The visit by Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck focussed on the topic of sustainability, but also on the future of Germany as a business location. "Increasing regulation, planning uncertainty, high energy prices and the shortage of skilled labour in Germany are currently causing us great concern. As a family business, we would like the support of politicians here – so that we can secure jobs and prosperity in Germany," says Matthias Lapp, CEO of the Lapp Group, emphasising: "Germany is a location that is close to our hearts – this is where our company has grown up and where we have well-trained employees. That’s why clear political guidelines are important."

At the trade fair stand, Matthias Lapp presented the Federal Minister the first data cable made from a partially bio-based corn-based sheathing material. This new, more sustainable variant consists of 43 per cent renewable raw materials. This also allows LAPP to reduce its carbon footprint by 24 per cent compared to the fossil-based jacket. Minister Habeck was impressed and emphasised: "The industry is making decisive contributions to the implementation of climate neutrality. I am delighted with the progress that will be presented at Hannover Messe 2024 and the impetus for international industrial cooperation, especially in these difficult geopolitical times."

How LAPP is reducing its CO2 footprint

This was also the right cue for Matthias Lapp to emphasise the company’s commitment to sustainability. The Stuttgart-based family business is constantly working to further improve the carbon footprint of its products and processes. For example, LAPP already uses large quantities of secondary raw materials for copper. It is more difficult to use bio-based materials for sheathing materials. Matthias Lapp: "We are working flat out to develop sustainable products and expand this step by step to our entire portfolio."