On March 4, 2026, the coveted BHB Industry Award, a collaboration between the German DIY, Building, and Garden Trade Association (BHB) and the trade magazine BaumarktManager, was presented at the international hardware fair in Cologne. Molding manufacturer FN Neuhofer was delighted to receive the Special Award for “Sustainable Entrepreneurship.”
“This recognition means a lot to us. As a family business, we think in terms of generations. For us, sustainability is not a trend, but a strategic management principle that shapes our innovations, our growth, and our responsibility for the future,” emphasized Managing Director Franz Neuhofer, who is the 10th generation to run the Austrian family business headquartered in Zell am Moos. The proud 376th anniversary last July is not long ago and marked another milestone in the remarkable success story that would not have been possible without a forward-looking strategy. The BHB Award is considered the most important benchmark prize in the DIY industry and honors companies that are committed to innovation, customer focus, and sustainability in a convincing manner. Traditionally, the award ceremony takes place at the BHB Forum in conjunction with the International Hardware Fair.
FN recycling strip nominated!
The FN XTRU-green recycling strip made it to the final round of nominations in the “Best of Eco” category. As a manufacturer of strips, acoustic panels, wall coverings, and accessories, FN Neuhofer processes several tons of MDF and wood every day. The wood chips produced in the process are recycled to heat the company’s premises and processed into new products in the company’s extrusion lines – above all into the new recycling strip. The polypropylene residues produced during extrusion also enter the eternal cycle. “Our aim is to use resources as sparingly, efficiently, and sustainably as possible, to extend the material cycle, and to keep CO2 that has already been bound bound for even longer,” explains Ortwin Zeilner, Head of Product Development at FN Neuhofer.
Continuous research and development
Each recycled strip consists largely (approx. 70%) of recycled materials. Approximately 30% fresh plastic is required to ensure high product quality. At the end of its product life, each recycled strip contributes to the manufacture of a new strip. A product with great potential! Last year, FN Neuhofer invested several million euros in new extrusion lines at its Austrian site. At the same time, the innovation-driven company is working with partners from industry to conduct research into the development of new, sustainable materials – for even more environmentally friendly solutions. This means that the sustainable recycling range can and will continue to grow.