Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has been recognized by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) with an Innovation Award for Materials, honoring its fluoroelastomer technology used in engine seals for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The award was presented during SPE’s annual Automotive Innovation Awards Program, which drew more than 700 engineers, executives and media representatives from across the automotive and plastics industries.
The winning submission was a joint effort between FST and its supplier Syensqo, a global leader in advanced materials and specialty chemicals. The collaboration reflects FST’s commitment to technology, innovation and customer partnership. Syensqo’s contributions helped enhance the performance of FST’s sealing products, strengthening their application in demanding automotive environments.
The SPE Automotive Innovation Awards Program, now in its 50th year, is considered one of the most competitive and respected events in the industry. This year’s program featured 62 nominations across 10 categories, submitted by teams from OEMs, tier suppliers, and polymer producers. Funds raised from the event support SPE’s educational initiatives and technical seminars, which promote the role of plastics in automotive advancement.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Dr. Ruth Bieringer, Vice President of Technology and Innovation. “This award reflects the trust we’ve built with Syensqo and the way our teams challenge each other to think differently. It’s exciting to see what’s possible when we push boundaries together. Representing FST at the event were leaders from key company functions whose teams’ combined expertise and cross-functional collaboration made the development of this award-winning material possible.
In attendance were Dr. Ruth Bieringer; Ryan Fleming, Director of Material Technology Americas; Rodrigo Lopez-Falco, Global Director of Procurement – Chemicals; and Miranda Ritchie, Application Engineer, Automotive Sales.
The recognition underscores FST’s strategic focus on innovation and its role in advancing automotive technologies. It also highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with suppliers and customers to deliver high-performance solutions that support the future of mobility.
