--- title: Alternative to Traditional Protective Films | Vitro Architectural Glass description: Learn how EcoArmor™ Protective Topcoat eliminates protective film waste, improves fabrication efficiency and supports sustainable glass production. image: https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/VIT%20Header%20EcoArmor_1150x600_3.jpg --- [![Vitro Architectural Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/vitro_logo_color.svg)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/) - [Products](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/) - - [Low-e Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 60 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-60-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 60 *Optiblue*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-60-optiblue-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 65 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-65-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 70 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-70-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 70 *Optiblue*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-70-optiblue-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 72 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-72-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 90 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-90-glass/) - [Reflective Low-e Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/) - [*Solarban*® R67 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-r67-glass/) - [*Solarban*® R77 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-r77-glass/) - [*Solarban*® R100 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-r100-glass/) - [*Solarban Champane*™ Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-champane-low-e-glass/) - [Low-Iron Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/) - [***Starphire Ultra-Clear*® Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/starphire-ultra-clear-glass/) - [Heavy *Starphire*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/starphire-ultra-clear-glass/heavy-starphire-glass/) - [Interior *Starphire*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/starphire-ultra-clear-glass/interior-starphire-glass/) - [Exterior *Starphire*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/starphire-ultra-clear-glass/exterior-starphire-glass/) - [***Acuity*® Low-Iron Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/acuity-low-iron-glass/) - [Enhanced U-Value](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/enhanced-u-value/) - [*Sungate ThermL*™ Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/enhanced-u-value/sungate-therml-glass/) - [*VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/advanced-glass-applications/vacumax-vacuum-insulating-glass/) - [Tinted Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/) - [**Blue & Green Tinted Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/) - [*Pacifica*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/pacifica-glass/) - [*Azuria*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/azuria-glass/) - [*Atlantica*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/atlantica-glass/) - [*Solarblue*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/solarblue-glass/) - [*Solexia*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/solexia-glass/) - [*Optiblue*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/optiblue-glass/) - [**Gray & Bronze Tinted Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/) - [*Solarbronze*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/solarbronze-glass/) - [*Optigray*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/optigray-glass/) - [*Solargray*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/solargray-glass/) - [*Graylite*® II Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/graylite-ii-glass/) - [**Reflective Tinted Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/reflective-tinted-glass/) - [*Solarcool*® Glasses](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/reflective-tinted-glass/solarcool-glasses/) - [*Vistacool*® Glasses](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/reflective-tinted-glass/vistacool-glasses/) - [Bird Safe Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/bird-safe-glass/) - [*BirdSmart*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/bird-safe-glass/birdsmart-glass/) - [*Solarban*® *AviProtek*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/bird-safe-glass/solarban-aviprotek-glass/) - [Advanced Glass Applications](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/advanced-glass-applications/) - [*VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/advanced-glass-applications/vacumax-vacuum-insulating-glass/) - [Glass Partnerships](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/glass-partnerships/) - [Walker Glass | Decorative & Bird-Friendly](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/glass-partnerships/walker-glass/) - [Vitro X™](https://www.vitro-x.com/) - [Other Glass & Applications](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/) - [*Spandrelite*™ Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/spandrelite-glass/) - [Residential Glass](https://www.vitrowindowglass.com/) - [Interior Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/interior-glass/) - [*Clarvista*® Shower Glass](https://www.clarvista.com/) - [Decorative Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/decorative-glass/) - [Safety & Security Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/safety-security-glass/) - [*Herculite*® Heat-Treated Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/herculite-heat-treated-glass/) - [*Titan*™ Oversized Coated Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/titan-oversized-coated-glass/) - [*EcoArmor*™ Protective Topcoat](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/ecoarmor/) - [Glass for Renovation & Historic Preservation](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/glass-for-renovation-historic-preservation/) - [Discontinued Products](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/discontinued-products/) - [Design