Sustainability showcased in a visionary way: KURZ presents innovative decorative solutions for the mobility of the future at the IAA Summit 2025

Fürth/Germany, August 20, 2025: IAA Mobility 2025 will once again put Munich in the spotlight this fall, with the theme ‘It's All About Mobility.’ At the IAA Summit from September 9 to 12, leading manufacturers, suppliers, and technology companies in the automotive industry will showcase the latest technologies, concepts, and solutions for the mobility of the future. One focus will be on sustainability.

LEONHARD KURZ will once again live up to its role as a pioneer this year and present the latest solutions for sustainable surface finishing at the IAA Summit. Luitpold Haarländer, Head of Business Area Plastic Decoration Automotive at KURZ, explains the commitment of the thin-film specialist from Fürth: “The long-term establishment of recycling infrastructures, the use of sustainable decorations and materials for resource-efficient production, and the stricter CO₂ emission regulations that came into force this year at EU level are just some of the issues currently facing the industry. We offer solutions that are already one step ahead.” Visitors to the IAA Summit 2025 can find out what the future decoration opportunities are for mobility might look like at the KURZ booth in Hall A1, Booth C21.

FrontIQ Light Concept: CO₂-reduced lighting architecture

With the FrontIQ Light Concept for a forward-looking headlight design, developed in collaboration with Swarovski Mobility and SP3, a company specializing in lighting system development, KURZ demonstrates how sophisticated lighting design and sustainable manufacturing can be combined. The highlight: The highly efficient 3K process combines decoration, protection, and function in a single production step. This eliminates upstream painting and laminating processes, saving energy, material, and costs.

The technology also enables the use of sustainable materials. The transparent cover of the front headlight can be made from recycled PC material, for example from project partner Covestro, while PC/ABS recyclates from SABIC are used for the frame and a bio-based polyurethane (PUR) from Rühl for the protective coating. The process is ready for series production and can also be integrated into existing production lines. The result is a harmonious interplay of material, light, and form that creates a striking design language with high emotional appeal while focusing on sustainability.

Rear Light Concept: Expressive rear lights with a system

KURZ is also presenting a groundbreaking concept for the rear of the vehicle: The new Rear Light Concept combines microstructured light elements with a large-area decorated 3D component. The structure consists of several functional layers and combines IMD design with touch control, precise light guidance, and a retroflective function.

A particular highlight is the integration of ALIYOS™ LEDs from ams OSRAM, which produce an exceptionally homogeneous and energy-efficient light pattern. The mini LED technology from ams OSRAM also enables particularly compact light integration, resulting in savings in resources and energy. The entire structure enables C2X communication. Recyclable plastics and a CO₂-reduced manufacturing process are also used here. In addition, the component can be recycled – in line with KURZ's guiding principle of ‘Designed for Recycling.’

Smart & sustainable: rPET textiles for interiors

Another highlight of the trade fair presentation is the concept for a Smart Display Center Console, which was developed in cooperation with Farplas, Topp Textil, and Technofibres and already shows the future of automotive interiors today. The design impresses with its harmonious combination of intelligent, intuitive touch operation and sustainable materials. The textile surface is based on KURZ's pure rPET, which is obtained through the company's own RECOSYS^® take-back and recycling system. The material is suitable for the production of high-quality technical textiles and opens up a wide range of possibilities for OEMs to pursue new approaches in interior design, for example by replacing conventional leather or wood fittings. With this concept, KURZ is presenting an innovative approach and supporting customers with material expertise and a circular approach in the development of individual solutions.

The Smart Display Center Console is operated via a hidden-til-lit touchpad with PolyTC^® multitouch sensor. When touched, a colored light point precisely follows the finger movement, creating an intuitive user experience that integrates seamlessly into modern interior design.

Function meets aesthetics: Deep Black Surfaces

With Deep Black Surfaces, KURZ is introducing a coating technology that has been specially developed for high-quality plastic displays. Thanks to the integrated anti-reflection feature, black surfaces appear particularly deep and rich in contrast. This ensures that the surfaces of control elements or infotainment displays remain easy to read, even in direct sunlight. At the same time, a wide range of new design options are created, as the plastic components can now be seamlessly combined with glass elements. The technology enables the precise implementation of individual designs, perfectly tailored to the respective brand aesthetics. It also contributes to sustainability: Manufacturing using the IMD (In-Mold Decoration) process combines several steps into a single, highly efficient process, thus saving material, energy, and emissions.

Natural fiber in large format: NFPP in series production

KURZ demonstrates that bio-based materials can also be used in large-volume components with several applications featuring NFPP (Natural Fiber-reinforced Polypropylene). Processing takes place in a series-ready process: Under heat and pressure, a resilient matrix is created in less than 65 seconds, in which natural fibers such as flax or kenaf are visibly integrated. This structure not only gives the surface stability, but also a warm, organic feel. The components are up to 40 percent lighter than comparable all-plastic solutions, offer additional sound and heat insulation, and can be completely recycled with the appropriate choice of materials. Visually, the result is an interplay of natural fiber patterns, subtle shades, and relief-like contours. The examples shown deliberately go beyond the boundaries of the familiar and bring nature into the vehicle while ensuring full functionality and industrial reproducibility. Natural fibers thus become a targeted design statement for new materiality in car interiors

EcoLayer FX: New perspectives for sustainable substrates

With EcoLayer FX, KURZ demonstrates that high-quality decors can also be realized on sustainable substrates such as PP with cellulose content, a limestone compound, or talc-reinforced PP.

KURZ is showcasing several designs at the IAA Summit: Bio-based plastic materials are increasingly being used in near-series applications. Their development is a statement for greater diversity and new visual identities in automotive interiors. The processing is on par with conventional plastic solutions, and the ultra-thin decorative layer is finer than a human hair. This means that it does not impair the recyclability of the components.

Design and technology in the spirit of sustainability

KURZ's appearance at the IAA once again emphasizes the enormous importance that the combination of visionary design and sustainable technology has for the thin-film specialist. KURZ decorations are not only recyclable, but are also made from 40 percent renewable raw materials, with this proportion steadily increasing. Innovative production processes such as in-mold decoration and EU-compliant metallization open up numerous finishing options that are reflected in high-quality surfaces.

KURZ continuously optimizes its processes and further develops the standards it applies. The expert in functional and attractive surfaces uses predominantly renewable energies and works with recycled materials that can be finished to the same high standard as new materials. In this way, KURZ supports its customers in implementing visionary concepts while improving their CO₂ balance.

At a glance

IAA Summit 2025 from September 9 to 12, 2025, in Munich
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Hall A1, Booth C21
Focus of the trade fair presentation: Exterior Design, Interior Design, Visionary Design, Sustainability