FEIBP Innovation Award Presentations 2026

Five companies, five very different ideas and one award

Innovation was once again in the spotlight at the FEIBP Congress, held in Lyon, France, in September, as five companies competed for the Federation’s 16th Innovation Award. Showcasing five very different approaches to innovation, the nominated developments addressed a range of industry challenges, from improving the customer experience and increasing productivity to promoting greater environmental responsibility. Each company presented its innovation to Congress delegates, demonstrating how fresh thinking and practical solutions continue to drive progress across the brush industry.

Following the presentations, Zahn Pinsel’s Orbex was announced as the winner of the 2026 FEIBP Innovation Award.

Ebnat AG, Switzerland – Closed-loop Recycling Updates the Inspire Range

Peter Langenegger presented Ebnat’s redesigned Inspire range, developed around a closed recycling circuit established with a Swiss partner. Post-consumer plastic waste collected in Germany, Austria and Switzerland is recycled into granulate and returned to production.

The range itself has also been simplified, reducing the number of components while introducing a more minimalist, modern design. The innovation lies not in reinventing the broom, but in rethinking the materials and manufacturing process behind it.

Lessmann GmbH, Germany – Knotted Cup Brush with Reduced Imbalance

Jürgen and Johannes Lessmann presented a redesigned knotted cup brush developed to substantially reduce imbalance and, consequently, hand-arm vibration during use.

Following around two years of development, tests showed vibration levels at approximately one-third of those of competitor products included in the comparison, offering potential benefits for operator comfort and workplace safety. A German utility model has been granted, with a patent application pending.

Roth Composite Machinery, Germany – Flying Cabinet

Gernot Müller presented Roth Composite Machinery’s new carousel machine, designed to bridge the gap between universal machines and conventional carousel systems.

Its innovative “flying cabinet” rotates with the carousel, allowing signals from modern sensors and components to be transferred without the need for a return or back-turning operation. The carousel can therefore move continuously in one direction, reducing idle time and improving production efficiency. The patented machine is available in semi-automated and fully automated versions.

SIT, Italy – SPID Hand Brush: A 60-Year Journey of Ongoing Innovation

“How many products remain relevant for more than 60 years?” asked Alessandro Acquaderni as he introduced SIT’s iconic SPID hand brush, first launched in 1966.

Rather than changing its familiar shape and proven construction, SIT concentrated on improving the point of contact between hand and brush. More than 20 parameters were assessed to develop a new grip using a specially selected rubber compound, improving comfort while retaining the brush’s established characteristics.

As Alessandro explained: “We didn’t reinvent SPID. We proved a true icon can still evolve after sixty years.”

Zahn Pinsel, Germany – ORBEX Flexible Brush for Miniature Painting

Daniel Zahn presented ORBEX, a modular brush developed initially for miniature painters needing to reach difficult areas underneath and behind intricate models.

Mounted on a ball joint, the interchangeable brush head can be positioned at different working angles and locked securely in place, allowing the brush to adapt to the task rather than forcing the user’s hand to adapt. Different brush sizes and shapes can be fitted to the reusable, 3D-printed handle, with potential applications already identified beyond miniature painting, including technical and aircraft-industry uses.

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