CERAMIN is a completely PVC-free flooring made from recycled and recyclable polypropylene (PP). The use of safe raw materials and energy-efficient production reduce its environmental footprint. The CLASSEN Group has been manufacturing CERAMIN in Germany for over ten years and has consistently championed environmentally friendly innovations in the flooring industry. In addition to Cradle to Cradle certification, CERAMIN holds other environmental and quality certifications, such as the “Blue Angel” eco-label.

Simmerath/Kaisersesch, January 29, 2024. Innovative companies are shaping the Eifel region. This is evidenced by the large number of companies in the region that are committed to innovative technologies and a forward-looking economy. The EIFEL Award recognizes this commitment. In the Sustainability category, the CLASSEN Group won for its outstanding contributions to the region.

This year, the Eifel Future Initiative is presenting the EIFEL Award to companies that are particularly committed to future-oriented business development. Dr. Tim Grüttemeier, City Region Council member and host, emphasized the high caliber of the submissions during the award ceremony: “This year’s award honors companies that don’t just talk about sustainability, but are already actively moving forward with concrete projects.” In making its nominations, the jury not only considered future plans but also gained insight into ongoing construction projects, energy-saving initiatives, and innovations within the companies.

The CLASSEN Group impressed the Future Initiative with its continuous development since its founding and up to the present day. The family-owned company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of laminate and designer flooring as well as wall tiles. It places a special focus on specific product characteristics. The in-house developed material CERAMIN® stands out. It contains recycled plastic materials and is therefore suitable for reintegration into material cycles. CLASSEN deliberately avoids using PVC or phthalates, opting instead for alternative materials. This is a unique material solution in the flooring industry and was developed and produced in the Eifel region.

The CLASSEN Group has been based in the Eifel region for decades and has its headquarters in Kaisersesch. Last year, the company opened a large-scale photovoltaic system here. Covering an area of 35,000 m², the solar panels generate electricity for the company’s own use on sunny days. As one of the region’s most important local employers, the family-owned business is actively involved in the community, providing both financial support and in-kind donations in the form of flooring. Albert Jung, mayor of the Kaisersesch municipal association, and Thomas Basten, deputy district administrator, therefore traveled to the awards ceremony to personally congratulate the company on winning the award. The CLASSEN Group’s commitment to the region and its numerous activities and innovations completely won over the EIFEL Award jury.

Julie Quervel, the CLASSEN Group’s sustainability officer, accepted the EIFEL Award at the ceremony on behalf of nearly 2,000 employees: “All of us at CLASSEN are committed to a sustainable flooring industry that will continue to produce ecological and environmentally friendly innovations like CERAMIN in the future. To that end, we are always on the lookout for skilled professionals who want to play their part in driving this transformation right here in the Eifel region. We are proud of the work the entire team has accomplished and feel honored to receive the EIFEL Award for these achievements.” The award has since taken its place of honor in the lobby of the company’s headquarters in Kaisersesch.