NUO FlexHolz wins the Techtextil Innovation Award 2026

From Research to Industrial Application

NUO FlexHolz is the result of the multi-year research project “FlexHolz,” initiated with the goal of developing a fully biobased, flexible wood-textile composite material. A key focus was the substitution of fossil-based materials—particularly petrochemical adhesive systems—while avoiding microplastics and maintaining high mechanical performance and industrial processability.

At the core of the development is a multilayer structure consisting of genuine wood veneer, a natural fiber fabric—primarily hemp—and a newly developed adhesive layer based on lignin. Lignin is a natural polymer generated as a by-product of the pulp industry and was, for the first time, specifically utilized as a thermoplastic bonding film for wood-textile composites. A major technological breakthrough lies in combining this biobased composite with precise laser micro-segmentation. After lamination, only the thin veneer layer is finely structured, while the underlying textile remains intact. This creates a material that can be bent and shaped like a textile while preserving the natural appearance, feel, and value of wood.

Throughout the project, various natural fibers, adhesive systems, and process parameters were tested and optimized. Extensive laboratory and long-term testing confirmed high tear resistance, dimensional stability, and full biodegradability—even under exposure to moisture and elevated temperatures. At the same time, scalability into industrial production processes was successfully demonstrated, including the manufacturing of large-format components. NUO FlexHolz is therefore not just a research outcome, but a market-ready material enabling new applications in automotive interiors, furniture design, and interior architecture.

A Strong Collaboration Between Research and Industry

The “FlexHolz” project was funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg as part of the BIPL BW-Innovation program, which supports innovative bioeconomy solutions and fosters collaboration between research institutions and industry. The project was carried out in close partnership between three key stakeholders:

• Schorn & Groh GmbH: Responsible for industrial development, process integration, and scaling. The company transferred laboratory findings into reproducible production processes and realized the manufacturing of large-format composite materials.

• DITF Denkendorf (German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research): The DITF Denkendorf played a central role in the scientific development. This included the selection and evaluation of suitable natural fibers, the development of lignin-based adhesive systems, as well as extensive testing of mechanical performance, aging behavior, biodegradability, and toxicity. 

• NUO GmbH: As the strategic partner and brand owner of NUO, NUO GmbH played a key role in further developing the material and preparing it for market introduction, with a focus on automotive, interior, and design applications.

This close integration of scientific research and industrial implementation enabled the development of a material that meets both the requirements of a circular economy and the demands of real-world applications.

Sustainability – A Material for the Circular Economy

NUO FlexHolz is based entirely on renewable raw materials: wood veneer, natural fibers such as hemp, and lignin as a biobased adhesive layer. This eliminates the need for fossil-based components and avoids the use of synthetic adhesives.

A key innovation lies in the use of lignin, a by-product of the pulp and paper industry that has traditionally been used primarily for energy recovery. NUO FlexHolz transforms this resource into a functional component of a high-performance material.



The composite is microplastic-free and biodegradable, while still delivering high mechanical strength and industrial suitability. It represents a consistent approach to combining ecological responsibility with technical performance.

Visit by Minister Peter Hauk – Political Recognition of the Project

The significance of the project was already recognized at a political level in autumn 2025, when Minister Peter Hauk visited Schorn & Groh and NUO GmbH to gain first-hand insights into the development. During his visit, he emphasized the project’s role as a strong example of how research, craftsmanship, and industry can work together to create innovative solutions for a sustainable bioeconomy. This visit marked an important milestone and underlined the relevance of the project for the economic and innovation landscape of Baden-Württemberg.

Award Ceremony on April 21, 2026

The official award ceremony for the Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 will take place on April 21, 2026, in Frankfurt.

NUO FlexHolz will be presented both in the Innovation Award exhibition area and at the DITF stand, where visitors will have the opportunity to experience the material first-hand. Images from the award ceremony and the exhibition will be published here following the event.