What Leonhard KURZ does

Leonhard KURZ is a family-owned German thin-film technology company founded in 1899 and headquartered in Fürth, Germany, operating through the legal entity LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG. The company is a global specialist in surface finishing, decorative foils, and functional coatings, employing approximately 5,800 people across more than 50 countries, with regional offices in Budapest and Bucharest (KURZ South-East Europe Kft.) serving Hungary and Romania. Its proprietary technology portfolio spans hot-stamping and cold-transfer foils, diffractive security features (KINEGRAM, TRUSTSEAL, ValiGate), digital embellishment machines (DM-MAXLINER 3D), design software (DREAMCOMPOSER), and—via subsidiary PolyIC—flexible transparent touch sensors (PolyTC). The company serves automotive OEMs and tier suppliers, government tax authorities and security printers, packaging and print converters, consumer electronics manufacturers, and increasingly battery producers through the Horizon-Kurz joint venture.

KURZ operates as a B2B enterprise with direct field sales, long-term multi-year contracts, and a vertically integrated offering that bundles consumable foils, embossing tools, digital machines, and software. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of transfer products and digital embellishment equipment, plus licensing and royalties from security features (banknote OVDs, tax stamps, brand-protection platforms) and a joint-venture interest in battery separator coatings. The customer base includes BMW Group, Audi, Swarovski Mobility, Farplas, NASA/Columbia Sportswear, CPI Books, ams OSRAM, and various national tax authorities. Distribution is supported by a wholly-owned subsidiary network covering tools (Hinderer + Mühlich, BAIER, Schoefer), digital finishing (ISIMAT, Steinemann DPE, MPRINT), software (KURZ DIGITAL SOLUTIONS), sensors (PolyIC), security (OVD Kinegram, KURZ SCRIBOS), and design (Burg Design, CANYON).

Strategically, KURZ is investing in three expansion vectors: sustainability (rPET recycling via RECOSYS, ENERGYNEST power-to-heat decarbonization, EcoVadis Silver 2025), adjacent verticals (battery coatings via Horizon-Kurz JV formed April 2025, currency nano-optics via Authentix agreement October 2025), and digital tooling (free-tier DREAMCOMPOSER 3D software launched September 2025). Recent leadership changes include the September 2025 appointment of Dr. Cosima von Salis-Soglio to the Management Board and the February 2026 succession of Dr. Christian Hub as Head of the Plastic Decoration business area, replacing Rainer Süßmann after 38 years. The company targets CO2-neutral production by 2040 and is recognized among the top 6% of companies in its industry by EcoVadis for sustainability performance.

Name

Leonhard KURZ

Legal name

LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG

Website

https://kurz.hu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1899

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Leonhard KURZ is a family-owned German thin-film technology company (founded 1899) providing decorative foils, security features, digital embellishment machines, and functional coatings to automotive OEMs, government tax authorities, packaging converters, and consumer electronics manufacturers across 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Surface Finishing and Decorative Foils

NAICS

Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510), Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing (3255)

SIC

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Protective Coatings (IMAEAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty & Functional Coatings (Anti-microbial/Anti-slip/Insulating) (IMAIAKAM), Label Stock, Inks, Coatings & Laminates (Materials Supply) (IMALAKAL), Flexible Packaging Converting & Finishing (Slitting, Rewinding, Coating, Embossing) (IMALABAL)

Keywords

• Thin-film technology
• Hot stamping foils
• Security authentication solutions
• Digital embellishment machines
• Decorative surface coatings

Headquarters

HQ city

Budapest

HQ country

Hungary

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Thin-film Transfer Products: Hot stamping foils, cold transfer products, and decorative finishes sold to manufacturers for surface decoration applications across automotive, electronics, packaging, and print industries. Products like SILVER LINE and LUMAFIN provide metallic and translucent finishes.
2. Security Solutions: Security features and anti-counterfeiting solutions including KINEGRAM technology, TRUSTSEAL, tax stamps, and digital authentication platforms (TRUSTCODE, ValiGate) sold to governments, banks, and brand owners.
3. Digital Embellishment Equipment: Sale and service of digital finishing machines including DM-MAXLINER series and related equipment for industrial embellishment.
4. Battery Coating Technology: High-performance ceramic coatings for separator films in lithium-ion batteries through Horizon-Kurz New Material Technology GmbH joint venture.
5. Tax Stamp Systems: Complete modular tax stamp solutions integrating diffractive security elements, printed security labels, and digital authentication for tax authorities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Leonhard KURZ manufactures and sells thin-film transfer products (hot stamping foils and cold transfer films), decorative and functional coatings, security features (KINEGRAM, TRUSTSEAL, ValiGate, TRUSTCODE), digital finishing machines (DM-MAXLINER series), and 3D design software (DREAMCOMPOSER). These are sold primarily B2B to automotive, electronics, packaging, security, and brand protection customers, supplemented by touch sensor (PolyTC), textile, and battery separator coating solutions through subsidiaries and joint ventures.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KURZ DIGITAL SOLUTIONS: Digital solutions and software for design and visualization
• KURZ SCRIBOS
• KINEGRAM
• TRUSTSEAL
• TRUSTCODE
• DREAMCOMPOSER
• DM-MAXLINER
• DM-UNILINER
• SILVER LINE
• LUMAFIN
• RECOSYS
• PolyTC
• ECOFIN
• ValiGate

