Let the Light In, Keep the Heat Out – All About Our New Solar Protection Films

When ORAFOL acquired a stake in Belgian specialty film manufacturer Group M.A.M. in September 2024, it was far more than a routine acquisition. The move marked ORAFOL’s entry into an entirely new market segment with the goal of integrating high-performance solar protection films into its product portfolio. This strategic decision went well beyond technology and production capacity. It underscored the importance ORAFOL places on energy and resource efficiency and stands as an example of our sustainable development approach in future-oriented markets.

New Technology: ORAFOL Acquires Stake in Belgian Specialty Film Manufacturer Group M.A.M.

"As part of this acquisition, we are laying another cornerstone for ORAFOL’s sustainable development," said CEO Dr. Holger Loclair at the time. Indeed, our entry into the development of spectrally selective films represents a significant milestone: ORAFOL is purposefully investing in solutions that can help reduce energy consumption in buildings, offering measurable benefits for both customers and the environment.

Large windows and glass facades can cause indoor spaces to heat up significantly when exposed to sunlight. This increases cooling needs and costs. The new spectrally selective solar protection film ORAGUARD® HelioShield significantly reduces energy consumption. But how do these films work, and who are they intended for? Here’s an overview:

The Group M.A.M. Acquisition

In September 2024, ORAFOL acquired a stake in Belgian specialty film manufacturer Group Michiels Advanced Materials (Group M.A.M.) to integrate a key new technology into the company: the sputtering process used to produce spectrally selective films.

Starting in June 2025, ORAFOL will bring its first industrial-scale products to market, manufactured at the new high-tech production site “Hall 10” at the ORAFOL headquarters in Oranienburg.

The acquisition is part of ORAFOL’s long-term strategy to expand its technological core competencies and to play a leading role in the global market for solar protection films.

What Are Spectrally Selective Solar Protection Films and How Do They Differ from Conventional Ones?

Solar protection films in general are used to prevent indoor spaces from overheating due to sunlight. They are especially popular in buildings with large windows and glass facades.

Conventional solar films block heat to some extent, but they come with two key disadvantages: they darken rooms by also filtering visible light, and they tend to absorb infrared radiation, causing the film and the glass to heat up. This can damage the glass over time, even causing cracks.

In contrast, ORAGUARD® HelioShield 75 Spectrally Selective Solar Protection Film allows a high percentage of visible light to pass through, keeping rooms bright and naturally lit, with no obvious sign of film installation. Meanwhile, it reflects other parts of the solar spectrum, such as UV and infrared radiation, keeping heat and harmful rays outside.

To the products

What Are the Benefits of ORAGUARD® HelioShield?

The most important benefit: up to 30% energy savings. These films greatly reduce indoor cooling requirements. That means lower energy bills and on average, the cost of retrofitting a building with solar films pays for itself within just three years. For many companies committed to sustainability and climate goals, upgrading windows with spectrally selective films is a fast and effective solution.

In addition, nearly 100% UV protection helps prevent furnishings like desks, carpets, and floors from fading or aging prematurely.

In workspaces where air conditioning isn't possible, the films improve indoor comfort on hot days. A meaningful investment in employee well-being.

Spectrally Selective Solar Protection Films at a Glance

ORAFOL’s spectrally selective solar protection films can cut energy costs by up to 30% by blocking solar heat and reducing the load on air conditioning systems. In winter, they can also reduce heating needs.
These films are especially well-suited for large windows, glass facades, and greenhouses.
Despite their high effectiveness, they remain virtually invisible: Thanks to their special design, they keep interiors bright with natural daylight.

Where and How Are Solar Protection Films Used?

Spectrally selective solar films are ideal for any room exposed to direct sunlight that requires high cooling effort. Typical applications include office spaces with large windows or glass facades. They are also well suited for smaller areas: residential skylights or greenhouses, which are prone to overheating during hot summers. In all these cases, the films help reduce cooling needs, making living and working more comfortable.

ORAGUARD® HelioShield films can be easily retrofitted to existing glazing. They work best when applied externally, but they can also be installed internally if exterior application isn't feasible for technical or economic reasons.

Are Solar Films a Disadvantage in Winter?

If the film blocks solar heat in summer to reduce cooling costs, doesn’t it also block helpful warmth in winter, thus increasing heating needs?

This logic seems valid at first glance. But in reality, the amount of solar heat blocked in winter is significantly lower. That’s because the sun is much lower in the sky in winter, meaning sunlight strikes windows at a flatter angle. As a result, more infrared heat makes it through the films during the cold season.

But more importantly: in winter, heat sources like radiators are located inside the building. Maintaining indoor temperature depends primarily on the heating system, not the sun. ORAGUARD® HelioShield films reflect the heat emitted by these sources back into the room, helping retain warmth. So energy is saved year-round: less cooling in summer, less heating in winter.

"The flat glass film market continues to grow"

"The flat glass film market continues to grow, driven by climate awareness and people’s desire for greater indoor comfort. There is no question that our climate is changing, with more hot days around the world. These solutions directly address that issue, offering a far more resource-friendly alternative than replacing windows or entire facades."
Holger Geiser, Business Development Manager Graphic Solutions

Are you a retailer and want to learn more about our sun protection solutions? Contact us!

Holger Geiser

Business Development Manager Graphic Solutions

h.geiser@orafol.de

How Do Spectrally Selective Solar Protection Films Work?

“Spectrally selective” refers to the ability of solar protection films to interact differently with various wavelengths of the light spectrum.

When light passes through a transparent surface like glass or film, it can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted.

Sunlight is composed of electromagnetic radiation across a wide range of wavelengths. Only a small portion, known as the visible spectrum, is detectable to the human eye.

Short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV) and long-wavelength infrared (IR) radiation are invisible but problematic: UV light causes skin damage and fading of interiors, while IR light brings unwanted heat. To block heat effectively, films must primarily target infrared radiation.

Key Properties of ORAGUARD® HelioShield 75 Spectrally Selective Solar Protection Film:

Allows 75% of visible light through, keeping rooms bright. The human eye barely notices the 25% loss.
Blocks nearly 100% of harmful UV light, protecting glass, occupants, and interiors from aging and degradation.
Reflects most infrared heat radiation outward, keeping window surfaces and interior spaces cooler.

ORAFOL manufactures spectrally selective solar protection films up to 1,829 mm wide using state-of-the-art technology to ensure consistent high quality. Each roll is carefully finished to meet the specific requirements of our customers.

ORAGUARD® HelioShield is an intelligent solution for improved energy efficiency and indoor comfort. By reducing the need for cooling, preserving resources, and enhancing well-being, these films make a valuable contribution to a more sustainable future.

Dr. Stefan Pfirrmann, R&D Director at ORAFOL Graphic Solutions
"In buildings equipped with ORAGUARD® HelioShield, significantly less energy is required for cooling via air conditioning. This directly reduces both energy demand and CO₂ emissions."