"Sometimes you have to be unconventional"
Interview with Edwin Lingg, Managing Director of Li&Co AG
Li&Co AG from Müstair in Switzerland has been a creative pace-setter in the international flooring industry for almost four decades. With a clear focus on sustainability and innovative solutions made from recycled materials, the company sets standards. In conversation with Wirtschaftsforum, Managing Director Edwin Lingg explains why he focuses on high-wage countries, what ideas drive him, and why he does not measure success solely by turnover.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Lingg, Li&Co is known for its innovative strength. What is your current focus?
Edwin Lingg: We are working on keeping materials in the loop – not just for ecological reasons, but also out of economic necessity. One example is our flooring made from the waste of jeans production. The cotton fibers are processed and turned into a fully functional flooring. We do something similar with leather remnants from the fashion industry. For me, it's clear: sustainability must be economical, otherwise it won't prevail.
Wirtschaftsforum: So for you, innovation and economic viability always go hand in hand?
Edwin Lingg: Absolutely. Ecology alone is rarely the deciding factor in purchasing decisions if a comparable product is more than 10% cheaper. That's why we need regulations that bring ecology and economy together – in a way that makes sense both ecologically and economically. My role as an entrepreneur is to develop ideas that benefit the customer and are economically viable at the same time.
Wirtschaftsforum: Do you have an example of such an idea?
Edwin Lingg: Our new wall system with integrated heating is an example. The system is simple, inexpensive to acquire, and extremely efficient. With 500 W, we can heat a room up to 30 m2 – just like with a modern tiled stove. The panels are customizable, heat up quickly, and offer enormous potential, also for use in floors or other surfaces.
Wirtschaftsforum: You focus on economic efficiency yet still produce in high-wage countries like Switzerland, Italy, and the USA - why?
Edwin Lingg: Quality is paramount. Of course, it's possible to produce well in low-wage countries too, but for me, it is important to think in generations, not quarterly results. Having production close to the market saves transport routes, increases flexibility, and simply brings more joy. To remain competitive, we need to be innovative, efficient, and sometimes unconventional.
Wirtschaftsforum: Are such decisions also a result of your personal attitude?
Edwin Lingg: Definitely. I believe in give and take, in that order. Trust is a core value for me. We work without advance payments or credit insurance, because I am convinced that trust will be reciprocated. I measure success not only in terms of increasing sales, but also whether I am at peace with myself. I also prefer cooperation over isolation. We even invite competitors, show them new products, and share our knowledge. Because: A single company cannot create a market – it takes multiple suppliers working in the same direction. Competition not only stimulates business, but also increases the acceptance of new ideas.
Wirtschaftsforum: As we conclude, let's look to the future: Where do you see Li&Co in the coming years?
Edwin Lingg: We will be expanding our plant in Müstair in order to be prepared for future growth. The demand is currently somewhat subdued, but I'm an optimist. With our sustainable flooring and heating systems, we have products with real future potential. And we are never out of new ideas – sometimes they arise simply from a passion for technology, not from the question of whether they immediately make money.