Products and services

• KINEGRAM Security Technology Proprietary diffractive transfer carrier technology for security documents, banknotes, and tax stamps. Provides strong visual authentication and is proven for use on billions of banknotes worldwide. Sold to governments, central banks, and security printers.
• TRUSTSEAL Security Features Customized security features combining forgery-proof marking with aesthetic depth effects using diffractive structures. Includes TRUSTSEAL ID for digital identification and authentication on product packages. Sold to brand owners for product authentication and anti-counterfeiting.
• TRUSTCODE Authentication Platform Web-based authentication and information platform enabling full traceability of tax stamps throughout their lifecycle from issuance to tracking and data analysis. Sold to tax authorities and government agencies.
• ValiGate Digital Authentication Unique security structure technology added directly to stamps via printing, enabling digital certificate verification through QR code scanning. Sold to brand owners for product authentication.
• DREAMCOMPOSER 3D Design Software Intuitive 3D design software for real-time visualization of label designs, transforming PDF files into realistic 3D models with high-quality finishing. Sold to brand owners, designers, and packaging professionals.
• DM-MAXLINER 3D Digital Embellishment Machine Digital embellishment machine enabling digital metallization plus UV spot and relief varnishes with 3D inkjet technology in a single pass. Sold to industrial printers, label converters, and book manufacturers for in-line finishing.
• SILVER LINE Hot Stamping Foils Premium metallic hot stamping foil line for decorative finishing applications across packaging, print, and consumer products. Sold to manufacturers and converters worldwide.
• LUMAFIN Transfer Finishes Semi-transparent transfer finish for visual depth effects on labels, packaging, and printed materials. Sold to converters and brand owners.
• ECOFIN Sustainable Transfer Finishes Sustainable transfer finish product line including ECOFIN CWO slim cold transfer product, designed with reduced carrier thickness for lower material consumption. Sold to packaging and print manufacturers.
• Slim Technology Hot Stamping Products (KPS slim 2.0, KPW XU slim) Hot stamping foils using patented slim technology with reduced carrier thickness (10µm hot stamping, 6µm cold transfer), offering optimized gloss, precise release, greater efficiency, and reduced material consumption. Sold to manufacturers and converters.
• RECOSYS Recycling System Take-back and recycling system that converts PET carrier films from the graphics industry into recycled PET (rPET) for textile production, supporting circular economy goals. Sold as a service to industrial customers.
• PolyTC Touch Sensors Transparent, flexible capacitive touch sensors from subsidiary PolyIC that can be embedded in textiles for precise touch operation with customizable software control. Sold to automotive interior and consumer electronics manufacturers.
• Modular Tax Stamp Systems Complete modular tax stamp solutions integrating diffractive security elements (KINEGRAM), printed security labels, and digital authentication (TRUSTCODE, ValiGate). Sold to government agencies and tax authorities.
• Battery Separator Ceramic Coatings High-performance ceramic coatings for separator films in lithium-ion batteries, developed and manufactured by the Horizon-Kurz New Material Technology GmbH joint venture. Sold to lithium-ion battery manufacturers and e-mobility suppliers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces CO2 emissions by 700+ tons annually through power-to-heat system
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• VestelmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 May 2026Joint project winning 2026 iF Design Award for Smart Washing Machine Design featuring innovative KURZ surface finishing.
• Authentix Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Authentix Inc. and LEONHARD KURZ signed a cooperation and license agreement to deliver high-volume production of the QUANTUM stripe nano optic technology for the currency market. The technology is proven for manufacturing and now available commercially.
• Swarovski Mobility and SP3majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 August 2025Collaboration on FrontIQ Light Concept for headlight design combining sophisticated lighting design with sustainable manufacturing using 3K process combining decoration, protection, and function in single production step.
• ams OSRAMmajorTechnology or Integration · 20 August 2025Integration of ALIYOS LEDs from ams OSRAM in Rear Light Concept producing exceptionally homogeneous and energy-efficient light patterns with mini LED technology enabling compact light integration.
• Farplas, Topp Textil, and TechnofibresmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 August 2025Development of Smart Display Center Console using KURZ's rPET textiles for automotive interiors. Combines capacitive touch sensors with sustainable materials replacing conventional leather upholstery.
• PolyIC and MENTORmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 May 2025Rainbow Textile Demonstrator combining MENTOR's luminous woven fibers with transparent PolyTC touch sensors from PolyIC for automotive interior lighting and touch control applications.
• CPI BooksmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 May 2025CPI Books, one of Europe's largest book manufacturers, installed DM-MAXLINER 3D from KURZ for series production. First UK installation and first use in industrial book printing, marking revolution in book embellishment.
• HorizoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2025Joint venture Horizon-Kurz New Material Technology GmbH based in Fürth develops and manufactures high-performance ceramic coatings for separator films in lithium-ion batteries. Partnership combines Horizon's market insight with KURZ's thin-film technology expertise for electromobility applications.
• ENERGYNESTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2025Commercial agreement to decarbonize industrial manufacturing through innovative power-to-heat system with thermal storage. ENERGYNEST provides 3 MWe electrical heater and 12 MWhth ThermalBattery for KURZ's Sulzbach-Rosenberg facility, reducing natural gas consumption by 3.5 GWh/year and cutting 700+ tons CO2 emissions annually.
• BOBSTcoreTechnology or Integration · 20 March 2025Deepened partnership with installation of NOVAFOIL 106 H hot stamping machine in KURZ's application technology department. BOBST's specialized hot stamping machine enables testing and optimization of holographic hot stamping designs with up to 10 different hologram modules.
• SCRIBOScoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 March 2025KURZ and SCRIBOS joined forces in brand protection under new unified brand identity KURZ SCRIBOS. Combines KURZ's optical features (TRUSTSEAL, TRUSTCOLOR) with SCRIBOS technologies (ValiGate, SCRIBOS 360) for comprehensive product security solutions.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SICPA: SICPA is a Swiss-based global leader in security inks and authentication solutions for banknotes, tax stamps, and brand protection — directly comparable to KURZ's KINEGRAM and TRUSTSEAL security and tax-stamp business.
• De La Rue: De La Rue is a UK-headquartered security printing and authentication specialist producing banknotes, tax stamps, and identity documents — overlapping KURZ's high-security document and government solutions through OVD Kinegram.
• API Group (API Foilmakers): API is one of the world's largest manufacturers of hot stamping foils and laminates for graphic finishing, packaging, and security — a direct peer to KURZ's core thin-film foil business (SILVER LINE, LUMAFIN, ECOFIN).

