EPIC has announced Jenoptik as the recipient of the EPIC Sustainability Award 2026, recognizing its strong commitment to sustainability as a core business enabler. Katrin Fleischer, Manager Investor Relations & Sustainability at Jenoptik, noted in her acceptance speech that the company aims to leverage photonics technologies to support customers in reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and advancing resource conservation across multiple industries. Download the press release here.
Founded in 1991, Jenoptik has been actively strengthening its sustainability efforts since 2020, when it launched key initiatives and introduced structured non-financial targets. While the company had already implemented environmental and safety policies, such as ISO certifications, its comprehensive, group-wide sustainability strategy was formalized between 2020 and 2021.
These initiatives deliver measurable impact, ranging from energy-efficient manufacturing solutions and renewable energy adoption to innovative products such as low-power traffic monitoring systems designed for sustainable cities. The company has also linked its financing directly to ESG goals through a €400 million debenture bond, and in 2021 became a member of the United Nations Global Compact.
Beyond environmental action, the company fosters an inclusive workplace through its commitment to the Charter of Diversity and by investing in employee development, a sign of a strong dedication to a respectful and supportive working environment.
Commenting on the award, Katrin Fleischer, Manager Investor Relations & Sustainability at Jenoptik, said: “We are very proud of receiving the EPIC Sustainability Award 2026 which honors the efforts of our whole organization. Not only environmental issues but also social and governance topics are just as important – especially for growing tech companies”.
Katharina Zeuner, Optics Specialist at Eclipse Optics and Co-Chair of the EPIC Sustainability Workgroup, congratulated the company, stating: “The EPIC Sustainability Workgroup offers the photonics industry a dedicated forum to ask critical questions and learn from other members’ approaches. This year’s award underscores the importance of sustainable innovation in photonics. Congratulations to Jenoptik for its commitment to resource conservation and strong social and governance practices, leading the way towards a greener industry.”
Estefania Cervantes, Global Sustainability Manager at Edmund Optics and Co-Chair of the Workgroup, highlighted the broader impact of the award: “Being a judge has allowed me to see that company size does not matter when passion is the main driver. This award recognizes the work being done, inspires others to join the journey, and helps identify challenges we can tackle internally.”
Elisabeth Illy, Head of Marketing at HÜBNER Photonics and Co-Chair of the Workgroup, emphasized the strategic value of participation: “The workgroup has allowed me to easily stay up to date with many sustainability topics, including recent regulations such as CSDR, understand how to prioritize our reporting, and gather inspiration for relevant initiatives. It has simplified how we move forward with our sustainability efforts, whether large or small.”
Carlos Lee, Director General of EPIC, added: “Jenoptik exemplifies how sustainability can be fully embedded into business strategy while delivering tangible impact. At EPIC we are proud to recognize companies that not only innovate in photonics but also lead by example.”
