From having the image of an environmental enemy to becoming an energy efficient innovator: the German chemical industry has made a remarkably positive transformation in the past few years. The new energy era has created even greater pressure on the industry to become more resource efficient, especially since nuclear energy is being phased out. Experts fromGermany Trade & Invest will highlight opportunities at ACHEMA on June 18 in Frankfurt.
"German fuel- and fertilizer companies have either relocated or had to strategically reposition themselves. New materials, renewable raw materials, clean-tech, energy and mobility are cutting-edge fields that are necessary for the sector to explore," stated Evelyn Moeck, Director of Chemicals & Healthcare at Germany Trade & Invest.
The German chemical industry, ranked number one in Europe and number four globally, has constantly had to reinvent itself to adapt. The rapidly changing market and increasing competition from Asia are forcing local companies to improve productivity and step up innovation. The industry invests 5.5 percent of total sales in the development of new products. Only the automobile industry has invested more. One in ten workers in the chemical field is in the research and development department. As a result, Germany has the third most registered chemical patents, behind Japan and the United States. The intensive R&D is also reflected in a 40 percent cut in energy usage between 1996 and 2006.
"Energy efficiency is more significant than ever, much like other issues such as energy storage. Specialization and "innovative alliances" are gaining influence in the sector. Companies will have to start developing new products together, which will create greater cooperation between large companies and small and medium enterprises," continued Moeck.
Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.