Josef Glöckl founded aeris in 1996. In 1997, he presented the public with a global innovation: his new office chair, the swopper, featuring unique three-dimensional movement. In so doing, he opened up a completely new line of attack against public health enemy number one: back pain. aeris’ inclusion on the TOP 100 list of Germany’s most innovative small and medium-sized businesses attested to the company’s potential, and its success has been consolidated and expanded through increasing internationalisation and a steady broadening of its portfolio.

The Esselte Group began life as a producer of office products and has a long tradition of developing innovative solutions for simplifying and better organising modern working life. The company sells products and services in 144 countries and has 25 subsidiaries in various locations around the globe. The Group boasts an impressive portfolio of international and local brands including Leitz, Rapid, Esselte and Xyron.

Electrolux Professional is the worldwide leading manufacturer of professional canteen and laundry solutions. With the highest investment in research and development of any company in its sector, Electrolux Professional focuses on well thought-out product innovations built on extensive dialogue with the consumer.

DSD (Duales System Holding GmbH & Co. KG) established and organised the world’s first dual system for the recycling of sales packaging. It ensures a sustainable management approach that that keeps recyclables in closed cycles. The aim is to avoid wasting raw materials and to minimise the impact on the climate and natural environment. The Green Dot (Der Grüne Punkt), which was created to denote the recycling process, is protected worldwide and one of the world’s most widely recognised trademarks.