Gmund wins Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitspreis 2026
Paper reimagined – innovative, sustainable, aesthetic
On 5 December 2025, Gmund Paper received the German Sustainability Award 2026 in the paper, cardboard and paperboard sector. The independent expert jury awards the prize to companies that have made a particularly impressive contribution to transformation in their respective sectors, based on transparent jury rules, intensive research, publicly available information and the expertise of the jury.
Gmund Paper particularly impressed the jury with its corporate approach, which consistently combines the highest quality with ecological responsibility. For decades, the paper mill at Lake Tegernsee has been setting standards for recyclability and resource efficiency in an industry traditionally characterised by high energy and water consumption.
“The jury particularly commends the paper manufacturer’s role as an important driving force behind the ecological transformation of the entire paper industry.”
Innovative papers made from alternative plant fibres
The award particularly recognises the paper manufacturer’s pioneering role: with investments in environmental technologies and a combination of precision craftsmanship and innovation, Gmund Paper demonstrates that ecological responsibility, aesthetics and the highest paper quality are not mutually exclusive.
At the company’s headquarters, papers are developed from resource-saving and fast-growing plant fibres. Today, Gmund’s product range includes paper collections made from 100% hemp, 100% cotton and even grass and straw. These innovative fibres reduce the use of traditional wood pulp and open up new avenues for high-quality, sustainable paper. Gmund is thus setting new standards for environmentally friendly paper production and is considered an important driving force behind the ecological transformation of the entire industry.
In addition, up to 75% of the company’s electrical energy requirements come from its own renewable sources such as hydropower, solar energy and combined heat and power. The additional electricity required is sourced 100% from renewable energies. Thanks to modern ozone purification, fresh water is reused up to seven times in a production cycle. This has significantly reduced water consumption.
A strict recycling and cradle-to-cradle programme has significantly reduced waste volumes over the last ten years. FSC®-certified raw materials, own C2C collections and a voluntary environmental charter underline our consistent commitment to climate, resources and biodiversity.
About the German Sustainability Award
The German Sustainability Award is the national award for outstanding achievements in sustainability in business, local government and research. With eight competitions, over 1,000 applicants and 2,000 guests attending the events, the award is the largest of its kind in Europe. The award is presented by the German Sustainability Award Foundation in cooperation with the Federal Government, local authority associations, business associations, civil society organisations and research institutions.