What began in 1934 with the installation of the main laboratory has now become a globally active technology division with heart, attitude, and vision within the Freudenberg Group. Our history is not merely a sequence of dates – it is living proof of how ideas and responsibility can connect generations and how innovation can be driven forward with vision and courage.
Our most important milestones tell the story of how origins become the future, of upheavals and courageous decisions – and how innovation, responsibility, and continuity continue to be combined at Freudenberg to this day.
The production line for gas diffusion layer (GDL) production in Weinheim is being significantly expanded. This will bring the technological possibilities up to date and expand the available capacities in line with the market.
FRICTins developed an innovative nonwoven solution based on a multi-stage process in which hard particles significantly increase the performance of special solid compounds. The acquisition of the start-up from Wolnzach opens up new areas of application and industrial markets. Following the acquisition, the production of friction inserts has been transferred from a pilot plant to industrial scale and adapted to Freudenberg's high standards in the areas of health, safety, and the environment, as well as to the quality requirements of the automotive industry.
Freudenberg begins to drive forward the development expertise it has built up over decades and starts industrial production. An innovative production line for the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is set up in Weinheim.
With the acquisition of Polymer Health Technology, a specialist in polyurethane-based foam systems for wound care based in Ebbw Vale, Wales, Freudenberg successfully expands into the medical technology market with its entry into polyurethane foams.
The Freudenberg Nonwovens and Freudenberg Politex business groups merge to form the joint Freudenberg Performance Materials business group with effect from January 1, 2015. Freudenberg repositioned its global umbrella brand: “Freudenberg is a values-based technology group that best serves its customers and society.” The repositioning was accompanied by a new brand architecture. The corporate slogan “Innovating Together” now complements the corporate logo and emphasises the new brand identity.
Freudenberg is acquiring Hänsel Textil GmbH, a renowned manufacturer of high-quality interlining fabrics, which was founded in 1908 in Forst an der Lausitz. The products, including horsehair interlinings, multi-zone interlinings, and textiles with special properties for demanding applications such as garment dyeing, enzyme washing, or low-melting-point coatings, expand the interlining portfolio. Above all, the expertise in extremely lightweight woven and knitted fabrics significantly expands the range of competencies in this area. Production is being relocated entirely to Weinheim.
Freudenberg Politex Nonwovens SpA begins manufacturing polyester nonwovens from recycled PET bottles in Novedrate, Italy. This further expands the recycling initiative launched in Colmar in 1991, with R-PET technology becoming an important pillar of sustainable production. The joint venture with Italian partners is acquired in its entirety by Freudenberg in 2004.
FRICTins developed an innovative nonwoven solution based on a multi-stage process in which hard particles significantly increase the performance of special solid compounds. The acquisition of the start-up from Wolnzach opens up new areas of application and industrial markets. Following the acquisition, the production of friction inserts has been transferred from a pilot plant to industrial scale and adapted to Freudenberg's high standards in the areas of health, safety, and the environment, as well as to the quality requirements of the automotive industry.
Freudenberg begins to drive forward the development expertise it has built up over decades and starts industrial production. An innovative production line for the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is set up in Weinheim.
With the acquisition of Polymer Health Technology, a specialist in polyurethane-based foam systems for wound care based in Ebbw Vale, Wales, Freudenberg successfully expands into the medical technology market with its entry into polyurethane foams.
The Freudenberg Nonwovens and Freudenberg Politex business groups merge to form the joint Freudenberg Performance Materials business group with effect from January 1, 2015. Freudenberg repositioned its global umbrella brand: “Freudenberg is a values-based technology group that best serves its customers and society.” The repositioning was accompanied by a new brand architecture. The corporate slogan “Innovating Together” now complements the corporate logo and emphasises the new brand identity.
Freudenberg is acquiring Hänsel Textil GmbH, a renowned manufacturer of high-quality interlining fabrics, which was founded in 1908 in Forst an der Lausitz. The products, including horsehair interlinings, multi-zone interlinings, and textiles with special properties for demanding applications such as garment dyeing, enzyme washing, or low-melting-point coatings, expand the interlining portfolio. Above all, the expertise in extremely lightweight woven and knitted fabrics significantly expands the range of competencies in this area. Production is being relocated entirely to Weinheim.
Freudenberg Politex Nonwovens SpA begins manufacturing polyester nonwovens from recycled PET bottles in Novedrate, Italy. This further expands the recycling initiative launched in Colmar in 1991, with R-PET technology becoming an important pillar of sustainable production. The joint venture with Italian partners is acquired in its entirety by Freudenberg in 2004.
Freudenberg enters the emerging market of fuel cell technology at an early stage. This uses hydrogen for emission-free energy generation and is used in the automotive industry and industrial applications, among others. Sustainability and future security determine the claim to play a leading role.
Freudenberg is building a new plant in Kaiserslautern and is thus starting the production of spunbond fabrics in close cooperation with BASF as a competence partner for raw materials. As an important production and development site within the Freudenberg Group, the service portfolio has continuously evolved. Today, meltblown nonwovens and medical silicone products are also manufactured there. The site has developed into a center for technical textiles and medical technology, in addition to production for the automotive, construction, filter, and carpet industries, among others.
As a further response to the leather shortage, Freudenberg, under the leadership of chemist Dr. Carl Ludwig Nottebohm, develops the synthetic latex artificial leather Viledon as a substitute material for bags and suitcases. Production begins in 1938. The backing material for the artificial leather is a nonwoven fabric, which Freudenberg had begun developing in 1936.
