Call for Entries for the German Sustainability Award “Products”
Companies and designers can currently apply for the German Sustainability Award (DNP) in the “Products” category. In this context, the SKZ Plastics Center highlights the importance of sustainable product development and supports companies with relevant analysis and evaluation methods. The application deadline is June 7, 2026.
Companies and designers have until June 7, 2026, to apply for the German Sustainability Award (DNP) in the “Products” category. (Photo: malp - stock.adobe.com)
SKZ positions itself as a leading expert in sustainable and circular plastics solutions
The German Sustainability Award is one of the most established awards for sustainable innovation in Europe. In the “Products” category, the award recognizes solutions that have a positive environmental, social, and economic impact. The award seeks approaches that use resources efficiently, promote the circular economy, and contribute to solving societal challenges. Participation is open to companies of all sizes and industries.
Focus on Sustainable Product Development
Sustainability and the circular economy are becoming increasingly important strategic priorities for industrial companies. The SKZ Plastics Center supports companies in the development and evaluation of sustainable plastic solutions.
The SKZ’s approach takes into account the entire product life cycle—from material selection and processing to use and recycling. The goal is to reduce environmental impacts and design products so that they are durable, repairable, and recyclable. Key aspects include “design for recycling,” the use of recycled materials, and the use of renewable raw materials.
Transparency through data: Making sustainability measurable
To assess environmental impacts, the SKZ offers, among other things, CO₂ balances, life cycle assessments, and support in developing sustainability strategies. These are based on international standards and enable a transparent classification of environmental impacts.
One example is the “CONNIE Calculator.” The tool supports companies in creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) by systematically recording and evaluating material and energy flows. EPDs are becoming increasingly important, particularly in regulated markets—such as the construction sector—where they are sometimes considered a prerequisite for market access.
Contribution to the circular economy
In the field of the circular economy, the SKZ is working on concepts for designing closed material cycles. The focus is on an approach that incorporates all phases of value creation—from development through use to the return of materials.
The goal is to design products in such a way that they can be used in a resource-efficient manner throughout their entire life cycle and returned to material cycles as completely as possible.
German Sustainability Award as a Guide
The German Sustainability Award “Products” highlights the growing importance of concrete, implementable solutions for sustainable business practices. Award-winning projects help bring such approaches to light and serve as a reference for future developments.
“Competitions like the German Sustainability Award demonstrate which solutions are already setting standards today. They highlight the role sustainable products will play in the future for market access and competitiveness—and at the same time provide companies with an important impetus to further develop their own solutions and position them competitively,” said Dr. Hermann Achenbach, Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy at SKZ.
