KURZ
KURZ (LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG) is a 100-year-old, family-owned German thin-film technology company headquartered in Fürth, employing 5,800+ people globally. It manufactures hot-stamping foils, decoration machines, holographic security features, touch sensors, and recycling systems for automotive, packaging, security, and consumer brands.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1920
- HeadquartersFürth, Germany
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What KURZ does
KURZ (legal name: LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG) is a privately held, family-owned German company founded in 1920, headquartered in Fürth, with a second German manufacturing site in Sulzbach-Rosenberg. It operates as a global leader in thin-film surface finishing technology, with a headcount of more than 5,800 employees across more than 20 countries and a network of 13+ wholly-owned subsidiaries covering specialized capabilities (Kinegram, PolyIC, MPRINT, ISIMAT, BAIER, Hinderer + Mühlich, Schoefer, Steinemann DPE, KURZ SCRIBOS, KURZ DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, CANYON, Burg Design). The company reports serving "over 100 years" of market activity with awards including iF Design Award 2026, German Innovation Award 2026, German Design Award Gold 2026, and EcoVadis Silver 2025.
KURZ's core technology stack comprises hot-stamping, cold transfer, and digital transfer processes for thin-film surface decoration, supplemented by proprietary holographic security features (TRUSTSEAL®, Kinegram), touch sensor technology (PolyTC®), closed-loop recycling (RECOSYS®), and specialty decorative foils (SILVER LINE®, LUMAFIN®, ECOFIN®). The product portfolio spans four revenue streams: (1) one-time transfer finishing product sales (hot-stamping foils, cold/digital transfer materials, specialty finishes); (2) decoration machine and equipment hardware sales (DM-UNILINER 3D, DM-MAXLINER 3D, MPRINT machines); (3) security solutions combining physical and digital authentication (TRUSTSEAL® licensing and royalties); and (4) design consulting plus DREAMCOMPOSER® software subscriptions (freemium and premium tiers).
Go-to-market is sales-led and event-driven, combining direct enterprise engagement with major global brands across automotive, packaging, security, cosmetics, wine & spirits, pharma, cards, consumer electronics, food, and textile finishing verticals. Distribution runs through direct enterprise sales, a subsidiary network, regional channel partners (e.g., LUXORO in Italy, Grafical), and presence at global trade shows. Named customers include BMW Group (anti-counterfeiting for spare parts), Vestel (iF Design Award 2026 smart appliance project), and Willi Opitz Winery (TRUSTSEAL® wine labels). The company operates across multiple listed segments on its website: Automotive, Banknotes, Beverage, Cards, Construction, Consumer Electronics, Cosmetics, Food, Home Appliances, Medical Technology, Packaging, Pharma, Security, Textile Finishing, and Wine & Spirits, with Automotive, Packaging, and Security flagged as primary segments.
KURZ firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KURZ
- Legal name
- LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG
- Website
- https://kurz.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1920
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- KURZ (LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG) is a 100-year-old, family-owned German thin-film technology company headquartered in Fürth, employing 5,800+ people globally. It manufactures hot-stamping foils, decoration machines, holographic security features, touch sensors, and recycling systems for automotive, packaging, security, and consumer brands.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
KURZ industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Surface Finishing Materials
- NAICS
- Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510)
- SIC
- Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Adhesives & Sealants (2891)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Label Stock, Inks, Coatings & Laminates (Materials Supply) (IMALAKAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sustainable Labels, Adhesives & Inks (Wash-Off Labels, De-inkable Inks, Low-VOC) (IMALAMAJ), Flexible Packaging Converting & Finishing (Slitting, Rewinding, Coating, Embossing) (IMALABAL), Finishing, Converting & Die-Cutting Services (IMALAKAN), Paper Finishing & Coating Services (Calendering, Coating, Supercalendering) (IMAMAEAI)
Keywords
Where KURZ is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fürth
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
KURZ business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Transfer Finishing Products: Sale of transfer finishing products including hot-stamping foils, cold transfer materials, digital transfer products, and specialty finishes like SILVER LINE® and LUMAFIN® for surface decoration across industries.
- Decoration Machines and Equipment: Manufacturing and sale of embellishment machines including DM-UNILINER 3D, DM-MAXLINER 3D, and machines from subsidiary MPRINT for analog and digital finishing processes.
