====== Duralex ======

Founded in 1945 in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, France, **Duralex** is legendary for inventing the tempered glass molding process. Duralex glasses are famously marketed as "virtually unbreakable," becoming a staple in French school cafeterias and bistros worldwide.

===== 1. The Tempering Process =====
Duralex glass is soda-lime glass, but processed differently. It is heated to approx. 700°C and then suddenly cooled by cold air ventilation.
  * **Strength**: This creates controlled stress in the glass, making it **2.5 times stronger** than annealed glass of the same thickness.
  * **Safety**: If it does break, it shatters into non-cutting "pebbles" (like a car windshield), preventing serious injury.

===== 2. The Icon: Picardie =====
The **Picardie** tumbler is the definition of French design.
  * **Shape**: Its faceted, flute-like curves fit perfectly in the hand.
  * **Stackability**: Designed to be stacked high without getting stuck (vacuum locked).
  * **Cultural Status**: It has been featured in MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) and famously used by James Bond in the film *Skyfall* (where he drinks Macallan whisky from it).

===== 3. 100% Made in France =====
Despite financial challenges in recent years, Duralex maintains that every single glass is manufactured in France, sourcing sand and raw materials locally, ensuring a low carbon footprint and consistent quality control.

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**See Also:**
  * [[:en:materials:soda_lime_glass|Tempered vs. Annealed Glass]]
  * [[:en:items:tumblers|The Picardie Tumbler]]

{{tag>brands france glass tempered bistro duralex}}