Nature has been optimising its designs for millions of years. ZIEHL-ABEGG applied this knowledge to the development of the ZAbluefin, combining principles inspired by three very different natural models.
The humpback whale provided inspiration from hydrodynamics with the distinctive structure of its flippers. The owl contributed insights into aerodynamic and quiet airflow, while principles from the biomechanics of trees helped the engineers achieve an efficient balance between structural stability and material use.
The result is a composite centrifugal impeller whose profiled blades improve the carbon footprint in two ways. The design significantly reduces the amount of material required while also lowering energy consumption during operation in air-handling units and industrial ventilation systems.
This approach convinced the jury of the MATERIALICA Design + Technology Award in 2019. ZIEHL-ABEGG was honoured in the sustainability category CO₂ Efficiency, which has been presented by the MATERIALICA Award since 2006.
The award-winning development still demonstrates what successful and sustainable product engineering is all about: sustainability is not created by the choice of material alone. It is the interaction between materials, design, manufacturing and energy consumption throughout the entire service life that enables genuinely efficient solutions.
Learn more about ZIEHL-ABEGG and follow the company on LinkedIn.
Submit Your Innovation to the MATERIALICA Award 2026
In 2026, the MATERIALICA Design + Technology Award is once again looking for pioneering developments in the categories Material, Product, Process and CO₂ Efficiency. Companies, designers, engineers and students can still submit their innovations until August 31, 2026.
https://www.emove360.com/awards/materialica-award/
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