- Security Solutions and Anti-Counterfeiting: TRUSTSEAL® security labels, holograms, and product protection solutions combining physical and digital authentication features for brand protection.
- Design Consulting Services: Design and technology consulting from concept through production, including digital prototyping with DREAMCOMPOSER® and collaboration on custom solutions.
- Software Subscriptions: DREAMCOMPOSER® software offered in free basic version (up to 5 projects) and premium version (unlimited projects) with monthly or annual subscription options.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | Free Basic Version - up to 5 projects simultaneously |
| Subscription | Monthly | Premium Version - unlimited projects with advanced features |
| Subscription | Annual | Premium Version - Annual Subscription |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
KURZ product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KURZ develops, manufactures and sells thin-film technology-based surface finishing solutions, including hot-stamping foils, cold transfer materials, digital transfer products, and specialty finishing lines such as SILVER LINE® and LUMAFIN®. The company also produces decoration/embellishment machines, holographic and TRUSTSEAL® security labels for brand protection, DREAMCOMPOSER® 3D design software, PolyTC® touch sensors, and operates the RECOSYS® recycling system. These offerings are sold to industrial customers across automotive, packaging, security, cosmetics, wine & spirits, consumer electronics and banknotes.
Product overview
KURZ (LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG) is a leading surface finishing company with over 100 years of experience, specializing in thin-film technology. The product portfolio centers on three core finishing technologies: hot-stamping, cold transfer, and digital transfer processes. Key products include DREAMCOMPOSER® (3D design visualization software), TRUSTSEAL® (holographic security and brand protection including digital TRUSTSEAL® ID), SILVER LINE® and LUMAFIN® (premium metallic and translucent finishes), RECOSYS® (sustainable take-back and recycling system), and PolyTC® (touch sensor technology). The company serves diverse markets including automotive, packaging, cosmetics, wine & spirits, security, and medical technology through surface finishing, embellishment machines, labels, and product/brand protection solutions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- DREAMCOMPOSER: 3D visualization software for design, packaging and labels enabling real-time visualization of label designs with transfer finishes
- TRUSTSEAL
- SILVER LINE
- LUMAFIN
- RECOSYS
- PolyIC
- NFPP
- ECOLAYER FX
- DEEP BLACK SURFACES
Products and services
- DREAMCOMPOSER® 3D design and visualization software for real-time rendering of label and packaging designs with KURZ transfer products; offered in a free basic version (up to 5 projects) and premium monthly/annual subscriptions, for packaging designers and brand owners.
- TRUSTSEAL® Security Labels Holographic anti-counterfeiting labels combining diffractive structures with customer-specific design and digital authentication (TRUSTSEAL® ID) for brand owners and security printers.
- SILVER LINE® Premium metallic hot-stamping, cold-transfer and digital finishing line producing luxurious silver-metallic reflections, 3D effects and mirror-plus-matte combinations for premium label converters and brand owners.
- LUMAFIN® Semi-transparent finishing line creating glass-like visual depth where underlying motifs appear to shimmer through; available in transparent, transparent-metallic and multiple colors for cosmetics and beverage labels.
- Hot-Stamping, Cold & Digital Transfer Products Core KURZ transfer finishing products — hot-stamping foils, cold transfer materials and digital transfer products — used by industrial converters and brand owners for surface decoration across substrates.
- Embellishment Machines (DM-UNILINER 3D, DM-MAXLINER 3D) Industrial decoration and embellishment machines (including the DM-UNILINER 3D and DM-MAXLINER 3D, plus MPRINT subsidiary equipment) for analog and digital finishing processes, sold to label converters, packaging printers and finishing houses.
- KURZ SCRIBOS Brand Protection Solutions Combined physical and digital anti-counterfeiting and brand protection solutions, including TRUSTSEAL® labels and online authentication tools, sold to brand owners such as BMW Group for counterfeit spare-parts protection.
- KINEGRAM Holograms Optical security holograms and diffractive security features for banknotes, ID cards, government documents and high-value product authentication, sold to central banks, government agencies and security printers.
- PolyTC® Touch Sensors Capacitive multi-touch sensor technology (hidden-til-lit) sold by subsidiary PolyIC for automotive interior HMI panels and consumer electronics touch interfaces.
