Iconic Awards 2026: KURZ Receives Award for Decoration Solution for Natural Fiber Composites
Fuerth/Germany, August 24,2026: For a long time, natural fiber composites were regarded as purely functional materials. With the NFPP decoration solution developed by LEONHARD KURZ, the natural structure of the material becomes a visible design element – an achievement that has now been recognized with the Iconic Award 2026. The jury particularly acknowledged how the technology combines resource-efficient surface design with high design quality and industrial feasibility for sustainable interior concepts.
Resource Conservation with Style
The KURZ NFPP decoration solution places natural fiber composites at the center of product design as a deliberate design element. While natural fiber materials made from flax or kenaf were previously hidden beneath decorative surfaces, KURZ creates opportunities to make the characteristic structure of the natural fibers visible and tangible. This combines premium surfaces with sophisticated design in an environmentally conscious way.
Design Meets Functionality
KURZ won the Iconic Award 2026 in the category ‘Product – Material, Textile and Surface’ with ‘NFPP – Natural Fiber Decorations for Sustainable Surfaces.’ In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the jury was impressed by the technological approach due to its simple and seamless integration into existing production processes. The composite material made from natural fibers and polypropylene fibers enables lightweight yet durable components that, depending on the application, can significantly reduce weight compared to conventional plastic solutions. In addition, the uniform polypropylene-based material concept helps improve the recyclability of the components and supports resource-efficient material cycles. “With our NFPP surface decorations, we are driving the trend toward natural material concepts. This award confirms that our concept is on the right path toward a sustainable future,” says Johannes Romming, Project Manager Sustainability & Innovation.
Applications for Natural Fiber Decorations
The award-winning concept exemplifies a new approach to the design of sustainable surfaces. It combines the use of renewable raw materials with premium decorative surfaces, opening up new opportunities to deliberately use natural materials as a visible design feature. Solid-color surfaces can be realized just as easily as patterns, logos, or multicolor gradients. At the same time, the material concept meets the requirements for lightweight construction, recyclability, and cost-efficient high-volume production.
The solution was developed together with the development partners POLYVLIES and FRIMO and is designed for integration into existing manufacturing processes. In addition to automotive applications, it also offers potential for other industries where sustainable materials and premium surfaces are in demand, such as furniture and interior design.
About the Iconic Awards
The Iconic Awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding projects in the categories of Architecture, Interior, Communication, Product, and Concept. The awards honor projects and solutions that use innovative materials in the design of architecture, interiors, and products. The key evaluation criteria for the panel of 10 to 15 expert jurors include sustainability, energy efficiency, and functionality.
