IHZ-Innovationspreis Winner 2022: SWISS KRONO AG

COREPEL is a novelty for SWISS KRONO AG - for the market as a whole. The product embodies the end of the dilemma of producing a floor that is wood-based but also waterproof and highly durable. A combination of characteristics that convinced the jury and is now honored with the 36th IHZ Innovation Award.

COREPEL surpasses common market standards. After over three years of research and development, SWISS KRONO AG has created a new production technology. Suitable for use in residential and commercial buildings, COREPEL now offers a floor with a coated wooden core that can withstand even the toughest demands. With its wood content of over 50 percent, the product has an exceptionally high proportion of renewable raw materials.

In addition to its wood content, high-performance resin is processed into the floorboards. Thanks to this combination, COREPEL can withstand water without the slightest signs of warping or swelling. While it was launched in the US market, delivery to the EU market has only just begun, and the market potential is considerable. "The use of COREPEL in outdoor areas and on facades represents additional potential market segments," says Roger Braun, Head of SWISS KRONO Group Switzerland. "The IHZ Innovation Award 2022 is a great honor and recognition of the great commitment of all employees. Getting this recognition from the significant Central Swiss business network makes me very proud," says Roger Braun. The Innovation Award jury is also impressed by the company's sustainability initiatives: "From biobased adhesive to the complete recycling of their products. SWISS KRONO AG aims for a circular economy for its wood products and is very forward-looking," says Jury President Hans Wicki.

Recognition awards for sustainable construction and cognitive-motor training. The jury awards PIRMIN JUNG Schweiz AG with a recognition award for the office and residential building "Haus des Holzes" in Sursee. It is a development and showcase project for digital, climate-friendly, and circular planning and construction. Its realization according to the principles of the circular economy ensures that the building components and materials used can be reused in a future project. The project exemplifies the potential of wood and contributes to a more sustainable future.

The jury also honors Küng Holzbau AG, a third company in the timber construction industry, with a recognition award for their concept of solid wood houses. Following their "Holzpur-Philosophy," they build without metal, glue, and chemical building materials. Additionally, the company manufactures a floor heating system called "Lignotherm" entirely from wood. Houses made entirely of wood from carefully selected spruces and firs from the region are created using state-of-the-art processing technology.

Another recognition award goes to Dividat AG for their "Dividat Senso Flex – Think & Move," a flexible mat for cognitive-motor training. The perfect coordination of the brain and body is relevant for purposeful movement and thinking, rehabilitation, and sports. Dividat established and reinvented this training method through their own research. Following the successful implementation of "Dividat Senso" for stationary use in clinics and elderly care institutions, "Dividat Senso Flex" is now available for home use.