3M Celebrates 50 Years of Innovative Window Film Products

When enjoying a sunny day at home or at the office, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is cooling costs or the potential effects of UV exposure. However, once your air conditioning bill arrives in the mail or your upholstery fades beyond recognition, the damage has already occurred, affecting your wallet and your design aesthetic. Recognizing the need to protect the people and items that matter most, 50 years ago, 3M designed a Window Film that continues to deliver outstanding sun control, unparalleled comfort and UV protection. Today, 3M is providing Window Films encompassing everything from sun control to safety and security.

Individuals across the country have installed the product in varied locations including a home in Sausalito, Calif. with 180-degree views of the San Francisco Bay and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, home of Michael Jackson’s suits and Chuck Berry’s guitar. Despite the unique components of each installation, every customer shared a common goal – protecting valuable items without changing the appearance of their windows.

“At 3M, we are always looking for ways to provide solutions to scenarios our customers encounter every day and take pride in designing products that stand the test of time,” said Tim Thornton, global business director of 3M Renewable Energy Division. “Since its creation 50 years ago, 3M Window Film has revolutionized the way we utilize a design feature that can be applied on every home, every building and every automobile.”

Building on the initial launch in 1966, 3M has worked diligently to improve its original sun control window film offering to expand the product’s reach to other areas including safety and security, automotive and interior design. The company’s comprehensive window film portfolio features products for residential, commercial and automotive markets.

“During the course of any given day, an individual may experience the benefits of 3M Window Film without ever noticing its presence,” said Thornton. “Despite its nearly invisible nature, the product is the unsung hero of many homes and buildings as it rejects solar heat, reduces fading and the effects of UV exposure and offers an additional layer of protection to any window.”

In celebration of 3M Window Film’s golden anniversary, 3M has planned a variety of unique communications throughout the year. For upcoming events, go to 3M.com/Remarkable. Most notably, the company launched a new creative campaign, highlighting variations of the theme, “So remarkable you may not have noticed...”

3M’s Renewable Energy Division (RED) is helping lead the way to a sustainable energy future. Critical advancements in 3M materials used in solar photovoltaic and wind turbine components are driving down the cost per watt, while improving scalability and reliability. 3M™ Window Films help control the sun’s heat and UV rays, enabling cooler, more comfortable vehicles and creating energy savings for business, government and residential buildings. The window films also provide added safety and security, during such events as attempted break-ins and large-scale external forces.

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