Clear Miru eWIndow

Argotec and Miru Unveil Largest Electrochromic Sunroof Window in Automotive Industry Milestone

VANCOUVER, BC, March 18, 2025 – Leading smart window technology creator Miru Smart Technologies (“Miru”) has introduced one of the world’s largest electrochromic sunroof window devices for the automotive industry. Made possible with Argotec advanced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) interlayer films, this achievement demonstrates the scalability and commercial value of their cutting-edge, sustainable window solution in next generation vehicle design.

As a major leap forward for both the smart glass and automotive industries, Miru’s dynamic electrochromic technology (“eWindows”) is combined with Argotec optically clear polymer film into a compound-curved electrochromic window prototype measuring 1.5 m x 1.6 m. The increased size makes it an ideal solution for automotive applications such as panoramic sunroofs, expansive glazing, and other window components.

Miru eWindows in clear and tinted states

eWindow in the clear and tinted states for automotive sunroofs.

 

“Our partnership with Miru continues to push the boundaries of material science and innovation,” said James Kidwell, Technical Leader for Argotec Smart Glass.

“By leveraging Argotec’s high-performance TPU interlayer technology in eWindows, we are setting the standards in the automotive industry for smart, energy-efficient glazing solutions that enhance performance, sustainability and user experience.” added Tom Niziolek, Commercial Leader for Argotec Smart Glass.

“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between our teams, and represents a defining moment for electrochromic technology, particularly in the automotive sector,” said Curtis Berlinguette, Chief Executive Officer at Miru. “The successful scale and performance of our dynamic sunroof prototype shows that electrochromic glazing is not just a concept – it is a commercially viable solution that can enhance vehicle design and efficiency.”

Argotec, a Mativ brand, has long set the standard in advanced resin extrusion for emerging smart glass technologies. This partnership with Miru highlights their impact on the automotive sector, where sustainable materials and design flexibility are critical in both production and end use.

For Miru, this achievement marks another step in its rapid growth trajectory, building on technology advancements at its Showcase Plant in Finland. The company is actively expanding production capabilities for large-format eWindows, further strengthening electrochromic applications for the automotive and building sectors. The collaboration between Miru and Argotec was previously showcased at Glasstec 2024.

Electrochromic technology is at the forefront of the automotive industry’s push toward intelligent and energy-efficient design. The eWindows developed by Miru and Argotec offer several key advantages:

  • Enhanced visibility and comfort: eWindows adjust light levels to reduce glare and unwanted reflections.
  • Optimized vehicle performance: eWindows control solar heat entering the cabin, improving energy efficiency and extending vehicle range.
  • Elevated driving experience: eWindows meets consumer and regulatory demands for curved, neutral-color, low-haze, energy-efficient glass.

Miru and Argotec will continue to collaborate on refining the performance and scalability of eWindows, with a shared vision of shaping the future of smart automotive glazing. Samples of the eWindows will be on display at the upcoming Glass Performance Days 2025 in Tampere, Finland.

–-

About Argotec

Founded in 1988, Argotec is the global leader in engineered polymer films. Argotec provides unparalleled extrusion capability, capacity, and quality controls to support businesses across the globe. Argotec films are a critical component in a wide variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, aviation, building & construction, medical, dental, consumer goods, graphics, renewable energy, safety & defense, and more. From surface and paint protection to smart glass and wound care, Argotec innovates everyday products. To learn more, visit argotec.com.

About Miru Smart Technologies

Miru Smart Technologies develops electrochromic windows (“eWindows”) for the transportation and architectural sectors. Miru eWindows transform static glass into dynamic, responsive systems, disrupting industry standards with high performance, aesthetic and functionality. Miru is paving the way for the next generation of energy-efficient window technologies, with the vision to enhance the well-being of people and our planet. Learn more at mirucorp.com

 

Contacts

For Miru media inquiries, please contact: 

Vedika Daswani, External Marketing Strategist

v.daswani@mirucorp.com

 

For all Mativ or Argotec media inquiries, please contact:

Brianne Vaskovardzic, Marketing Communications Manager

Brianne.vaskovardzic@mativ.com

The next era in window innovation — transitioning from low-E coatings to dynamic smart windows

A major shift is taking place towards windows that save energy

The energy crisis of the 1970s catalyzed the creation of one of the greatest energy saving innovations in modern history: low-emissivity (low-E) windows. Now, 40 years later, dynamic, energy-saving electrochromic windows are poised to disrupt thee windows industry — spearheaded by companies like Miru. 

The 1970s were a pivotal time in energy-saving innovation. After a series of global oil price shocks and supply disruptions, the U.S. government funded research to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

At this time, windows were a key area of focus as buildings are one of the largest energy consumers, and windows are a key source of energy inefficiency. Heat can easily pass through standard windows, leading to wasteful heat gain in warmer climates and heat loss in colder climates.

To address this, a strategic collaboration among the U.S. Department of Energy, industry associations, window manufacturers, and research institutions led to a significant breakthrough in window technology: low-E windows. 

Low-E windows contain thin, transparent coatings on the surface that reduce the amount of heat transferred through a window. These low-E coatings reflect infrared heat radiation to prevent excessive heat gain in hot weather, while retaining heat in the building during cold weather, reducing the heating and cooling costs of buildings by 20%. 

Today, more than 85% of windows contain low-E coatings, but as game-changing for energy saving as this innovation was, low-E windows are not enough. Low-E windows are static: they do not adjust for the seasons or the time of day. We still need window coverings to protect us from the sun’s glare, meaning our blinds and curtains are closed 60% of the time! 

