12.11.2025
Innovation project "FlexHolz":
Zülpich/Karlsruhe - Schorn & Groh GmbH, together with NUO GmbH and the German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research (DITF) in Denkendorf, has successfully completed the ‘FlexHolz' innovation project. Peter Hauk, Minister for Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection, was impressed by the results during a visit to the renowned Karlsruhe-based veneer company.
FlexHolz sets new standards in sustainable materials technology. The project was funded as part of the BIPL-BW innovation programme of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection and is considered a showcase project for the regional bioeconomy. The aim was to further develop the ‘NUO' real wood composite and to rely entirely on renewable raw materials. The material combines wood veneer from sustainable forestry with a stabilising fabric made of hemp or cellulose fibres. Instead of synthetic adhesives, a thermoplastic film based on lignin is used - a natural polymer that is a by-product of wood processing and is being used as a material for the first time. A highlight is the micro-fine laser engraving of the wood surface, which gives the material exceptional flexibility and a pleasant feel. The structuring also offers sound-absorbing properties - ideal for interior design applications.
Research meets practice
Since the project started in October 2022, the DITF has been working on the development of the lignin adhesive, while Schorn & Groh and NUO GmbH have been pushing ahead with industrial implementation. Hemp fabric impressed in tests with its high mechanical stability and ecological safety. Thermoplastic pressing with lignin film - produced by Jura-Plast - resulted in large-format, resilient composite panels. FlexHolz is fully compostable and demonstrated high dimensional stability and tear resistance in long-term tests, even under the influence of moisture and heat. This makes the material suitable for demanding and long-lasting applications.
Project receives political recognition
At the end of September 2025, Minister Peter Hauk MdL visited Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld to learn more about the project. He was impressed: ‘It is extremely gratifying that such promising results have been achieved as part of the BIPL-BW innovation project and through the cooperation of the partners,' said Minister Hauk. ‘Projects such as FlexHolz are a prime example of how research, craftsmanship and industry can work together to develop solutions that are both ecologically and economically convincing.' At the same time, the minister promoted the Baden-Württemberg Bioeconomy Innovation Award.
Market readiness achieved
The first demonstrators have already been produced, and the automotive and furniture industries in particular are showing great interest in this flexible, decorative and sustainable material. ‘We are proud to have worked with our partners to create a material that is not only more sustainable but also works on an industrial scale,' said Rolf Loose-Leonhardt, Managing Director at Schorn & Groh and NUO. ‘FlexHolz proves that ecological responsibility and technical innovation are not mutually exclusive, but rather reinforce each other.'
Contribution to the bioeconomy
FlexHolz uses regional raw materials, shortens transport routes and avoids fossil components. Particularly innovative is the material use of lignin, which is produced in millions of tonnes worldwide and has mostly been used for energy purposes until now. With FlexHolz, it becomes a functional component of a durable material - a real contribution to CO₂ reduction and the circular economy. IFN/DS
Initiative Veneer + Nature (IFN)
The Initiative Furnier + Natur (IFN) e.V. was founded in 1996 by the German veneer industry and its partners. Today it is supported by European companies from the veneer industry, the trade and the veneer processing industry as well as trade associations of the wood industry. The aim of the association is to promote veneer as a natural all-round material.
Come and have a look
https://www.sg-veneers.com/en/
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Further information about the IFN at:
furnier.de/en
wood-veneer-stories.de
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linkedin
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Image 1 (from left to right): Minister Peter Hauck, Rolf Loose-Leonhardt (Managing Director of Schorn & Groh GmbH and NUO GmbH), Robin Schuster (candidate for the state election, CDU Karlsruhe). Photo: Schorn & Groh, Karlsruhe, www.sg-veneers.com
Image 2: Impressively flexible material: the result of the ‘FlexHolz' innovation project. Photo: Schorn & Groh, Karlsruhe, www.sg-veneers.com
12 November 2025
Initiative Furnier + Natur e.V. - Antonigartzem 1 - D-53909 Zülpich - m +49 171 2116 650 www.furnier.de - www.veneer.eu - presse@furnier.de
Innovation project "FlexHolz":
Baden-Württemberg Minister Peter Hauk visits Schorn & Groh in Karlsruhe
Zülpich/Karlsruhe - Schorn & Groh GmbH, together with NUO GmbH and the German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research (DITF) in Denkendorf, has successfully completed the ‘FlexHolz' innovation project. Peter Hauk, Minister for Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection, was impressed by the results during a visit to the renowned Karlsruhe-based veneer company.