Resources](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/) - - [Tools](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/) - [*VitroVerse*® Glass Tools Mobile Hub](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/vitroverse/) - [Construct an IGU](https://construct.vitroglazings.com/) - [Thermal Stress Analysis](https://technicalresources.vitroglazings.com/ThermalStress/) - [*Vitro GlassFinder™*](https://vitroglassfinder.com/) - [*VitroSphere*® Visualizer Tool](https://thevitrosphere.com/) - [*emissions*™ Calculator](https://www.emissionscalc.com/) - [*FramingFactor*™](https://www.vitroframingfactor.com/) - [*GlassScope*™](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/glassscope/) - [*TechQuest AI*®](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/techquest-ai/) - [BIM & Specs](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/bim-specs/) - [BIM Files](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/bim-specs/bim-files/) - [Short-Form Specs](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/bim-specs/short-form-specs/) - [Long-Form Specs](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/bim-specs/long-form-specs/) - [Project & Case Study Gallery](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) - [Sustainability](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/) - [Embodied Carbon in Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/embodied-carbon-in-glass/) - [LEED Credit Categories](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/leed-credit-categories/) - [Request LEED Documentation](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/request-leed-documentation/) - [Sustainability Documentation](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/sustainability-documentation/) - [Affiliations & Memberships](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/affiliations-memberships/) - [*EcoArmor*™ Protective Topcoat](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/ecoarmor/) - [Order Samples](https://samples.vitroglazings.com/) - [Sample Literature](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sample-literature/) - [Product Literature](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/product-literature/) - [Technical Information](https://www.vitroglazings.com/technical-information/) - - [Technical Documents](https://www.vitroglazings.com/technical-information/technical-documents/) - [Technical Data Sheets](https://www.vitroglazings.com/technical-information/technical-data-sheets/) - [Performance Data Tables](https://www.vitroglazings.com/technical-information/performance-data-tables/) - [Education](https://www.vitroglazings.com/education/) - - [Continuing Education](https://www.vitroglazings.com/education/continuing-education/) - [How Glass is Made](https://www.vitroglazings.com/education/how-glass-is-made/) - [Glass Education Center](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - [Making Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/making-glass) - [Specifying Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/specifying-glass) - [Science of Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/science-of-glass) - [All Topics](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - [Bird-Friendly Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/bird-friendly-glass) - [Environment & Ecology](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/environment-ecology) - [Glass Color & Aesthetics](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-color-aesthetics) - [Glass Fabrication](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-fabrication) - [Glass Installation](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-installation) - [Insulating Glass Units](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/insulating-glass-units) - [Low-E Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-e-glass) - [Low-Iron Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-iron-glass) - [Understanding Performance](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/understanding-performance) - [Glossary](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/glossary) - [FAQs](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/faqs) - [Project Support](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/) - - [Architects: Find Your Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/architects-find-your-rep/) - [Glass Supply Chain: Find Your Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/glass-supply-chain-find-your-rep/) - [Where to Buy Vitro Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/where-to-buy-vitro-glass/) - [*Vitro Certified*® Network](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-certified-network/) - [Find a Fabricator (U.S. & Canada)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-certified-network/find-a-fabricator-us-canada/) - [Find a Fabricator (Mexico)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-certified-network/find-a-fabricator-mexico/) - [Find a Fabricator (International)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-certified-network/find-a-fabricator-international/) - [*Vitro Concierge Program*®](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-concierge-program/) - [Project Consideration Form](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-concierge-program/project-consideration-form/) - [Fabricator Login](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/fabricator-login/) - [Safety Data Sheets](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/safety-data-sheets/) - [CE Marking](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/ce-marking/) - [About](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/) - - [Plants & Facilities](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/) - [Carlisle Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/carlisle-glass-plant/) - [Fresno Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/fresno-glass-plant/) - [Garcia Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/garcia-glass-plant/) - [Meadville Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/meadville-glass-plant/) - [Mexicali Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/mexicali-glass-plant/) - [Wichita