements outlined by the UNI EN 1063 standard (from BR1 to BR7). For military use, the NATO “Stanag” standard applies, which is specific for state bodies with protection levels 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the civilian sector, the standards are VPAM PM VR (in Germany and worldwide), the aforementioned EN 1063, and in the United States, the NIJ 0108.01 and UL752.

The production of the glass doesn’t end at the factory; the certification process is only completed when the glass passes ballistic testing, which ensures the glass’s reliability. Certifying bodies include Beschussamt Ulm, Beschussamt Munich, and Beschussamt Mellrichstadt in Germany, and NTS Chesapeake in the United States.

Ballistic Testing and OmniArmor®

Bulletproof glass undergoes very specific, rigorous tests to provide the recipient with a pure and guaranteed product. The standards require numerous tests conducted with different types of “threats,” such as bullets or others, depending on the protection level requested by the customer. Temperature also plays a role. Ballistic tests are performed at extreme temperatures (+70 -40 °C), with the requirement that the glass can withstand multiple hits, known as “multihit.”

OmniArmor® is one of those products that not only guarantees ballistic protection and resistance but also offers an aesthetically pleasing and beautifully crafted product. The excellent weight-to-strength ratio and incredible optical and aesthetic quality are the strong points of OmniArmor®, making it one of Isoclima’s most popular works. Whether flat or curved, its structure is designed to combine the properties of polycarbonate and glass to resist not only massive ballistic attacks but also other incidents that could cause breaches and, consequently, danger to people.

This is why we install OmniArmor® in various fields where every individual must feel protected and secure: automotive, marine, military, and construction. No sector is unfamiliar with the excellence of Isoclima products.

For those not in the industry, shatterproof glass and thermal insulation glass may seem almost identical. However, to recognize a quality product, it’s important to understand the differences and characteristics that distinguish these two surfaces—both of which are critical in certain contexts.

First, shatterproof glass is named for its resistance to impacts, which sets it apart from regular glass. These glasses are particularly significant when placed in specific contexts, as they provide important protection for people and objects within a given space.

The Context, First and Foremost

To discuss the differences between shatterproof glass and thermal insulation glass, we can start by looking at the different situations in which they are used. Shatterproof glass is primarily used in architecture, within buildings that require a high level of security. On the other hand, thermal insulation glass is mainly used in yachting, to improve thermal and acoustic insulation performance. These are two different products, but both are essential when placed in the right context.

An important factor to highlight, especially for us at Isoclima who care about environmental sustainability, is that thermal insulation glass helps improve energy efficiency and creates a more comfortable indoor environment, which is beneficial both for the planet and for people. While these two products are distinct, they share one common element. Let’s explore what that is.

Different Processes, Same Commitment

Whether it’s shatterproof glass or thermal insulation glass, Isoclima dedicates a high level of commitment to both types of production.

We produce insulating glass combined with bulletproof glass, which differs from shatterproof glass, but with a “double” function: to insulate and protect at the same time. The common denominator lies in the development of materials that, until a few years ago, were pure fantasy.

These projects represent the pinnacle of Isoclima’s technology and history, as they not only provide significant thermal and acoustic insulation but also offer maximum security in critical and dangerous situations.

Who do we owe all of this to? It’s thanks to the careful research of our R&D department and the technical office, which bring our most visionary projects to life.