SWIETELSKY-FABER and A-Plast receive 1st place in the category “New Technologies” for their joint project “Relining with fossil-free PVC”. The innovative close-fit solution combines a proven trenchless installation technique with a bio-based pipe material.
A special success for SWIETELSKY-FABER: At the ISTT No-Dig Awards 2026 in Auckland (New Zealand), the BIO-Liner project, developed together with the Swedish partner A-Plast, was awarded first place in the category “New Technologies”. Under the title “Relining with Fossil-Free PVC”, the innovation impressed the international jury and sets an example for the further development of sustainable materials in trenchless pipeline rehabilitation.
The BIO-Liner is based on a close-fit system in which a prefabricated thermoplastic folded pipe is pulled into an existing pipeline and then adapted to the inner wall of the old pipe. To do this, the liner is heated on site and, with the aid of hot steam and controlled pressure, brought back into its original round shape. Through the so-called memory effect, it fits precisely against the inner wall of the existing pipe.
The real innovation lies in the material: instead of fossil raw materials, bio-based PVC is used in the production of the BIO-Liner. The ethanol used for this is obtained 100 percent from wood waste. The energy supply at the Swedish production site is also based on renewable energies.
This combines an established trenchless rehabilitation technique with a new raw material concept. The use of bio-based raw materials opens up additional possibilities for reducing the resource requirements in the production of rehabilitation products and for sustainably preserving existing infrastructure.
The development and implementation of the BIO-Liner project is the result of close cooperation between SWIETELSKY-FABER and A-Plast. The practical implementation took place as part of a joint project in Bochum, where the BIO-Liner was installed for the first time in Germany using the close-fit method. Support from Villy Poulsen A/S also contributed to the successful implementation.
SWIETELSKY-FABER Managing Director Jörg Brunecker personally accepted the award in Auckland. It honors not only the technical innovation, but also the international cooperation and the joint commitment to future-proof solutions in trenchless pipeline rehabilitation.
“The award is a special recognition for everyone involved. It shows that proven rehabilitation techniques and innovative, more resource-efficient material concepts can be combined in a meaningful way. Together with our partners, we want to continue driving this development forward,” says Jörg Brunecker.
With first place at the ISTT No-Dig Awards 2026, the BIO-Liner is receiving international attention. At the same time, the project underlines SWIETELSKY-FABER’s commitment to advancing technical innovation and contributing to the sustainable preservation of existing infrastructure.
At the awards ceremony in Auckland, Jörg Brunecker expresses his thanks for the recognition of the joint BIO-Liner project by SWIETELSKY-FABER and A-Plast.
Celebrating first place: Jörg Brunecker accepts the ISTT No-Dig Award 2026 in the New Technology category for the BIO-Liner project in Auckland.
Award-winning innovation: BIO-Liner by SWIETELSKY-FABER and A-PLAST – No-Dig Award 2026 in the New Technology category.
