Key Facts

The Environmental Technologies Industry in Numbers

According to the GreenTech Atlas, the market for environmentally friendly products has grown significantly faster than traditional industries over the past decade. This highlights the increasing importance of sustainable technologies in Germany’s economy.

EUR 314 billion

gross value added (2023)

EUR 132 bn

GreenTech export volume (8%+ of total exports, 2023)

16.5 %

share of global GreenTech patents from Germany

Environmental Technologies Industry 

The environmental technologies sector is gaining momentum, driven by the European Union’s policy framework and an increasing demand for sustainable business models. Climate protection and resource conservation require complex, cross-sector solutions. As a result, greentech products “made in Germany" are in high demand in global markets. German companies provide integrated solutions based on innovative products and services. Greentech products have enormous growth potential – allowing actors in Germany to play a leading role in shaping the European market.

Circular Economy

Germany’s leadership in the global recycling industry is based on the country’s first mover role in waste management law and a business environment that favors innovation and new technologies.

Sustainable Water Industry

Germany is home to Europe’s biggest sustainable water management market. A commitment to sustainable water innovation also makes it the continent’s leading exporter of water treatment technologies – as well as a major provider of solutions that guarantee higher efficiency and water quality standards for water-intensive industries around the world. 
 

Industry Sectors

AI Generated Water flows from drains to aerate wastewater and wastewater treatment plants. Industrial water recycling and purification Adjusting the color of the drinking water industry AI Generated Water flows from drains to aerate wastewater | © atitaph - stock.adobe.com - AI Generated

Water Technologies

A commitment to sustainable water innovation makes Germany the continent’s leading exporter of water treatment technologies. The country is also a major provider of solutions that guarantee higher efficiency and water quality standards for water-intensive industries around the world. 

Gruene Flaschen und Metalldosen in einer Recycling Tonne Gruene Flaschen und Metalldosen in einer Recycling Tonne | © GettyImages/spwidoff

Circular Economy

Germany is a circular economy leader. A strong industrial base, solid legislative framework and innovative capabilities provide a sound foundation for the further growth of the circular economy. 

Success Stories

We have a proven track record in helping international companies of all sizes successfully set up business in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Find out why renowned international companies chose Germany as a location for their business and how Germany Trade & Invest helped them to settle in Europe’s biggest market. 

Success Story IDs: 

The Australian based company Neometals Ltd. started a joint venture with the SMS group in Germany to demonstrate and commercialize an innovative lithium battery recycling process. The flagship project, Primobius, includes the construction of a showcase demonstration plant. Germany Trade & Invest provided investor support and site selection services to Neometals. 

Germany Trade & Invest spoke to Jeremy McManus, General Manager, Commercial and Investor Relations of Neometals, about the market outlook and the company's decision to start operations in Germany.

Full Interview: Neometals to Tackle Huge European Demand for Battery Raw Materials 

News

Environmental Technologies Industry News

Germany’s environmental technologies sector operates in a vibrant and dynamic business location where new opportunities arise every day. Find out more about what's going on in Germany‘s greentech markets.

  1. Apr 30, 2026 Startup
    Quintet of Big German VC Deals

    Robotics in southwestern Germany is in focus in our bimonthly round-up of some of the largest venture capital financing rounds in the country.

  2. Apr 23, 2026 Artifical Intelligence
    Industrie 4.0 Goes Mainstream as AI Shows the Manufacturing Way Ahead

    Industrie 4.0 is the foundation of industrial competitiveness with Germany’s digital transformation entering the next stage with AI  and humanoid robots according to a representative study conducted by digital association Bitkom. 

  3. Apr 22, 2026
    Organization & Locations
More

Meet Us

Meet us at trade fairs or conferences worldwide or join our webinars. Schedule an appointment with our experts. Find someone at the nearest location to you or visit us in our headquarters in Berlin. 

Upcoming GreenTech Events 

Find out about upcoming events and make an appointment to meet one of our industry experts to discuss market opportunities in your sector.

Pollutec 2025: Environment & Energy Technologies Trade Show

IFAT 2026: IFAT Munich 2026 - World's Leading Trade Fair for Environmental Technologies

Meet our Experts

Looking to expand your business presence to Germany? Our team of market experts can provide all of the necessary information free of charge. We look forward to hearing from you.

Your Nearest Expert 

As well as our headquarters in Berlin we also have offices around the world. Find the nearest location to you and meet us in person.

 

GTAI Investment Lounge Meet our Industry Experts | © Bildkraftwerk

Events

Discuss doing business in Germany with our industry experts. Meet us at upcoming live events or take part in our webinars. Schedule an appointment now!

Woman with Headset Contact | © iStock.com/skynesher

Contact

If you require further assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Downloads

Looking for detailed reports on industry segments and opportunities? Download our free Industry Overview for more data, analysis and insights.