We are now entering the next era in window innovation

Dynamic smart window technologies are now available to increase building energy efficiencies by yet another 20%. These electrochromic windows (eWindows) have been proven to keep rooms 10 degrees C cooler than conventional windows during our ever hotter summer months.

Miru is helping drive this next shift towards more energy-efficient windows. Our eWindows enable people to electronically change the tint of their windows to respond to the season, time of day or weather pattern — minimizing excessive heat during hot weather while containing heat within the building during colder weather. Miru eWindows enable us to stay connected to the outside world while still enjoying a pleasant view.

To learn more about Miru smart eWindows, contact us.

Take the longer view with Miru smart sunroofs

The number one factor consumers cite when deciding which electric vehicle (EV) to purchase is driving range. But while car manufacturers focus on improving battery designs, tintable windows also extend the driving range of an electric vehicle. By controlling the amount of light passing through the vehicle window, drivers can realize a 10% increase in EV driving range.

Smart sunroofs change the level of tint in response to electricity. The driver can therefore dynamically tint the window with the press of a button. These windows offer greater comfort in changing weather conditions, while reducing the energy vehicles consume to increase the driving range for EVs.

The first generation of smart sunroofs are finally hitting the market after years of development. Porsche Taycan and Renault Solarbay are both examples currently in the market.

The Porsche Taycan comes with optional panoramic glass roof with variable light control. Image from: www.porsche.com

While these first gen smart windows diffract light, Miru is pioneering the use of electrochromic technologies that better control the sun’s heat. Miru is bringing to market electrochromic windows (“eWindows”), which have been proven on flat glass in large commercial buildings—making Miru the first to make curved eWindows for automobiles.

Miru eWindows can span large panoramic sunroofs without bisecting busbars, and use low voltage power to drive the switching. These features are important to both consumers and manufacturers, as automobiles are designed with increasingly more glass.

By using Miru eWindows to increase the driving range of electric vehicles, drivers can reduce CO<sub<2 emissions, enhancing the wellbeing of our people and our planet.

To learn more about Miru eWindows for automobiles, email contact@mirucorp.com.

Reduce global carbon emissions with smart windows

Cars, trucks and airplanes are widely regarded as the worst contributors to our climate change crisis for their greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions. But buildings are actually the largest emitters of CO2 — responsible for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions.

The most significant energy draws in buildings are for heating, cooling, and lighting, which generate 10 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually. If we make buildings more eco-friendly, we can stabilize global temperatures. We need to move quickly: The global population is projected to double by the year 2050, and to meet those needs, the pace of construction is not slowing down.

Windows are a major source of building inefficiencies.

Improvements in the efficiency of a window will have a huge impact on CO2 emissions. But the last significant innovation in windows (low-emissivity or low-e windows) was 40 years ago. That’s before the first Apple Macintosh came to market. While computer technology has clearly advanced (we can now operate most of our lives with a smartphone the size of our hand), windows technology innovation has been stuck in the ‘80s.

Enter smart windows or electrochromic windows.

Smart windows significantly increase overall building energy efficiency. Compared to conventional windows with low-emissivity coatings, smart windows can improve building energy efficiency by 20% even in mild climates. In hotter regions, the energy savings can reach 40%.

Smart windows can also reduce peak heating and cooling loads significantly — by 25% or more. This means we can downsize mechanical equipment, saving even more energy and costs. When implemented worldwide, smart windows can make a material impact in reducing energy use and the carbon footprint of buildings.

To put it in perspective, if just 25% of new buildings worldwide adopted the use of electrochromic glass like in Miru smart windows, the carbon savings would exceed half a gigaton annually by 2050.

The graph below projects the carbon savings possible with varying smart window adoption rates in new building construction

It is important that the world recognize how important windows are in reducing global carbon emissions.

Miru windows efficiently control sunlight and solar heat, resulting in reduced energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and significant cost savings for building owners. By embracing these advanced window technologies, we can make substantial strides toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient built environment.

Miru smart windows offer a game-changing solution for reducing global carbon emissions.

Miru windows highlighted as critical to help buildings meet carbon emission targets by leading propTech investor

Miru Smart Technologies, an innovator in the field of electrochromic windows, is pleased to see the growing prominence of Greensoil, a key player in Canada’s proptech sector. As a company committed to innovation and sustainability, Miru recognizes the importance of companies like Greensoil in driving progress towards a more sustainable future.

Greensoil is a proptech company that specializes in the development and deployment of advanced technologies for the real estate sector. The company’s solutions help property owners and managers optimize building performance, reduce energy consumption, and improve tenant comfort. Greensoil’s innovative approach to proptech has made it a key player in the industry, and the company has been recognized for its contributions to sustainability and innovation.

“Greensoil is doing important work in the proptech sector, and we are excited to see the company’s growing prominence in Canada,” said Curtis Berlinguette, CEO of Miru Smart Technologies. “As a company that is committed to innovation and sustainability, we recognize the importance of companies like Greensoil in driving progress towards a more sustainable future.”

Miru Smart Technologies shares Greensoil’s commitment to sustainability and is dedicated to developing eWindow solutions that help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and optimize their operations. By working together with companies like Greensoil, Miru Smart Technologies hopes to drive progress towards a more sustainable future and create a better world for future generations.

“As a company, we are committed to developing innovative solutions that help businesses reduce their impact on the environment,” added Berlinguette. “We believe that by working together with other companies that share our values, we can drive real change and make a positive impact on the world.”

Read the article here.