STABILPLASTIK, a leading Czech company specializing in the recycling of plastic waste, received the prestigious Enterprise Europe Network Award 2023 in the category "Inspiring client journey". It is an appreciation of STABILPLASTIK's journey in transforming recycled plastic waste into high-quality transport pallets, which significantly contributes to sustainability and the circular economy.

In 1995, Jan Suchopár, CEO of STABILPLASTIK company, presented his groundbreaking vision of producing transport pallets exclusively from 100% recycled plastic waste. It was initially met with skepticism by colleagues in the Czech plastics industry, but the company's fortunes took a dramatic turn when Patrik Luxemburk joined as business director in 2015 and pushed through this innovative idea.

"People did not believe that we could produce quality products from waste materials," recalls Jan Suchopár. "We proved them wrong, but it was a long journey," adds Patrik Luxemburk.

With unwavering determination, resilience and the support of local and international partners, a visionary concept has evolved into a thriving enterprise. The company's commitment to sustainability and innovation has now been awarded the Enterprise Europe Network Award 2023.

The power of partnership

Emphasizing the key role of a strong partnership in realizing their vision, Patrik Luxemburk said: "To turn a good idea into reality, you need a strong partner - professionals with international market knowledge to help you fulfill your business potential and find the right opportunities for your product."

A key role was played by the partnership between the company STABILPLASTIK and one of the local partners of the Enterprise Europe Network, the Technological Center Prague, which is also the coordinator of the network for the Czech Republic. Silvia Jirásková, representative of TC Praha, evaluated the partnership as a "perfect match" and praised Patrik Luxemburg's progressive approach.

Through the Enterprise Europe Network, STABILPLASTIK was introduced to the Danish company Nortech Solutions, which specializes in sustainable logistics solutions. Together they developed the "green pallet" - a fully recyclable plastic pallet that has gained considerable attention and interest. Jeppe Mølvadgaard, CEO of Nortech Solutions, highlighted the mutual benefits of their cooperation: "Thanks to this cooperation, our turnover and the number of employees are growing."

"The success of Stabilplastik is not only the result of excellent cooperation with Nortech Solutions, but also the tireless efforts of the company's founders. Their business, as well as the day-to-day operations of the company, is based on the principles of sustainability. The founders spread awareness and promote the principles of the circular economy. The fact that we succeeded to connect Stabilplastik and Nortech Solutions and thereby contribute to the development of a meaningful business with a significant positive impact on the environment, we are extremely pleased," Silvia Jirásková adds to this key collaboration.

This fruitful partnership also led to a significant agreement with Svenska Retursystem, a key player in the recycling system for the Swedish food industry. STABILPLASTIK provided 25,000 custom-made pallets, thanks to which over 650,000 kilograms of plastic waste did not end up in the landfill, significantly reducing the environmental impact.

STABILPLASTIK's innovative pallets, which last at least seven times longer than wooden pallets, have helped preserve more than 350 hectares of forests and contributed to the creation of oxygen and the reduction of CO2 production. The company also incorporates plastic waste from Svenska Retursystem operations into the production of pallets, thus creating an effective circular system.

The remarkable cooperation made possible by the Enterprise Europe Network was recognized among others by the Minister of the Environment of the Kingdom of Sweden and the EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries during the meeting in Stockholm in April 2023 at the joint meeting of the EU Environment Ministers.

Enterprise Europe Network Awards 2023

STABILPLASTIK was honored at the Enterprise Europe Network Awards 2023 ceremony in Bilbao, Spain. This recognition makes the company a leader in the circular economy in the Czech Republic and throughout the European Union.

"The award for STABILPLASTIK is a clear sign for the market of the importance of material recycling, which helps businesses become more sustainable and protect nature for future generations," noted Patrik Luxemburk.

Jakub Boratynski, Director for Networks & Governance, from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, explained: “These awards represent some of the best examples of the business support services offered by the Enterprise Europe Network to companies that want to take advantage of the single market. Over the past thirty years, the Single Market has not only made everyday life easier for citizens and businesses, but has also created jobs and economic growth across the EU. The network is an indispensable tool for solving the challenges our companies face every day when doing business in Europe. We are proud of the hard work that Enterprise Europe Network members have put into helping businesses through this difficult time. We want to support more such companies across Europe to take full advantage of the single market, become more sustainable and digital, create new business partnerships, innovate and expand abroad.”

Jean-David MALO, Director of the European Council Executive Agency for Innovation and SMEs (EISMEA), said: "Since its creation 15 years ago, the Enterprise Europe Network has been here to support European SMEs to grow faster by supporting peace, new trade partnerships and access to finance, as well as making the most of single market opportunities. The companies participating in these awards are good examples of inspiring client journeys from the more than four million companies that have received support since the Enterprise Europe Network was established. This award is an opportunity to celebrate the excellence of the Enterprise Europe Network and recognize some of the best examples of European SMEs and entrepreneurs who have successfully benefited from the network's services.”

You can find a video about the collaboration here.

The press release was issued in cooperation with the Technology Center Prague and AC&C Public Relations.