"Sustainability is not a luxury, but a necessity"
Interview with Hartmut Schoon, CEO of Enneatech AG
The recycling industry faces a huge challenge: How can plastics be recycled sustainably without compromising on quality? Enneatech AG from East Frisia has addressed this question - and found an answer. Since 2009, the company has been developing high-quality recyclates that can compete with new materials. But how does the medium-sized company manage to turn waste into valuable raw materials? And what role does sustainability play in an industry often faced with prejudice? Hartmut Schoon, chairman of Enneatech AG, gives insights into the company's innovation power - from technology to market strategy.
The roots of Enneatech AG date back to the 1960s, when Hartmut Schoon's father-in-law founded a waste disposal company in East Frisia. In the 1970s, he began recycling valuable materials like metal, glass, and paper. Later, the composting of organic waste was added – one of the first facilities of its kind in Germany. However, the problem of plastic waste blown by the wind eventually led to plastic recycling. 'Back then, people thought about how to wash and recycle the films,' recalls Hartmut Schoon. This pioneering work laid the foundation for today's Enneatech AG. Since 2009, the company has evolved from a small recycling operation into a leading provider of sustainable plastic solutions.
Sustainability as Philosophy
"Climate protection is one of the most urgent tasks of our time," emphasizes Hartmut Schoon. Since its founding in 2009, the company has aimed to produce climate-neutral plastics. By using recycled materials, customers can significantly reduce their CO2 footprint. "Because recycling makes an enormous difference in the CO2 balance," explains Hartmut Schoon. "For example, the amount of CO2 saved by using one ton of ENTRON eco is nearly equivalent to a circumnavigation of the world." This philosophy is deeply embedded in the company structure. Early on, Enneatech AG began creating Product Carbon Footprints (PCF) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) - pioneering efforts that are now considered standard.
High-quality taxonomy-eligible recyclates and compounds
A central aspect of Enneatech AG is the development of innovative technologies that allow recyclates to be compared to new goods. "We have developed technologies that put us on par with new goods," says Hartmut Schoon. Through special compounding processes, the recyclates achieve mechanical properties that match those of new goods. "This is a novelty in the industry," he emphasizes. These innovations are the result of years of research and development, where the company always focuses on quality and sustainability. Hartmut Schoon is particularly proud of the development of a compound with an impact strength of 120 kJ/m2 - a value that even exceeds the requirements of demanding customers.
Mastering Challenges
However, plastic recycling also poses challenges. "The biggest challenge is maintaining consistent quality," explains Hartmut Schoon. Since the input materials vary, the lab must develop new formulas daily. "This is the highest art in plastic processing," says the CEO. Furthermore, documentation duties and permits are complex. "We are a certified waste management company," emphasizes Hartmut Schoon. "This means we must meet strict requirements to be allowed to treat waste." Another obstacle is competition with cheaper new goods from Asia. "As an energy-intensive business, we cannot simply compete with the prices," Hartmut Schoon admits. "But in the long term, the conditions will change, and then we will be well-positioned."
Global Raw Material Security
Enneatech AG sources its raw materials globally – from North America to Western Asia. "We buy yarn remnants from carpet production and other post-industrial waste," explains Hartmut Schoon. "Recently, we've also tapped into new sources for post-consumer waste." Maintaining consistent quality of the input materials is particularly important to the company. "We can't just process everything that comes in," stresses Hartmut Schoon. "Our lab works daily to find the right blends." With a processing capacity of up to 20,000 t of polyamide per year, Enneatech AG is among the leading recycling companies in Europe.
Future Prospects
Enneatech AG is optimistic about its future. "We still have capacities for expansion," says Hartmut Schoon. The compounding area could be expanded to 18,000 t. Additionally, the company is working on digital solutions to make processes more efficient. "The sustainability train is already moving, and those who board now have the best chances to meet future requirements," he emphasizes. Particularly promising are current projects with automotive manufacturers. "We are involved in various projects that will only start in 2027," reveals Hartmut Schoon. "This shows that the industry is slowly changing its thinking."
Sustainability as a Success Factor
Enneatech AG demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. In September 2025, Enneatech was awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal. Thus, Enneatech officially belongs to the TOP 1% of the most sustainable companies worldwide. Evaluated are 150,000 companies from 220 industries and 180 countries in the world – based on international standards and ESG criteria in the four central areas of Environment & Climate Protection, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics & Compliance, and Sustainable Procurement. "Our aim is for all plastic processing companies worldwide to use sustainable plastic granules," says Hartmut Schoon. An ambitious goal – but with the right strategy, it's achievable. "Sustainability is not a luxury, but a necessity," he concludes.