Oraguard HelioShield one of the first Orafol ‘Functional Films’

Having recently established a new ‘Functional Films’ business unit – as part of a strategy to expand its high-tech specialty film range – Orafol Europe has recently acquired Belgian specialty film manufacturer Group Michiels Advanced Materials. The first ‘product’ to come out of this acquisition is Oraguard HelioShield, a spectrally selective film designed to optimise solar energy management

Announced as part of a broader ‘company re-alignment’ – which now sees Orafol’s previous European sales units (Graphic Solutions, Reflective Solutions and Adhesive Tape Systems) now grouped into two divisions (Material Solutions and Industrial Solutions) – the new Functional Films business unit  is closely linked to the technological development of the corporate group. Following the integration of extrusion specialist NUPRO LLC in 2021 and the acquisition of a stake in sputtering specialist Group M.A.M. in 2024, Orafol has systematically built up key competencies in the field of high-performance functional films and integrated them into its own value chain.

Dr. Sylvia Lucht (Executive Vice President EMEAI & Material Solutions), says: “These changes reflect the growing strategic importance of technologically sophisticated functional films in Orafol’s portfolio.

“Today, Orafol lays claims to having mastered the core processes in the development and manufacture of functional films, from the extrusion of thermoplastic polyurethane films through modern coating and lamination processes to high-precision sputtering technology. This vertical integration expands the range of customised functional films that specifically combine physical, optical, and protective properties to meet the highest quality and performance requirements.”

Orafol’s new Functional Films product portfolio includes, among other things, spectrally selective and reflective solar protection films, as well as TPU-based paint protection films (PPF), which are used in particular in demanding industrial and automotive applications.

Oraguard HelioShield enables high visible light transmission while significantly reducing solar heat gain by reflecting infrared (IR) radiation and blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This advanced multilayer film technology reduces indoor cooling demands without altering the external appearance of glass surfaces – combining energy efficiency with architectural integrity.

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