German thin-film specialist Leonhard Kurz has partnered with Chinese technology company Horizon to establish a new European joint venture called Horizon-Kurz New Material Technology.
The collaboration aims to revolutionize the market for battery separator films, a critical component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs).
The joint venture will focus on developing advanced ceramic-coated separator films designed to improve thermal stability, mechanical strength, and overall battery performance and safety.
Separator films serve a vital function in battery architecture by physically separating the anode and cathode while allowing ionic conductivity, thereby ensuring battery efficiency and preventing short circuits.
While financial details and ownership percentages have not been disclosed, it is confirmed that Horizon holds the majority stake in the partnership.
Rainer Süßmann, Executive Senior Vice President for Plastic Decoration at Leonhard Kurz, has been appointed Managing Director of the new company. He described the venture as a strategic entry into a fast-growing, high-potential market segment.
“With the new company and Horizon as the majority partner, we are tapping into a highly dynamic market with enormous future potential,” Süßmann stated.
In its announcement, Kurz emphasized that Horizon-Kurz represents a commitment to building regional value chains in Europe and contributing to critical technologies that will shape the future of clean mobility.
The venture underlines Europe’s growing emphasis on battery innovation and localization of EV supply chains.
