Vitro Architectural Glass has received a 2025 R&D 100 Award for its next-generation vacuum insulating glass (VIG), VacuMax™, which delivers thermal performance that rivals traditional walls.
The award, announced by R&D Magazine, recognises the year’s most innovative technologies across science and engineering. Now in its 63rd year, the R&D 100 Awards spotlight achievements from companies and research institutions around the world.
Vitro’s VacuMax™ VIG is manufactured exclusively using the company’s Solarban® 70 solar-control, low-emissivity glass. The latest version offers up to a 79 per cent improvement in U-value, a key measure of heat loss, and delivers R-values of up to R20 – a level of insulation typically associated with walls rather than windows.
According to the manufacturer, VacuMax™ VIG performs three to five times better than conventional insulating glass and up to 20 times better than single-pane glass. It can be installed in both standard and non-standard glazing systems, with a lightweight design that allows it to slot into existing window frames, curtain walls and other retrofit applications without structural changes.
A key advancement in the new generation of VacuMax™ VIG is its streamlined appearance. Unlike earlier versions, the updated units no longer require a visible vacuum port and include a concealed “getter” – a component that maintains vacuum integrity – enhancing the product’s visual appeal.
In addition to thermal improvements, Vitro highlights a range of performance benefits, including extended product lifespan compared with competing vacuum glass, as well as increased acoustic insulation for noise reduction. These attributes enable larger window-to-wall ratios without compromising energy efficiency or occupant comfort.
The glass can also be used as a nominal ¼-inch unit to replace monolithic glass panes directly, removing the need for frame replacement. This flexibility positions VacuMax™ VIG as a viable option for energy-efficient retrofits in both residential and commercial buildings.
By merging low-emissivity glass with vacuum technology, Vitro aims to bridge the gap between aesthetics, sustainability and performance. The R&D 100 Award marks a significant milestone in the commercial development of high-performance glass solutions that support energy conservation.
Vitro Architectural Glass, headquartered in the United States, is a major producer of glass for the commercial building sector. Its Solarban® range is widely used in energy-efficient architectural designs across North America.
