Sihl named most innovative SME

Sihl’s corporate strategy is geared towards innovation, with a focus on research and development. With comprehensive technology and market scouting, it develops new opportunities, such as flexible packaging with Artysio, or in the area of customization and personalization with the joint venture Perigon.

For the study, Munich Strategy looked at and evaluated 4,000 German companies with a turnover of between EUR 10 million and EUR 1 billion and selected 100 Innovation Champions 2021 from 400 finalists that distinguished themselves as industry leaders and through innovations.

The basis for the final selection was an innovation score, calculated as two-thirds innovativeness and one-third company performance. To determine innovativeness, Munich Strategy examined the extent to which companies are characterized by continuous innovations, whether they are considered innovative by the market and competitors, and whether they invest in innovations on a sustained basis (R&D and tech power). Performance is calculated based on sales growth, earnings ratio and EBIT growth over the last four years.

‘Innovation is our DNA, and to be one of Germany’s top 12 most innovative SMEs is a major accolade for us. It shows that we have successfully bridged the gap between tradition and modernity to create unique solutions, trends and potential for our customers,’ said Peter K. Wahsner, CEO of Sihl Group.

‘The most innovative companies create real added value for their customers that goes far beyond the mere product,’ added Barbara Siegert, innovation expert and author of the study. ‘Internal processes or production methods are being improved, and traditional business models are increasingly being replaced by customer-centric digital products and services.’