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.
Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1eNlY)