Subsidiary KOB: new steam plant cuts CO₂ emissions by 37% annually

KOB, a specialist in medical textiles and a subsidiary of HARTMANN, broke ground in November 2024 for a new 2.5-megawatt biomass power plant. Once operational in 2026, the plant will use biomass to generate heat and steam, reducing CO₂ emissions at the KOB site in Wolfstein by an impressive 4,000 tons annually – a 37% reduction. The project is being implemented in partnership with energy provider MVV Energie AG.

Switching from gas to biomass: how the new plant works 

A foot wearing a black shoe steps on a spade with text: 'For a sustainable future – Biomass Project 2026. Groundbreaking 08.11.2024.'

KOB’s new plant will replace the existing gas-fired boilers with a system that uses plant-based waste and residual materials from the local agriculture, forestry and the sawmill industries.

“KOB products have been essential to global medical care for over 120 years. Producing our elastic bandages and fabrics requires energy-intensive processes. It’s our responsibility to develop products with lower CO₂ emissions, improve our production methods and to make our energy supply more environmentally friendly. With the construction of the biomass steam plant and the support of our partner, MVV Enamic, we are taking another step toward a more sustainable future,” says Dr. Achim Hehl, Managing Director of KOB.

A joint project for the future

The planning, construction and operation of this highly complex facility are being managed by the skilled team at MVV Enamic. This collaboration allows KOB to remain focused on its core business. Dr. Johannes Werhahn, Managing Director of MVV Enamic, highlights the importance of the sustainability initiative and expresses his commitment to successfully implementing the project for KOB.

Side view of a modern industrial building featuring tall chimneys, metal cladding, and geometric design elements on a flat landscape.

HARTMANN - Responsibility for health and the environment

With its commitment to sustainable energy sources, HARTMANN is once again underlining its responsibility towards the environment and society. Projects such as the biomass steam plant at KOB show how ecological and economic action can be harmonized.

This project is an important step towards a more sustainable future - not only for KOB, but for the entire HARTMANN Group.

HARTMANN. Advancing healthcare responsibly. 

Group of people with shovels at a construction site, surrounded by autumn trees, breaking ground for a new project in a forest area.

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