Edgetech’s revolutionary Super Spacer celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, marking over three decades of transforming the fenestration industry with superior thermal performance and productivity. Gary Shoesmith, Edgetech’s Head of Technical, reflects on the product’s legacy.

In the world of fenestration, few innovations have had as profound an impact as Edgetech’s Super Spacer.

As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of this groundbreaking product, it’s worth reflecting on how this foam warm-edge spacer bar has revolutionised window manufacturing and energy efficiency since its introduction in 1989.

When Super Spacer first hit the market, it represented a quantum leap in thermal performance.

Compared to the metal spacers that dominated the industry at the time, Super Spacer’s innovative foam construction boasted a thermal conductivity 950 times lower.

This dramatic improvement significantly reduced heat loss at the window edge, a crucial factor in overall window energy efficiency.

The impact of this innovation cannot be overstated.

In an era of increasing environmental awareness and stricter energy regulations, Super Spacer provided manufacturers with a solution that could meet and exceed new standards.

It allowed for the creation of windows that were not just more energy-efficient, but also more comfortable for end-users by reducing condensation and improving sound insulation.

Transforming the industry

Over the past 35 years, Super Spacer has become the industry leader in warm-edge spacer bars.

Its success has been instrumental in shifting the market towards warm-edge technology, which is now used in the majority of insulating glass units.

This shift can be attributed in no small part to Edgetech’s tireless campaigning and education efforts within the industry.

The adoption of Super Spacer has had far-reaching effects beyond just improved thermal performance.

Its design allows for faster IGU production with less labour, translating to significant cost savings for manufacturers.

The latest high-speed automated Super Spacer lines can produce 23.5% more units with just three employees compared to a nine-person line using rigid box warm-edge spacers.

This increase in productivity has helped manufacturers meet growing demand while keeping costs under control.

The future of fenestration

As we look to the future, the role of products like Super Spacer becomes even more critical.

With the global focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in buildings, high-performance windows are no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Super Spacer provides a tried and tested solution that helps manufacturers, architects, and homeowners meet these challenges head-on.

What’s more, as the construction industry moves towards more sustainable practices, the durability and longevity of Super Spacer contribute to reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.

This aligns perfectly with the principles of circular economy that are increasingly shaping our approach to building and manufacturing.

A proud legacy

Reflecting on Super Spacer’s 35-year journey, I am incredibly proud of its legacy.

What started as a revolutionary product has become an industry standard, driving improvements in energy efficiency, comfort, and productivity across the fenestration sector.

But we’re not resting on our laurels. At Edgetech, we understand that innovation is an ongoing process.

We continue to challenge ourselves to create products that will propel our industry forward, meeting the evolving needs of our customers and the wider world.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the next 35 years and beyond. With the continued focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, Super Spacer remains a vital tool.

The challenges we face as an industry are significant. Climate change, urbanisation, and evolving regulatory landscapes all present hurdles that we must overcome.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth.

As we look to the future, we’re excited about the potential for further advancements in spacer technology.

Whether it’s incorporating new materials, improving manufacturing processes, or developing smart technologies that enhance window performance, we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

We’re grateful for the trust that our customers and partners have placed in us, and we look forward to continuing to serve the industry with innovative solutions that meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Here’s to another 35 years of innovation, collaboration, and progress in the world of fenestration.