Elbtal Plastics is a German manufacturer with over 120 years of industrial heritage, specializing in high-performance technical membranes and engineered polymer films.
Interview with Golan Oliel, CEO of Elbtal Plastics GmbH & Co. KG
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Golan Oliel: Our core competence lies in the development, compounding, and production of functional, application-specific membrane systems for pool, industrial, and infrastructure-related uses.
By combining deep polymer science expertise, tightly controlled manufacturing processes, and advanced testing methodologies, we deliver membrane solutions that meet stringent mechanical, chemical, regulatory, and environmental requirements across demanding applications.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
G.O: Our main areas of activity include:
- Technical membranes for waterproofing, containment, and protective applications
- Reinforced and non-reinforced polymer films for industrial and infrastructure environments
- Pool liner membranes, where long-term mechanical stability, UV resistance, and secure weldability are critical
- Customized membrane solutions, developed in close collaboration with OEMs, engineers, and professional installers
Across all segments, our focus is on repeatable performance, process stability, and long-term reliability under real-world conditions.
What’s the news about new products/services?
G.O: Our current development programs focus on:
- Advanced material formulations optimizing weldability, dimensional stability, and resistance to long-term thermal and chemical aging
- Membranes engineered for extended service life, supporting sustainability through reduced material usage and lower lifecycle impact
- Expanded engineering and technical support services, including digital documentation, application guidelines, and structured installer training programs
These initiatives are designed to reduce installation risk and improve system-level performance.
In 2025, we commissioned our new recycling plant, which now continuously recycles offcuts and production waste, which are then reused in our production process to reduce our environmental footprint.
What are the ranges of products/services?
G.O: Our main essence is providing Premium Service, so we are evolving with an holistic approach from the befit of having a strong R&D Allows us to explore in many ways, through a strong production and logistics to our Customer Success with a very strict SLA.
Our portfolio includes:
- Technical PVC membranes in thicknesses ranging from 0.5 (0.2 if not reinforced) mm to 2.0 mm, available with various reinforcements and surface structures
- Specialty membranes for demanding industrial, environmental, and containment applications
- Pool liner membranes engineered for UV stability, chlorine resistance, mechanical durability, and long-term watertight performance, including advanced surface designs for the pool environment
- Tailor-made membrane systems, adapted to customer-specific technical specifications and regulatory frameworks
Beyond products, we provide engineering support, technical consulting, and application training on-site or in our training center to ensure correct specification, installation, and long-term performance.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
G.O: The technical membrane market is highly competitive and increasingly specification-driven. Engineering-led customers are placing stronger emphasis on verified performance, compliance with standards, documented quality assurance, and long-term reliability, alongside continued price pressure.
While short-term demand can fluctuate due to seasonality and macroeconomic factors, the underlying demand for robust, technically specified membrane systems remains solid across EU markets and is growing in non-EU regions.
What can you tell us about market trends?
G.O: Key trends shaping the market include:
- Growing demand for high-performance membranes with extended service life
- Increasing regulatory and environmental requirements influencing material selection and formulation
- Rising importance of technical documentation, certifications, traceability, and test data
- Stronger collaboration between engineers, manufacturers, and installers to reduce system risk
- Heightened focus on technical expertise, process consistency, and rigorous quality control
These trends clearly favor manufacturers with strong engineering capabilities and disciplined production systems.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
G.O: Our most innovative solutions are advanced technical membranes that integrate:
- High mechanical strength and chemical resistance
- Consistent weldability and predictable installation behavior
- An approved Fishbreeding Membrane
- Optimized formulations for long-term performance under demanding environmental conditions
In parallel, we are investing in digital engineering tools and installer support platforms, improving knowledge transfer, application accuracy, and field performance.
What estimations do you have for 2026?
G.O: By 2026, we expect:
- A continued shift toward engineering-driven, technically specified membrane solutions
- Increased demand for certified, durable, and sustainable systems
- Stronger differentiation based on engineering competence, quality assurance, and service capability, rather than product cost alone
Elbtal Plastics is well positioned to grow by maintaining a clear focus on technical excellence, manufacturing reliability, and close cooperation with engineering partners and customers.
