Innovation meets Commitment
Innovation Meets Commitment:
Bene Powers Ahead with Renewable Energy and Circular Design
Vienna / Waidhofen an der Ybbs, 15.07.2025 – Bene is committed to transformation and environmental management. By 2030, the internationally successful designer of modern workspaces from Austria aims to be a leader in sustainable production. Bene is also announcing changes in management and presenting the current sustainability report “The Bene Responsibility 2025.” The focus is on modular, flexible, and easily separable products that combine high-quality design with ecological manufacturing technologies.
Bene has established itself as an internationally successful manufacturer of modern office and work environments from Austria. Awards such as the German Innovation Award 2025 underline Bene’s high standards for functionality, quality, design, and sustainability – all made in Waidhofen an der Ybbs. There is also management news: the previous Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Benedikt Wolfram is moving to the board of Austro Holding, maintaining his ties with Bene, a company of the Austro Holding Group. His responsibilities will be taken over by Manfred Huber, Managing Director of Operations, Logistics, and Purchasing. “We would like to sincerely thank Benedikt Wolfram for his dedication and strong commitment,” emphasizes Michael Fried, Managing Director Sales, Marketing & Innovation.
Bene will continue its progressive course and strategic corporate development consistently in the coming years. The office furniture expert continues to invest in production “Made in Austria” and ecological high-tech manufacturing processes.
“The past two years have been marked by progress and sustainability,” explains Manfred Huber. “Thanks to continuous investment, we have set new standards in ecological production. From renewable energy to a clear focus on the circular economy, new structures have emerged that enable sustainable manufacturing – today and for future generations.”
Focus on Renewable Energy
The current 2025 Report shows how environmentally conscious action shapes all areas of the company. With thermal roof renovation and a new large-scale photovoltaic system, the company is clearly committing to green energy. The €10 million investment project began in May 2023 and was successfully completed in August 2024. This has reduced the heating energy demand at the Waidhofen an der Ybbs site by a significant 50%. Bene has certified its energy management system according to ISO 50001.
Thanks to the new PV system, CO₂ emissions are reduced by around 100 tons annually, and one-third of the company’s annual electricity demand is covered. The remaining electricity is sourced from hydropower. With the PV system, Bene secures the site’s long-term energy independence while also reducing ongoing operational costs. With a system capacity of 3.1 MWp, the energy production meets the needs of approximately 800 households. Excess energy – within the current feed-in limit of 249 kW – is fed into the public grid, and future expansion remains an option should regulations change.
A Holistic and Ecological Design Approach
In an era marked by resource scarcity, climate change, and rising environmental regulations, the circular economy is becoming increasingly attractive. Overcoming linear thinking is essential to create a regenerative system in which materials are used as long and flexibly as possible.
Bene demonstrates its strong capabilities in sustainable production with product lines such as POINTS, EQUO, and NOOVO. The modular POINTS room system proves that sustainability and design are not contradictory. Its components can be freely combined, replaced, or expanded – without interfering with the building structure. Because it uses single-type materials and can be disassembled, the system is nearly fully recyclable.
Turning Environmental Awareness into a Future-Proof Concept
Aesthetically appealing and radically sustainable, the EQUO swivel chair impresses. This modular seating solution allows users to replace highly used components such as mesh backs or seat covers independently and without tools – anytime, on-site, and without expert assistance. This repairability significantly extends the product’s lifespan and reduces unnecessary material consumption.
The NOOVO Chair, a modern take on the classic Viennese café chair, is also ready for the Circular Age: made from 100% recycled polypropylene, it contains no additives, allowing for pure material recycling. For its consistent material choices, European manufacturing, and thoughtful design, NOOVO was awarded the iF DESIGN AWARD.
Satisfied Employees Manufacture Top Quality from Austria
Future-proof work environments emerge where ecological responsibility, flexibility, and aesthetics converge. Bene goes a step further by producing its high-quality furniture in Austria. This secures regional jobs and ensures high quality and reliable supply chains.
In 2024, Bene employed 646 people, about 500 of whom work in Austria. To foster an optimal working atmosphere, Bene takes its corporate culture seriously. Key principles include flexible working hours, remote work options, and diverse fields of activity, as well as brand identification, team spirit, and co-determination. In addition, Bene promotes employee well-being through its “Healthy at Bene” program, which includes fitness, relaxation, and healthy eating initiatives.
Pioneering Sustainability
“Those who want to shape the future must take responsibility,” says Managing Director Michael Fried.
“For Bene, sustainability, production in Austria, and a people-centered corporate culture are not obligations, but a continuous and inspiring development process.”
Bene has also successfully completed certification for its Occupational Health and Safety Management System in accordance with ISO 45001. As a result, Bene is now officially certified in all four major international management system standards (ISO 9001, 14001, 50001, 45001) – a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.
The world of work is changing, and Bene is proactively addressing the future to remain flexible in the face of new developments.
“We have a clear vision,” says Fried. “By 2030, we aim to be one of the leading companies in the industry in terms of sustainability as well.”
Strategic investments and projects are helping to align the entire value chain consistently with sustainability – whether in energy efficiency, the development of circular product lines, or the use of recyclable materials. Furthermore, sustainability in design and production offers not only environmental benefits but also economic opportunities and a positive customer experience.
Photos: © Bene GmbH
