From left: Joachim Nägele, Jürgen Pfitzer, Raoul Helmer

Tecnaro GmbH, based in Ilsfeld, is a family business under the management of Jürgen Pfitzer and Joachim Nägele. They are pioneers in the field of environmentally friendly, plant-based bioplastics.

The two managing directors regarded the award as a great honor, which was presented to them for innovation and pioneering spirit in the implementation of sustainability in practice.

Founded in 1998 as a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute, the company specializes in the production of bioplastics from renewable raw materials.

One of the best-known materials is ARBOFORM, also known as “liquid wood”, which is obtained from lignin, a waste product of paper production. This biodegradable material offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic and contributes to the reduction of microplastics.

Tecnaro’s sustainable corporate philosophy is reflected in the development of materials that can be fully returned to the natural cycle. An outstanding example of this is the organic growth protection, which is used in agriculture and can be biodegraded after use. In this way, Tecnaro contributes to the reduction of plastic waste and supports decarbonization and the reduction of the CO₂ footprint.

The company’s long-term goal is to replace all petroleum-based plastics with sustainable alternatives and promote a bio-based economy. Tecnaro thus makes a significant contribution to the circular economy and is a pioneer in the plastics industry.