uvex group named Winner
The uvex group has been awarded the German Sustainability Award 2026 in the plastics and rubber industry category. The jury recognised the Fürth-based group of companies as a pioneer of comprehensive circular economy practices. This makes the uvex group one of the pioneers of ecological and social transformation in Germany and sets a strong example for responsible business practices.
The uvex group has been pursuing a holistic sustainability strategy for years that goes far beyond legal requirements. In its latest sustainability report, the company documents its progress in four key focus areas: ecological transformation, social responsibility, circular economy as a driver of innovation, and ecological and health safety. With its consistent commitment to the circular economy and the resource-saving use of materials, the protective equipment specialist impressed the jury of the German Sustainability Award: "In addition to the increased use of recycled and bio-based materials, the company focuses on products that can be sorted and recycled at the end of their life cycle. An outstanding example is the ‘uvex suXXeed greencycle planet’ workwear collection: it is fully compostable, cradle-to-cradle certified and designed so that every single element – from the yarn to the packaging – can be returned to the biological cycle. The uvex group also demonstrates its innovative strength in other product areas, for example with helmets that can be broken down into single-type components or with spectacle frames made from 100% recycled fishing nets. This holistic approach combines product design, material innovation and resource efficiency into a clear strategy for sustainable value creation. The uvex group is thus sending a clear signal within the plastics and rubber industry.
"This award is a great honour for us and confirms our approach of making sustainability an integral part of our corporate strategy," explains Georg Höfler, CFO/COO of the uvex group. "It encourages us to resolutely continue our sustainable development and set innovative standards as a pioneer in the industry in order to jointly shape a safe and liveable future."
The uvex group offers a wide range of products and services that are developed and produced with sustainability in mind. Bio-based materials, recyclable packaging and durable products contribute to the protection of people and the environment. In addition, the list of measures developed to reduce waste, water, energy and CO2 emissions in our own factories is being consistently implemented step by step. The new logistics and service centre in Rednitzhembach, which opened in 2024, combines modern logistics technology with sustainable building components. Just a few hundred metres from the company's headquarters, on Annaberg in Fürth, a photovoltaic system with around 2,300 solar modules was also commissioned in the past financial year, supplying the group with electricity for its own consumption.
The German Sustainability Award, in cooperation with the DIHK and other partners, honours pioneers of sustainability in 100 industries in Germany. In the plastics and rubber industry category, companies are recognised for contributing to the transformation of their industry through innovative approaches and measurable success. The award ceremony will take place on 5 December 2025 as part of the German Sustainability Day in Düsseldorf.