Falls Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/wichita-falls-glass-plant/) - [News](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/news/) - [Events](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/events/) - [Careers](https://vitro.com/en/careers/) - [Where to Buy Vitro Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/where-to-buy-vitro-glass/) - [Glass Insider eNewsletter](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/glass-insider-enewsletter/) - [Visitor Feedback](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/visitor-feedback/) - [Get Samples](https://samples.vitroglazings.com/) - [Tools](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/) - [*VitroVerse*® Glass Tools Mobile Hub](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/vitroverse/) - [*Vitro GlassFinder*™](https://vitroglassfinder.com/) - [Construct an IGU](https://construct.vitroglazings.com/) - [Thermal Stress Analysis](https://technicalresources.vitroglazings.com/ThermalStress/) - [Project & Case Study Gallery](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) - [*VitroSphere*® Visualizer Tool](https://thevitrosphere.com/) - [*emissions*™ Calculator](https://www.emissionscalc.com/) - [*FramingFactor*™](https://www.vitroframingfactor.com/) - [*GlassScope*™](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/glassscope/) - [*TechQuest AI*®](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/techquest-ai/) - [Find a Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/) - [Find Your Architectural Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/architects-find-your-rep/) - [Find Your Sales Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/glass-supply-chain-find-your-rep/) - [Glass Education Center](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - Other Vitro Sites - [Residential Glass](https://www.vitrowindowglass.com/) - [*Starphire*® Glass](https://www.starphireglass.com/) - [*Clarvista*® Glass](https://www.clarvista.com/) - [Vitro Glass](https://vitroglass.com/) - [Vitro X™ Innovation Partnerships](https://www.vitro-x.com/) - [Fabricator Login](https://vcnmember.com/) - [Contact](https://www.vitroglazings.com/contact/) [![SEARCH](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/search.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#search) [Get Samples](https://samples.vitroglazings.com/) - [Tools *▼*](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/) - [*VitroVerse*® Glass Tools Mobile Hub](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/vitroverse/) - [*Vitro GlassFinder™*](https://vitroglassfinder.com/) - [Construct an IGU](https://construct.vitroglazings.com/) - [Thermal Stress Analysis](https://technicalresources.vitroglazings.com/ThermalStress/) - [Project & Case Study Gallery](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) - [*VitroSphere*® Visualizer Tool](https://thevitrosphere.com/) - [*emissions*™ Calculator](https://www.emissionscalc.com/) - [*FramingFactor*™](https://www.vitroframingfactor.com/) - [*GlassScope*™](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/glassscope/) - [*TechQuest AI*®](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/techquest-ai/) - [Find a Rep *▼*](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/) - [Find Your Architectural Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/architects-find-your-rep/) - [Find Your Sales Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/glass-supply-chain-find-your-rep/) - [Glass Education Center](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - Other Vitro Sites *▼* - [Residential Glass](https://www.vitrowindowglass.com/) - [*Starphire*® Glass](https://www.starphireglass.com/) - [*Clarvista*® Glass](https://www.clarvista.com/) - [Vitro Glass](https://vitroglass.com/) - [Vitro X™ Innovation Partnerships](https://www.vitro-x.com/) - [Fabricator Login](https://vcnmember.com/) - [Contact](https://www.vitroglazings.com/contact/)   - [Home](https://www.vitroglazings.com/) - [Education](https://www.vitroglazings.com/education/) - [Glass Education Center](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center/blog%20feature%20images/transparent_spacer_1150x600.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films) ###### [ARTICLE](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films) # An Alternative to Traditional Protective Films 3 minute read ## What You'll Learn: - Traditional Protective Films Create Extra Waste and Fabrication Inefficiencies - *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat is a Future-Ready, Film-Free Solution - During Tempering, the Heat from the Furnace Removes *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat - Film-Free Protection Represents a More Sustainable Future for Fabrication ### Sections - [Why Traditional Protective Films Are Becoming a Thing of the Past](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#why) - [A Smarter, Future-Ready Approach to Glass Protection](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#smarter) - [Less Waste, Greater Sustainability](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#less) - [Efficiency Benefits Beyond Waste Reduction](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#efficiency) - [Why Tempering Cycle Time Matters](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#tempering) - [Built for Today's Fabrication Environment](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#built) - [Looking Beyond Traditional Protective Film](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#looking) ## **Why Traditional Protective Films Are Becoming a Thing of the Past** For decades, temporary protective films have been a standard part of glass fabrication. Applied to coated glass surfaces to help prevent scratches and damage during transportation, handling and processing, these films have long been viewed as a necessary step in protecting high-performance glass. Yet as the industry continues to prioritize sustainability, waste reduction and manufacturing efficiency, glass manufacturers are asking themselves a simple but very important question. Is there a better way to protect coated glass while eliminating many of the challenges associated with traditional protective films? Traditional protective films serve an important purpose. They help protect coated glass surfaces from