- RECOSYS® 2.0 Take-Back & Recycling Service Closed-loop take-back and recycling service converting excess carrier materials from the graphics industry into pure rPET granules for use in technical textiles and other products.
- Design Consulting Services End-to-end design and technology consulting from concept through production, including digital prototyping via DREAMCOMPOSER®, provided to brand owners and converters in automotive, packaging, cosmetics and related sectors.
Quantifiable outcome
- NFPP materials achieve up to 40% weight reduction compared to conventional plastic solutions
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use KURZ
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
KURZ technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature11 records
KURZ partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Xeikon (Flint Group)coreIndustrial partner for Xeikon Innovation Days 2026, showcasing new digital presses alongside KURZ embellishment solutions. Events scheduled June 9-10 in Lier, Belgium and June 16-18 in Elgin, Illinois.
- Cerm, Esko, Fedrigoni, Grafisk Maskinfabrik, Herma, Hybrid Software, MeechcoreIndustrial partners exhibiting alongside KURZ at Xeikon Innovation Days, representing the complete ecosystem of label and packaging production technology providers.
- BOBSTcorePartnership to elevate hot-stamping embellishment to new levels. Collaboration on machine solutions and process optimization for premium embellishment applications.
- BMW GroupcoreKURZ SCRIBOS products support BMW Group in protection against counterfeit spare parts through advanced anti-counterfeiting solutions.
- Swarovski Mobility, SP3majorJoint development of FrontIQ Light Concept combining Swarovski Mobility's light design expertise with KURZ's 3K decoration process for sustainable front headlight design.
- ams OSRAMmajorIntegration of ALIYOS™ LEDs in Rear Light Concept for homogeneous, energy-efficient light and compact light integration with mini-LED technology.
- COVESTROmajorProvides recycled PC material for FrontIQ Light Concept's transparent cover enabling sustainable manufacturing.
- SABICmajorSupplies PC/ABS recyclates for FrontIQ Light Concept frame component.
- RühlminorProvides bio-based polyurethane for protective coating in FrontIQ Light Concept.
- Farplas, Topp Textil, TechnofibresmajorDevelopment of Smart Display Center Console with rPET textiles for automotive interiors. KURZ provides RECOSYS® rPET material, partners handle textile processing and integration.
- PolyICcoreSister company supplying PolyTC® Multitouch sensors for Smart Display Center Console touchpad functionality. PolyIC and KURZ collaborated on Rainbow Textile Demonstrator with MENTOR.
- Polyvlies, FRIMO Innovative TechnologiesmajorNFPP applications partnership demonstrating nature-fiber reinforced polypropylene processing in DecoPress process.
- WITTMANNminorLive manufacturing demonstration of NFPP cover component with front-side decoration and back-side injection molding.
- ENERGYNESTmajorJoint construction of Germany's first Power-to-Heat system with thermal energy storage for industrial decarbonization at Sulzbach-Rosenberg facility.
- HorizonmajorJoint venture formation: Horizon-Kurz New Material Technology GmbH for innovative battery technology and high-performance coating solutions.
- SCRIBOScoreMerged brand under KURZ SCRIBOS for combined product and brand protection offerings. New unified brand presence for anti-counterfeiting solutions.
- CCL ASEANminorContribution to CCL's inaugural Sustainability Day Southeast Asia in Bangkok, Thailand. Part of broader sustainability collaboration with packaging industry.
- Avery Dennison Thailand, Krones Thailand, EnviccominorIndustry partners at CCL Sustainability Day Southeast Asia discussing sustainability in packaging and printing.
- UPM RaflatacmajorMaterials supplier collaboration for premium wine and spirits label materials demonstrating global consistency across regional paper variants.
- DenominationmajorDesign agency collaboration for premium wine and spirits labels with Australian-inspired storytelling and advanced embellishment techniques.
- GraficalminorPrinter using KURZ hot stamping materials and H+M tooling for Denomination's premium label project.
- Hinderer + Mühlich (H+M)coreKURZ subsidiary providing hot-stamping tools and precision embossing stamps for embellishment applications.
- Willi Opitz WineryminorCollaboration on premium wine label design combining motorsport aesthetics with TRUSTSEAL® security features and high-finish decoration.
- LUXOROminorExclusive KURZ partner in Italy demonstrating LUXLAB - first paper and carton mockup laboratory with industrial printing processes for prototyping.
