By Richard John, Technoform sales manager, UK & Ireland.

The glass and glazing sector has always adapted to changing pressures, but few challenges have been as immediate and far-reaching as the ongoing rising costs and energy crisis.

The pressure on costs is not only impacting manufacturers at a production level with raw materials, energy and transportation costs, they are also reshaping how businesses assess efficiency, sustainability and long-term value across the entire supply chain.

In this environment, incremental improvements are no longer enough. The focus has shifted towards solutions that deliver clear reductions in energy consumption, waste, and increased productivity without compromising performance or quality. Warm edge technology, particularly cold bendable spacer bars, is now playing a central role in that shift.

Technoform offers SP14 and SP24 warm edge spacer bars which have been developed with this challenge in mind. Both offer durability, exceptional processability and future homes standard on thermal values.

Our SP24 is designed for even higher thermal performance. It enables fabricators and IGU manufacturers to improve window efficiency while maintaining consistency in production. It is also the only truly cold bendable spacer bar on the market, removing the need for heat at any stage of the bending process. All our warm edge spacer bars can also be processed using the cut and corner method.

By eliminating heat from the bending process, manufacturers can reduce energy usage immediately, simplifying production and lowering operational overheads. Real world studies show that moving from cut and corner to bending spacer bars can deliver savings of around 34%, while switching from warm bending to cold bending can further reduce fabrication costs and lower carbon impact within the process.

The switch is straightforward; SP14 and SP24 can be processed on existing bending equipment without modification or additional investment, allowing manufacturers to make the transition without disruption.

For those looking to move away from cut and corner production entirely, support is available to help source suitable bending equipment partners and ensure a smooth changeover.
If your preference is to stay with the existing cut and corner method, both our warm edge spacers are compatible with this method, and we can offer onsite support for the switch over to ensure everything is seamless.

Confidence in performance is equally important. Both SP14 and SP24 are fully certified across all parts of EN1279, meet the future homes standard for thermal values, are approved for Passive House and hold a BF data sheet, providing reassurance on durability, compliance and long-term performance. Our SP14 also has the added benefit of being tested to EN 1364 Fire-resistance when used within a fire glass system.

As cost pressures shape business decisions, companies are increasingly looking at the total cost of producing a window rather than just the price of individual components. There is a clear shift toward higher quality products that reduce waste and support sustainability.

Solutions that improve thermal performance while lowering energy use, cutting carbon impact, and increasing production efficiency offer a distinct advantage.

Technoform warm edge spacer products are now closer to customers across the UK and Ireland, available either directly from Technoform or through established partners DGS Group and Abacus Agents, ensuring consistent and reliable security of supply.

To learn more, request a sample, or discuss how our warm edge spacer bars can support your production, contact the Technoform sales team.