Pilkington launches innovative new safety mirror

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has launched Pilkington Optimirror Protect Plus, a new safety mirror that provides enhanced safety capability without the need for secondary processing.

This latest new product, which doesn’t require toughening or laminating, and can be cut to size from stock using standard glass processing equipment, builds on the well-established Pilkington Optimirror range.

It also follows the recent introduction of Pilkington Mirropane Chrome in May this year.

Pilkington Optimirror Protect Plus is formed of a composite material - a mirror bonded to metal through the application of the Chromatics process - rather than a mirror with a safety film. If broken, glass remains in place until the mirror is easily and safely replaced.

Pilkington has partnered with safety glass specialist Chromatics Glass to create the mirror, with Pilkington being the exclusive distributor of the product in the UK and Ireland.

The safety credentials and aesthetic appeal of Pilkington Optimirror Protect Plus make it suitable for a diverse range of commercial applications including shopping centres, hotels, lifts and train stations, or for more general domestic environments.

Leo Pyrah, Product Manager at Pilkington UK, said: “By working closely with Chromatics, we’ve been able to extend our comprehensive mirror range with a unique product, which will help our customers to transform interior spaces.”

Jason Leach, Business Development Manager at Chromatics, said: “After years of development, we’re very excited to be bringing this product to the market, pushing forward the safety and aesthetics that mirrors can achieve. The launch is testament to the power of collaboration to bring new and improved solutions to customers.”

Pilkington Optimirror Protect Plus comes as standard on Pilkington Optiwhite, a practically colourless true low-iron glass, but is also available in grey and bronze on request.

It achieves Class 3 (B) 3 to BS EN 12600 for pendulum body impact resistance; passes durability tests in EN 1036, the European Standard for conventional mirrors; and satisfies the requirements for Class O material for Approved Document B - Fire Safety.