Innovations
INNOVATIONS +VOX: The next-generation vacuum glazing redefining building energy performance
Saint-Gobain Glass and U.S.-based LuxWall have cemented a strategic partnership that is already reshaping the future of energy-efficient glazing in Europe. The collaboration between the global leader in flat glass and the pioneer of transparent insulation technology combines Saint-Gobain’s industrial expertise with LuxWall’s innovative materials science, bringing next-generation vacuum glazing solution INSIO® to the European market.
The partnership sees LuxWall’s transparent insulation technology embedded within Saint-Gobain’s groundbreaking INSIO® system — a vacuum glazing product engineered to cut energy loss through windows and façades, one of the most persistent challenges in sustainable construction. Energy lost through glazing accounts for roughly 40% of a building’s heating and cooling demand, and both companies believe this new technology marks a turning point for performance and carbon reduction in the built environment.
“INSIO® will allow us to support our customers in addressing the building decarbonisation challenge while enhancing window design without compromising on comfort,” said Nicolas Mondy, vice president of Saint-Gobain’s Glass Performance segment. “This partnership brings two innovative companies together at a time when demand for energy-efficient buildings and retrofit solutions is accelerating.”
By integrating LuxWall’s transparent insulation, INSIO® transforms glass from an energy liability into a high-performing, energy-saving asset. The technology significantly reduces both energy use and capital expenditure for developers, while maintaining transparency and slim design. The partnership is a major stride in realising net-zero targets and in offering building owners accessible routes to retrofit existing stock.
Scott Thomsen, chief executive and founder of LuxWall, said the collaboration with Saint-Gobain Glass marked “a pivotal moment” for the company’s global ambitions. “Our goal has always been to reduce building energy consumption and carbon emissions at a price point that enables universal access,” he said. “Partnering with Saint-Gobain Glass enables us to bring this mission to life on a global scale. Together, we’re transforming the building envelope from an energy liability into an essential asset for a sustainable future.”
In parallel with the partnership coming into full effect, Saint-Gobain Glass has also achieved a major technological milestone: its INSIO® vacuum glazing has obtained voluntary CE marking — the first tempered vacuum insulating glazing solution in the world to do so. Certified under European Technical Assessment (ETA 25/0363), INSIO® meets the most demanding standards for performance and durability, with insulation values between 0.3 and 0.5 W/m²K that exceed traditional triple glazing, yet in a slimmer profile.
“Achieving CE marking for INSIO® highlights the reliability of this next-generation solution and marks a major step forward in our mission to support building decarbonisation and energy efficiency,” said Fabrice Desmons, international marketing director for building glass at Saint-Gobain. “It ensures that architects, engineers, and developers can confidently specify INSIO® in both retrofit and new-build projects.”
The new certification also reinforces the status of CLIMAPLUS® INSIO® — a double-glazing unit that incorporates INSIO® — making it compatible with standard window systems. This advance brings high-end vacuum insulation firmly within reach for new construction and renovation projects, balancing design freedom with ease of installation.
LuxWall, headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan, continues to scale up production of its Enthermal™ transparent insulation technology, with one plant in Litchfield and a second site under construction in Detroit to meet rising global demand. Its products are designed to virtually eliminate heat transfer through glass, making them a cornerstone of modern, high-performance building envelopes.
For Saint-Gobain, which has long championed sustainable materials innovation, the partnership signals a step-change in the role of glazing within energy-efficient architecture. As Europe ramps up its push towards building decarbonisation and improved retrofit performance, INSIO® stands ready to deliver a practical, scalable solution.
“This achievement shows that high-performance transparent insulation isn’t something of the future — it’s here now,” said Thomsen. “The next generation of glazing innovation has truly arrived.”
Why This Matters: The partnership between Saint-Gobain Glass and LuxWall is a defining moment for Europe’s glazing industry. By marrying mass-scale manufacturing with cutting-edge transparent insulation, INSIO® sets a new benchmark for vacuum glazing performance—offering unprecedented thermal efficiency, design freedom, and retrofit potential that directly advances building decarbonisation goals and reshapes the future of sustainable façades.
