21upcycling GmbH & Co. KG

Information

About us:

21UPCYCLING, based in Heidelberg, is an innovative company dedicated to climate protection and CO2 reduction through innovative products. We specialize in the development, production and processing of natural fiber composites (NFCs) made from recycled waste materials such as industrial coffee grounds, textiles, paper and biofibers. Our NFCs offer environmentally conscious alternatives to conventional materials, contribute significantly to environmental protection and at the same time meet the requirements of the industry.

Why now:

With global regulatory changes and increasing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives, now is the time to adopt environmentally conscious practices. Our NFCs offer the industry a state-of-the-art solution to meet these demands, with lightweight, durable materials that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. At 21UPCYCLING, we are investing in a business model based on the transformation of waste materials into new functional and stylish products.

Innovation and NFCs in detail:

Our NFCs blend natural fibers with a polymer matrix to create versatile materials suitable for numerous applications. From Coffee Fibers Composite Flex (CFC-F) to Coffee Composite Board (CCB), our products offer superior performance and aesthetics. With customizable options and cost efficiency, our NFCs offer a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

Services

Natural fiber composites

End products from NFCs

What are natural fiber composites (NFCs)?
NFCs are environmentally friendly natural fiber composites made from recycled residues. This includes residues such as textiles and other biofiber waste. NFCs are available in the form of sheets or panels, either flexible or rigid, depending on the desired application.

Why NFC?
NFCs are a great way to store CO2 as the residues would normally be incinerated. The percentage of recycled materials in our NFCs is more than 80%. We only use non-toxic, formaldehyde-free adhesives that are produced according to the biomass balance approach.

Innovation
Our innovation lies in the formulation of our adhesives and production processes, which not only makes them an environmentally friendly product for numerous industries, but also a highly marketable product due to their trouble-free production processes. The semi-finished material can be further processed to provide leather, wood and plastic alternatives. Our materials are made from recycled materials, but are themselves recyclable and therefore truly sustainable and circular.

Key elements:
80% use of recycled material: highest possible percentage of residual materials in our NFCs.

Non-toxic and formaldehyde-free: Developed for special applications and interiors.

Advanced processing options: Our NFCs are moldable and embossable. Production is highly scalable and available worldwide.

Circular: High carbon sequestration. Products are recyclable and can largely be reused in production processes.

Possible applications:
Interior: Ideal for furniture, wall panels, ceilings, etc.

Flooring: Laminate flooring including top decorative layer, backing material and sound-absorbing applications.

Fashion accessories: Bags, trays, placemats, caps and much more.

Projects

EMPA - Nest Step 2 Zurich

NEST Empa Zurich 2024

NEST is the modular research and innovation building of Empa and Eawag. At NEST, new technologies, materials and systems are tested, researched, further developed and validated under real conditions. Close cooperation with partners from research, industry and the public sector ensures that innovative construction and energy technologies reach the market more quickly. NEST helps to make the use of resources and energy more sustainable and circular. 21upcycling supplied BASF, its architects and carpenters with the materials needed to build sustainable furniture and interior design elements.

Markets

Europe
Asia

Contact

21upcycling GmbH & Co. KG

21upcycling GmbH & Co. KG
Köpfelweg 41
69118 Heidelberg
Germany

21upcycling GmbH & Co. KG is responsible for the content of this company profile as well as the compliance with the copyrights of the image material.