FlexHolz sets new standards in sustainable materials technology. The project was funded as part of the BIPL-BW innovation programme of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection and is considered a showcase project for the regional bioeconomy. The aim was to further develop the ‘NUO' real wood composite and to rely entirely on renewable raw materials. The material combines wood veneer from sustainable forestry with a stabilising fabric made of hemp or cellulose fibres. Instead of synthetic adhesives, a thermoplastic film based on lignin is used - a natural polymer that is a by-product of wood processing and is being used as a material for the first time. A highlight is the micro-fine laser engraving of the wood surface, which gives the material exceptional flexibility and a pleasant feel. The structuring also offers sound-absorbing properties - ideal for interior design applications.
Research meets practice
Since the project started in October 2022, the DITF has been working on the development of the lignin adhesive, while Schorn & Groh and NUO GmbH have been pushing ahead with industrial implementation. Hemp fabric impressed in tests with its high mechanical stability and ecological safety. Thermoplastic pressing with lignin film - produced by Jura-Plast - resulted in large-format, resilient composite panels. FlexHolz is fully compostable and demonstrated high dimensional stability and tear resistance in long-term tests, even under the influence of moisture and heat. This makes the material suitable for demanding and long-lasting applications.
Project receives political recognition
At the end of September 2025, Minister Peter Hauk MdL visited Karlsruhe-Hagsfeld to learn more about the project. He was impressed: ‘It is extremely gratifying that such promising results have been achieved as part of the BIPL-BW innovation project and through the cooperation of the partners,' said Minister Hauk. ‘Projects such as FlexHolz are a prime example of how research, craftsmanship and industry can work together to develop solutions that are both ecologically and economically convincing.' At the same time, the minister promoted the Baden-Württemberg Bioeconomy Innovation Award.
Market readiness achieved
The first demonstrators have already been produced, and the automotive and furniture industries in particular are showing great interest in this flexible, decorative and sustainable material. ‘We are proud to have worked with our partners to create a material that is not only more sustainable but also works on an industrial scale,' said Rolf Loose-Leonhardt, Managing Director at Schorn & Groh and NUO. ‘FlexHolz proves that ecological responsibility and technical innovation are not mutually exclusive, but rather reinforce each other.'
Contribution to the bioeconomy
FlexHolz uses regional raw materials, shortens transport routes and avoids fossil components. Particularly innovative is the material use of lignin, which is produced in millions of tonnes worldwide and has mostly been used for energy purposes until now. With FlexHolz, it becomes a functional component of a durable material - a real contribution to CO₂ reduction and the circular economy. IFN/DS
Initiative Veneer + Nature (IFN)
The Initiative Furnier + Natur (IFN) e.V. was founded in 1996 by the German veneer industry and its partners. Today it is supported by European companies from the veneer industry, the trade and the veneer processing industry as well as trade associations of the wood industry. The aim of the association is to promote veneer as a natural all-round material.
Come and have a look
https://www.sg-veneers.com/en/
youtube
Further information about the IFN at:
furnier.de/en
wood-veneer-stories.de
Image 1 (from left to right): Minister Peter Hauck, Rolf Loose-Leonhardt (Managing Director of Schorn & Groh GmbH and NUO GmbH), Robin Schuster (candidate for the state election, CDU Karlsruhe). Photo: Schorn & Groh, Karlsruhe, www.sg-veneers.com
Image 2: Impressively flexible material: the result of the ‘FlexHolz' innovation project. Photo: Schorn & Groh, Karlsruhe, www.sg-veneers.com
12 November 2025
Initiative Furnier + Natur e.V. - Antonigartzem 1 - D-53909 Zülpich - m +49 171 2116 650 www.furnier.de - www.veneer.eu - presse@furnier.de
Image 1 (from left to right): Minister Peter Hauck, Rolf Loose-Leonhardt (Managing Director of Schorn & Groh GmbH and NUO GmbH), Robin Schuster (candidate for the state election, CDU Karlsruhe). Photo: Schorn & Groh, Karlsruhe, www.sg-veneers.com
Image 2: Impressively flexible material: the result of the ‘FlexHolz' innovation project. Photo: Schorn & Groh, Karlsruhe, www.sg-veneers.com