In 2024, various innovations from the Business Area Plastic Decoration were recognized with coveted awards. LEONHARD KURZ drives innovation and shapes the future in a wide range of fields. The numerous awards are not only a confirmation of our employees' work, but also demonstrate that we compete as a global player in the world economy with our products and that we present ourselves as a strong, future-oriented company.
Are you familiar with the rear-end cover concept developed by KURZ for the automobile of the future? A homogeneous, seamless surface with backlighting and individual lighting design, integrated touch function as well as 5G capability and radar transmission. Our rear-end cover is produced by 2K in-mold decoration and in-mold electronics (for sensor integration). This is an especially efficient production method that offers maximum design freedom. And best of all: The entire component is fully recyclable.
With this component, KURZ is setting new standards for the mobility of tomorrow and has been awarded the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024. The iF DESIGN AWARD has been a globally recognized hallmark for outstanding DESIGN since 1954. The component was also honored with the highest award, GOLD, by the German Design Council, an international expert jury, at the German Innovation Award 2024 in the ‘Excellence in Business to Business: Automotive Technology’ category.
We are delighted that two innovative automotive exterior concepts from KURZ were honored at the SPE Automotive Award 2024: Our multi-award-winning rear-end cover and our front panel with DECOPUR® technology. The SPE Automotive Award has been announced and presented every six months since 1992. The award is sought after by companies in the plastics industry especially because of the high quality of the submissions.
Our rear-end cover won the Nomination Award in the ‘Enabler Technology – Part & Component Design’ category at the SPE Automotive Award 2024. With our innovative front panel, which was produced using the DECOPUR® decoration process, KURZ achieved fourth place in the ‘Enabler Technology – Materials & Technologies’ category. The panel boasts a high-gloss, crystalline, and durable surface with only 0.3 mm thick PUR coating and impresses with impressive depth effects and optional backlighting, among other things.
The trend towards e-mobility continues. KURZ has developed an innovative wallbox concept that promotes environmentally friendly design and smart functionality in the field of electromobility. The concept is characterized by efficient production technologies and the use of sustainable materials, and sets new standards for the future of charging technology. The use of environmentally friendly metallization, Shy Tech, day/night designs, and partial backlighting make the wallbox concept not only especially functional but also a real eye-catcher.
At the end of last year, our sustainable wallbox concept received an honorable mention at the European Product Design Award 2023. The award was created to recognize product design on an international level that improves everyday life through innovative concepts.
Intuitive touch operation combined with an elegant hidden-till-lit design in wood look that comes to life when touched: In cooperation with PolyIC and Marquardt, KURZ has developed an HMI panel concept for household appliances that can be adapted to individual needs and combines smart functions with attractive design. The control panel is manufactured using the in-mold decoration process, which efficiently combines the injection molding of the panels, front decoration, and integration of the sensors in a single work step.
The concept was awarded for its exceptional quality and spirit of innovation. Every year, the German Design Council presents the ICONIC AWARDS: Interior Products for the smartest and most sustainable detail solutions in product design. We are delighted with the award.
What will the car of tomorrow look like? KURZ shows how appealing looks, high functionality, and individual designs are revolutionizing the vehicle of the future. Our front panel concept has a smooth, connected surface, is radar/LiDAR-permeable and offers a wide range of design options thanks to IMD technology in combination with hybrid technologies such as laser ablation (laser removal of paint areas), hot stamping, or digital printing.
The front panel was awarded the ‘Special Mention for Front Design’ at the German Design Award 2024. The German Design Award recognizes especially innovative products and projects, thereby highlighting the importance of high-quality design for the economy.
As a company, we can be proud of the awards we have won, which confirm what we already know: We are on the right track for the future. We will continuously research innovative and resource-efficient technologies and invest in innovations to continue to strengthen our position as a trend driver in the global economy.
Further information on our innovations in the field of plastic decoration can be found on an ongoing basis at https://www.kurz-automotive.com/en/ and https://www.plastic-decoration.com/en/.
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