The product portfolio in the coated technical textiles segment of Mehler and Heytex will be brought together under the umbrella of the new brand name MehlerHeytex. By combining the two strong brands Heytex and Mehler Texnologies, Freudenberg Performance Materials is expanding its technology platform, strengthening its global market presence, and extending its research and development capabilities.
Freudenberg Performance Materials is acquiring key parts of the Heytex Group from private equity investor Bencis Capital Partners. The transaction covers Heytex's core business with three production sites in Germany and China, as well as all central functions, including sales and research & development, and will be integrated into the newly established “Coated Technical Textiles” division.
Freudenberg further expands its nonwoven portfolio and acquires Low & Bonar PLC, based in London, UK, founded in 1903, a global manufacturer and specialist in spunlaid technology. This also includes the subsidiary Mehler Texnologies, which is incorporated into the product portfolio for coated technical textiles and remains an independent brand.
Freudenberg Performance Materials acquires Filc, a Slovenia-based company specializing in the manufacturing, coating, and lamination of needle punched nonwovens used in the automotive and construction industries. Through mutual knowledge transfer, especially in needle punch technology, Freudenberg Performance Materials' innovative acoustic pads for car interiors, among other things, were further developed to series production maturity.
Freudenberg acquires Rhône-Poulenc in Colmar, a renowned spunbond manufacturer in France. The newly acquired plant subsequently operates under the name Freudenberg Spunweb S.A. 1997 and becomes part of a joint venture with the Italian Politex Group for the production of polyester nonwovens from recycled PET bottles. In 2004, Freudenberg acquires all shares in Freudenberg Politex Nonwovens SpA, which also includes the Colmar site. The plant is considered the inventor of Evolon® technology and was a pioneer in the recycling of PET bottles in 1991.
In 1987, Freudenberg Lutravil Far East, later renamed Far Eastern Spunweb, is established in Taiwan with Japanese and Chinese partners. It begins production of spunbonded fabrics in 1990.
Freudenberg & Vilene International Ltd. Hong Kong is founded in Hong Kong in 1977. Freudenberg Trading Hong Kong Ltd. is established for sales purposes. Freudenberg thus continues its expansion into China.
Freudenberg establishes a joint venture with Japan Vilene Company, a long-standing partner in the nonwovens sector in Asia. This joint venture was part of Freudenberg's strategic expansion into Asia and laid the foundation for its strong presence in the region today. Over the years, Freudenberg has continuously expanded its activities in South Korea. Today, the group operates five locations in the country together with its partners and employs around 370 people there.
Freudenberg Performance Materials acquires Filc, a Slovenia-based company specializing in the manufacturing, coating, and lamination of needle punched nonwovens used in the automotive and construction industries. Through mutual knowledge transfer, especially in needle punch technology, Freudenberg Performance Materials' innovative acoustic pads for car interiors, among other things, were further developed to series production maturity.
Freudenberg acquires Rhône-Poulenc in Colmar, a renowned spunbond manufacturer in France. The newly acquired plant subsequently operates under the name Freudenberg Spunweb S.A. 1997 and becomes part of a joint venture with the Italian Politex Group for the production of polyester nonwovens from recycled PET bottles. In 2004, Freudenberg acquires all shares in Freudenberg Politex Nonwovens SpA, which also includes the Colmar site. The plant is considered the inventor of Evolon® technology and was a pioneer in the recycling of PET bottles in 1991.
In 1987, Freudenberg Lutravil Far East, later renamed Far Eastern Spunweb, is established in Taiwan with Japanese and Chinese partners. It begins production of spunbonded fabrics in 1990.
Freudenberg & Vilene International Ltd. Hong Kong is founded in Hong Kong in 1977. Freudenberg Trading Hong Kong Ltd. is established for sales purposes. Freudenberg thus continues its expansion into China.
Freudenberg establishes a joint venture with Japan Vilene Company, a long-standing partner in the nonwovens sector in Asia. This joint venture was part of Freudenberg's strategic expansion into Asia and laid the foundation for its strong presence in the region today. Over the years, Freudenberg has continuously expanded its activities in South Korea. Today, the group operates five locations in the country together with its partners and employs around 370 people there.
Freudenberg joins forces with Dainippon Inc. & Chemical Co., part of the Kawamura Group, and Toray Industries to form Japan Vilene Company, a joint venture in which Freudenberg holds a 33 percent stake as licensor. The partnership strengthens the nonwovens business, enables intensive technology transfer, and opens up the Japanese market, which would otherwise remain largely inaccessible to German companies due to strict import controls.
Freudenberg takes its first step toward globalization, expanding into the US and becoming a pioneer in the internationalization of German industrial companies. The first overseas production company is founded in partnership with Pellon Corporation in Lowell, Massachusetts. Freudenberg is a licensor of nonwoven fabrics used to manufacture interlinings for the clothing industry.
With the e² program, Freudenberg is committed to greater educational equality and active environmental protection worldwide. The aim of the initiative is to give people access to education and work while contributing to the preservation of our natural resources. The program complements existing individual measures with a clearly defined set of criteria – and is now represented on all continents with more than 200 funded projects. A total of 21 million euros has already been invested. Examples range from school-leaving qualifications for adults in the USA to educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in Romania, drinking water projects in India, and environmental education centers in China. Local initiatives such as the show and viewing garden in Weinheim and the Freudenberg Foundation's support for children and young people are also part of e².
At the beginning of 2014, the Freudenberg Group signs the United Nations Global Compact, thereby committing itself to value-oriented and sustainable action, which all business units follow.
The group-wide “We all take care” initiative is launched in 2002. Its aim is to promote the safety and health of all employees, environmental protection, social responsibility, and location security. This results in a significant reduction in the number of accidents.