- TechnofibresmajorProcessed KURZ rPET into stable yarn for rPET jersey production within RECOSYS® 2.0 closed-loop system.
- Hero TextilminorSpecialized textile manufacturer producing rPET jerseys from KURZ recycled materials.
- CPI BooksminorRevolution in industrial book finishing: CPI Books uses DM-MAXLINER 3D from KURZ for premium embellishment.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
KURZ competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Henkel: Global leader in industrial adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. Overlaps with KURZ in adhesive-based transfer technology and surface treatments, with broader consumer and industrial footprint.
- 3M: Diversified industrial conglomerate with significant presence in specialty coatings, films, and adhesive technologies. Comparable to KURZ as a broad materials supplier serving automotive and industrial customers, though without KURZ's hot-stamping specialization.
- Crown Holdings: Global packaging manufacturer specializing in metal containers with significant coating and finishing operations. Relevant comparable for surface treatment scale and packaging end-market exposure.
- Illinois Tool Works (ITW): Diversified industrial manufacturer with segments in specialty coatings, finishing, and automotive components. Comparable in scale, family-controlled legacy, and diversified industrial end-market exposure.
- DuPont: Specialty chemicals and advanced materials supplier serving automotive, electronics, and packaging with coating and film technologies. Comparable to KURZ in advanced materials positioning and automotive interior/exterior finishing adjacency.
Direct peers
- BOBST: Swiss-based supplier of equipment and services for packaging and label manufacturing, including hot-stamping and embellishment machinery. KURZ's stated partner for advancing hot-stamping decoration; competes in the equipment side of the same value chain.
- CCL Industries: World's largest specialty label converter with deep presence in premium wine & spirits, healthcare, and consumer packaging labels. Comparable to KURZ in label embellishment, brand protection, and the Southeast Asia sustainability partnership referenced in KURZ's CCL ASEAN relationship.
- Avery Dennison: Global leader in pressure-sensitive label materials, tags, and RFID solutions serving packaging, retail, and industrial markets. Directly comparable to KURZ as a label and packaging materials supplier with comparable sustainability programs and brand-owner customer base.
- Xeikon (Flint Group): Digital printing press manufacturer for labels and packaging. KURZ's partner at Xeikon Innovation Days 2026; competes as an alternative finishing technology to traditional hot-stamping foils.
- API Group: Leading manufacturer of holographic foils, transfer films, and security laminates for brand protection and packaging. Closest direct competitor to KURZ in holographic transfer materials and anti-counterfeiting substrates.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
KURZ social profiles
Digital presenceKURZ compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
KURZ financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KURZ leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
KURZ subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries13 records
KURZ funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KURZ M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KURZ
What does KURZ do?
KURZ develops, manufactures and sells thin-film technology-based surface finishing solutions, including hot-stamping foils, cold transfer materials, digital transfer products, and specialty finishing lines such as SILVER LINE® and LUMAFIN®. The company also produces decoration/embellishment machines, holographic and TRUSTSEAL® security labels for brand protection, DREAMCOMPOSER® 3D design software, PolyTC® touch sensors, and operates the RECOSYS® recycling system. These offerings are sold to industrial customers across automotive, packaging, security, cosmetics, wine & spirits, consumer electronics and banknotes.
Is KURZ a public or private company?
KURZ is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was KURZ founded?
KURZ was founded in 1920. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is KURZ based?
KURZ is headquartered in Fürth, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does KURZ make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Transfer Finishing Products are the primary driver. The others are decoration Machines and Equipment, security Solutions and Anti-Counterfeiting, design Consulting Services and software Subscriptions.
Who are KURZ's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Henkel, 3M, Crown Holdings, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and DuPont. Direct peers are BOBST, CCL Industries, Avery Dennison, Xeikon (Flint Group) and API Group.
Does KURZ have an API?
No public API is recorded for KURZ.
What industry is KURZ in?
KURZ's product category is Surface Finishing Materials. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAKAL, Label Stock, Inks, Coatings & Laminates (Materials Supply), with a secondary code of IMALAMAJ, Sustainable Labels, Adhesives & Inks (Wash-Off Labels, De-inkable Inks, Low-VOC). Its NAICS code is 325510 and its SIC code is 2851.