chemical and mechanical damage throughout the fabrication process. However, that protection comes at a cost. Before glass can be tempered, the film must be removed, creating additional labor, handling requirements and a stream of material waste that ultimately ends up in landfills. Beyond disposal concerns, film removal can add complexity to production workflows and create additional processing steps that do not contribute directly to the performance of the finished glass. ![EcoArmor\_inset\_600x600\_2](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EcoArmor_inset_600x600_2.jpg?width=436&height=436&name=EcoArmor_inset_600x600_2.jpg)Traditional film (as seen above) adds unnecessary waste and time-consuming removal steps. ## A Smarter**, Future-Ready Approach to Glass Protection** [*EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/ecoarmor/) was developed by Vitro to provide the benefits of protective film without the film itself. Applied as a continuous coating to [*Solarban®* low-e glasses](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/), *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat protects the glass surface from the coating line through fabrication. During tempering, the heat from the furnace removes *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat, eliminating the need for film removal and disposal and leaving behind no measurable residue or harmful byproducts. The result is a simpler process that reduces waste while preserving the proven aesthetics, solar control and thermal performance of *Solarban®* glass. ![EcoArmor\_415x215\_feature\_1](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EcoArmor_415x215_feature_1.jpg?width=415&height=215&name=EcoArmor_415x215_feature_1.jpg) *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat by Vitro provides protection all the way to the furnace.   ## Less Waste, Greater Sustainability The most visible benefit of *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat is waste reduction. By eliminating temporary protective films, *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat helps reduce: - Plastic film and packaging waste sent to landfills - Film disposal requirements - Additional handling associated with film removal While a single piece of discarded film may seem insignificant, the impact becomes substantial across millions of square feet of coated glass fabricated each year. *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat offers a practical way to reduce material waste across the glazing supply chain while supporting broader sustainability goals. ![Infographic on the benefits of EcoArmor](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VIT%20Ed%20Center%20EcoArmor%20infographic_1150x600.jpg?width=1150&height=600&name=VIT%20Ed%20Center%20EcoArmor%20infographic_1150x600.jpg) ## **Efficiency Benefits Beyond Waste Reduction** *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat also improves fabrication efficiency, which contributes to a more efficient manufacturing process and improved glass quality. In real-world trials with [*Vitro Certified®* Network fabricators](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-certified-network/), *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat demonstrated: - 10–20% reductions in tempering cycle times - Lower roll wave distortion - Up to 33% less edge kink on glass with pre-temper edge deletion - More uniform glass that exits the furnace ![EcoArmor\_inset\_600x600\_3](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EcoArmor_inset_600x600_3.jpg?width=372&height=372&name=EcoArmor_inset_600x600_3.jpg)   ## **Why Tempering Cycle Time Matters** One of the most significant benefits observed during trials was the reduction in tempering cycle times. Because tempering is among the most energy-intensive steps in glass fabrication, reducing furnace time can lower overall energy consumption. By helping fabricators process more glass in less time, *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat supports both operational efficiency and environmental impact. Simply put, shorter furnace cycles mean less energy required to manufacture the same amount of glass. This is a meaningful sustainability advantage in addition to eliminating protective film waste. ## **Built for Today's Fabrication Environment** In addition to its innovative, film-free approach, *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat was designed for easy adoption within existing fabrication operations, allowing fabricators to use the same equipment, procedures and workflows already in place for coated glass, eliminating the need for specialized handling, additional labor and extensive employee training. This seamless integration minimizes disruption while allowing fabricators to immediately benefit from reduced waste, improved production flow and enhanced manufacturing efficiency. By delivering sustainability and operational improvements without requiring changes to established fabrication practices, *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat makes it easier than ever to move toward a more efficient, future-ready glass fabrication process. ## **Looking Beyond Traditional Protective Film** For years, protective films have been accepted as part of the fabrication process. But as the industry increasingly focuses on sustainability, efficiency and responsible manufacturing, new solutions are emerging that challenge long-standing practices. *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat represents one such innovation. By eliminating temporary protective films while improving fabrication efficiency and reducing energy usage, it demonstrates how even small changes to production processes can have meaningful impacts across the glass supply chain. As Vitro continues working toward the broader goal of eliminating temporary protective films throughout the supply chain, *EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat represents an important step toward a cleaner, more efficient and more sustainable future for glass fabrication. **Topics:** [Glass Fabrication](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-fabrication), [Low-E Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-e-glass), [Making Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/making-glass), [Environment & Ecology](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/environment-ecology) Updated on September 9, 2026 This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Topics - [Making Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/making-glass) - [Specifying Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/specifying-glass) - [Science of Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/science-of-glass) - [All Topics](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - [Bird-Friendly Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/bird-friendly-glass) - [Environment & Ecology](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/environment-ecology) - [Glass Color & Aesthetics](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-color-aesthetics) - [Glass Fabrication](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-fabrication) - [Glass Installation](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-installation) - [Insulating Glass Units](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/insulating-glass-units) - [Low-E Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-e-glass) - [Low-Iron Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-iron-glass) - [Understanding Performance](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/understanding-performance) - [Glossary](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/glossary) - [FAQs](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/faqs) ### Subscribe to our newsletter ### Word of the Month #### ANSI American National Standards Institute. Clearing house for all types of standards and specifications. [Explore Glossary](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/glossary) ### Question of the Month #### Where should safety glazing be used? [Explore FAQs](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/faqs) ## Other articles you might be interested in [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/specifying-fire-rated-glass) ###### [ARTICLE](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/specifying-fire-rated-glass) & [Slideshow](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/topics/tag/slideshow) ### [Specifying Fire-Rated Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/specifying-fire-rated-glass) 5 minute read [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/school-safety) ###### [ARTICLE](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/school-safety) ### [Glass Options for Enhanced School Safety](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/school-safety) 3 minute read [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/bird-friendly-glass) ###### [ARTICLE](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/bird-friendly-glass) & [Video](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/topics/tag/video) ### [Bird-Friendly Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/bird-friendly-glass) 1 minute read ## Related products and tools [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/ecoarmor/) ### [*EcoArmor™* Protective Topcoat](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/ecoarmor/) [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://www.emissionscalc.com/main) ### [Vitro *emissions*™ Carbon and Energy Calculator](https://www.emissionscalc.com/main) [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) ### [Project & Case Study Gallery](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) **Have a Project?**   Contact your Architectural Rep. [Find Yours](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/find-your-architectural-rep/) ###### Follow [![X](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_twitter_x.png)](https://twitter.com/vitro_glazings) [![LinkedIn](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitro-architectural-glass) [![Instagram](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/vitro_glazings/) [![Blog](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_rss.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) [![Youtube](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_youtube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/@VitroGlass) ###### Contact - **U.S./Canada** 1-855-887-6457 - **International** 1-412-820-4920 - **Mexico** +52 (81) 8329-3254 ###### Subscribe to Our Newsletter   [Back to Top](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#top) [Trademarks](https://www.vitroglass.com/customer-resources/trademarks/?__hstc=147728168.1e5155cb3bd943b4cfdf6855b2375191.1780596348904.1784136720006.1784143403337.43&__hssc=147728168.13.1784143403337&__hsfp=332e4be227c7e897d162b2f34cf13aa1) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.vitroglazings.com/privacy-policy/) [California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010](https://www.vitroglazings.com/media/m1pn4mde/california-transparency-in-supply-chains-act-of-2010.pdf) | © Copyright Vitro 2026 [Back to Top](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films#top) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Vitro Architectural Glass", "url" : "https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/author/vitro-architectural-glass" }, "dateModified" : "2026-09-09T13:21:09.307Z", "datePublished" : "2026-08-28T13:40:57.000Z", "headline" : "Alternative to Traditional Protective Films | Vitro Architectural Glass", "image" : [ "https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/VIT%20Header%20EcoArmor_1150x600_3.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/alternative-to-traditional-protective-films", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Vitro_Architectural_Glass_rgb_600-1.png" }, "name" : "Pipitone Group" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://1977288.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1977288/Video/EDU/Bird_Friendly_Glass.mp4", "dateModified" : "2023-06-14T18:56:36.085Z", "duration" : "PT3M32.757S", "height" : 360, "name" : "Bird_Friendly_Glass", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://1977288.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1977288/Video/EDU/Bird_Friendly_Glass.mp4/medium.jpg", "uploadDate" : "2018-10-29T17:08:43.588Z", "width" : 640 } ```