KINGSPORT, Tenn. – March 19, 2013 – Solutia Inc., a subsidiary of Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) and a global leader in performance materials and specialty chemicals, has received the Technology of the Year award from AIMCAL (the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters, and Laminators) for its EnerLogic® VEP35 low-e window film.
This award is given to the most significant new technology that impacts the converting industry or consuming market, and stands out among the many industry innovations and advances. EnerLogic VEP35 also earned the Technical award in the Other Category in AIMCAL’s Vacuum Metallized or Coated Product Competition.
“We are honored to have received the 2013 AIMCAL Technology of the Year award. This award recognizes the significance of the technological advances found in EnerLogic 35 window film and its contribution to the field of retrofit building envelope energy savings,” said Travis Smith, Vice President and General Manager of Performance Films for Eastman Chemical Company.
Delivering an emissivity of 0.07, which is a significant improvement over the 0.33 emissivity rating of the next best-performing low-e film, EnerLogic VEP35 maximizes year-round energy savings by reducing solar heat gain in the summer and directing radiant heat back into the room in the winter. Increasing a window’s insulating ability equal to adding a pane of glass, the film adds 92-percent more insulating performance.
“Windows account for between 25 and 40 percent of annual HVAC costs,” says Jeremy Verstraete, global business manager for Eastman Chemical Company. “EnerLogic VEP35 can reduce HVAC usage, control energy costs, and preserve views. ROI is typically achieved in less than three years, but utility rebates and tax incentives may provide an even faster return on investment. We’re very honored that AIMCAL recognized this energy-efficiency solution.”
AIMCAL judges were very impressed by the low-e film’s performance. “It’s like adding a storm window,” said one judge. Judging was conducted by a team of independent, nonaffiliated associates selected from diversified market areas selected for their expert knowledge and experience.