Dr. Udo Kuhlmann, CEOAt the core of CORDENKA’s strategy lies its flagship product: CORDENKA® Rayon, a fiber derived from renewable wood sources. This well-known material continues to inspire new uses and underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability by offering a naturally biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based technical textiles. Unlike synthetic fibers that can persist for centuries and contribute to microplastic pollution, CORDENKA® Rayon decomposes quickly, reducing long-term environmental impact while supporting the broader shift toward a circular economy.
“Our bio-based rayon is a game changer for biocircular applications, and CORDENKA has a clear decarbonization roadmap to support its customers’ ambitions in their transition to green,” says Dr. Udo Kuhlmann, CEO of CORDENKA.
Tires of Tomorrow
Is sustainability the new driving force behind next-generation tire technology?
CORDENKA appears to think so. The company has made a resounding statement in multiple industries—notably the tire sector—through its unwavering commitment to environmentally responsible innovation. By introducing high-performance rayon materials like the groundbreaking CORDENKA Super 5, CORDENKA enables achieving higher tire performance by using the same state-of-the-art tire manufacturing techniques and setting an impressive benchmark for others.
CORDENKA Super 5 offers superior temperature stability and mechanical strength, making it ideal for passenger cars and ultra-high-performance (UUHP) tires. It ensures excellent durability even under demanding conditions, such as high speeds and temperatures.
Beyond performance, CORDENKA Super 5 plays a crucial role in improved performance at maintained safety. By bearing the full weight of vehicles and absorbing impact forces during travel, CORDENKA’s solution fortifies tire reliability in the harshest driving environments. Its robust structure reduces rolling resistance, sharpens dry handling, and even
trims tire weight—collectively maintaining safety at improved road performance. These benefits translate into significant environmental advantages, including lower fuel consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Tire manufacturers can also benefit from simplified production processes and reduced raw material usage.
Growing Greener with Biodegradable Materials in Agriculture and Landscaping
Beyond its well-established presence in the tire market, CORDENKA is expanding into new industries by demonstrating how sustainable materials can boost environmental stewardship and profitability. Important sectors include mechanical rubber goods (MRG) and compound reinforcement. One notable example is the company’s CORDENKA® Growth line, which features biodegradable plant climbing aids for greenhouses. Unlike traditional fossil-based polymer twine, this solution can be composted alongside crop residues at the end of each growing season—eliminating costly waste disposal fees and enhancing soil fertility through natural fertilization.
A tangible cost comparison underscores the financial benefits of CORDENKA’s approach. When measured against fossil-based twine, CORDENKA® Growth enable savings in the lower/midfour-digit-scale € range per hectare by removing the need for twine separation and disposal. Because it is fully biodegradable, the twine leaves no microplastic footprint, helping greenhouse operators meet increasing sustainability demands.
Since the acquisition, we have been fully committed to supporting CORDENKA’s efforts in reducing its carbon footprint. We look forward to CORDENKA’s continued growth and its ongoing contribution to making the world a greener and better place
Expanding Sustainability
CORDENKA’s advancements come when industries worldwide face mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Governments, consumers and international organizations are increasingly prioritizing climate action and sustainable development. As a leader in bio-based high-performance fibers, CORDENKA is uniquely positioned to address these demands by delivering solutions combining environmental responsibility and superior material performance.
It also exemplifies its commitment to sustainability through environmentally conscious production processes. The company prioritizes resource efficiency, sustainable water management and waste reduction, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing operational effectiveness. Guided by a decarbonization roadmap approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), CORDENKA continuously refines its processes to meet ambitious global climate targets, aiding its customers in achieving their green transition goals. Recognized for these efforts, CORDENKA has earned the Ecovadis Gold medal for three consecutive years, cementing its reputation as a leader in sustainability.
Beyond production, the company is actively expanding its impact across various sectors through innovative applications of its bio-based materials. A key focus remains the tire industry, where CORDENKA Super 5 has already set a benchmark for optimizing performance and reducing environmental impact. Building on the success of this innovative material, CORDENKA’s associated tire experts continue to push boundaries, aiming to improve tire safety, energy efficiency and lifecycle emissions.
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Our bio-based rayon is a game changer for biocircular applications, and CORDENKA has a clear decarbonization roadmap to support its customers’ ambitions in their transition to green
The Power of Purpose-Driven Investments
CORDENKA’s remarkable growth trajectory can be traced to its alliance with Beautiful Mind Capital (BMC), a Shanghai-based private equity firm that acquired the company in 2018. Focusing on buyout investments across Europe and China, BMC targets “hidden champions” demonstrating untapped organic growth potential. Today, CORDENKA is a pivotal part of BMC’s European business portfolio.
Established after former British Prime Minister Theresa May’s 2018 visit to Shanghai, BMC was conceived with a distinctly international outlook. The firm harnesses a high-level network across industries, applying strategic expertise to drive growth and foster synergy within its portfolio companies. BMC’s “beautiful mind” ethos underscores its ethical commitment to societal, environmental, and stakeholder well-being—an approach that dovetails seamlessly with CORDENKA’s mission to protect the planet through sustainable practices.
Dr. Vivian Wang, Founder of BMC, emphasizes the firm’s support for CORDENKA: “Since the acquisition, we have been fully committed to supporting CORDENKA’s efforts in reducing its carbon footprint. We look forward to CORDENKA’s continued growth and ongoing contribution to making the world greener and better.”
The partnership with BMC has also amplified CORDENKA’s ability to innovate. BMC’s strategic support, ethical foundation and commitment to sustainability have enabled CORDENKA to expand its operations, enhance its research and development capabilities, and explore new markets. This collaboration showcases how private equity can be pivotal in advancing global sustainability goals.
CORDENKA and BMC share a unified mission of enabling a biocircular economy by offering solutions that eliminate reliance on fossil-based raw materials. Their collaboration underscores the potential of private equity investments in driving meaningful environmental and economic change.
Setting New Standards for Eco-Friendly Enterprises
CORDENKA is not just meeting the demands of today’s sustainability-conscious industries but helping shape a future where green practices are the norm, not the exception. Whether through high-performance tire materials, eco-friendly agricultural solutions, MRG, composite reinforcement or innovative geotextiles, the company is proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. As it continues to innovate and expand its offerings, CORDENKA remains committed to driving the green transition forward—one sustainable product at a time.
Preserving the planet for future generations is a shared responsibility. With BMC’s backing and a clear vision for sustainability, CORDENKA is in charge of creating a biocircular economy. By aligning innovative technology with environmental stewardship, the company is setting new standards for what it means to be a truly sustainable enterprise. The journey ahead is one of endless possibilities, driven by a shared mission to leave the planet better than we found it.