Broad incumbents

• PPG Industries: PPG is a large diversified coatings manufacturer whose industrial and protective coatings portfolio overlaps with KURZ's surface finishing coatings for automotive, packaging, and industrial substrates.
• DuPont: DuPont has specialty materials, films, and industrial coatings divisions whose products compete with or substitute for KURZ's thin-film coatings and functional films across automotive and electronics.
• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen: Heidelberg is a global press and finishing equipment manufacturer whose customer base overlaps with the printing and packaging converters that apply KURZ foils, with adjacent offerings in industrial finishing.
• Crown Holdings: Crown is a global packaging giant with metal and decorative container coatings capability; it is a broad incumbent whose can-coating and finishing portfolio overlaps with KURZ's industrial packaging decoration business.
• Illinois Tool Works (ITW): ITW is a diversified industrial manufacturer with coatings, polymers, and specialty finishing businesses that broadly serve the same automotive and industrial end markets as KURZ.
• 3M: 3M's films, adhesives, and specialty coatings divisions broadly compete with KURZ across industrial finishing, automotive, and electronics surface applications, though KURZ is more concentrated in thin-film and security.

Others

• BOBST: BOBST is a strategic partner (NOVAFOIL 106 H installation, joint Horizon battery JV) and a supplier of packaging and finishing equipment to the same converters and brand owners that buy KURZ foils — ecosystem adjacency rather than direct competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/kurz_world
• Xx.com/LEONHARD_KURZ
• Facebookfacebook.com/KURZGERMANY
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leonhard-kurz-see

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Leonhard KURZ