Resources

Germany is known for its sustainability and green practices, such as recycling, waste separation, and composting. People can also participate in gardening, growing their own vegetables and tomatoes, and innovating with eco-friendly products. The plastic bottle recycling system, where empty bottles are refunded with Pfand, helps reduce waste and promotes recycling. By participating, everyone can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly Germany.

Jesper Erichsen, a Danish native, discusses the future of mobility, focusing on profitability and sustainability in the transportation sector. With expertise in IT/digitalization, transformation, and management, he is a visionary strategist. Erichsen’s expertise in change management, process optimization, and project management has led to initiatives leveraging technology innovation to enhance efficiency and sustainability in various mobility organizations. He is currently Chief Operating Officer at DKV Mobility in Germany.

A Munich-based company produces everyday products avoiding disposable plastic and unnecessary chemicals, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 97%. Their mission is to make sustainable living easy, offering tab & powder refills and reusable bottles.

Global attempts to remain on a 1.5° pathway rely on our collective ability to scale up new, green businesses—and to do so quickly. What exactly will it take to make this happen? This question was the focus of the recent Green Business Building Global Summit that McKinsey hosted in Berlin. Around 300 senior leaders from critical players in the green space—including corporates with green growth ambitions, green tech start-ups, and leading sustainability investors—convened for discussions about the imperative to hyper-scale and how to bring down costs for clean technology, secure necessary talent, and establish an operating model for ultra-fast scaling.

Germany is a top global destination for Foreign Direct Investment, with companies from various sectors such as energy, digitalization, electronics, automation, mobility, logistics, and health and lifescience.

Technology is revolutionizing recycling in Germany, leading international companies like LyondellBassell and TOMRA to invest in circular economy innovations. Government organizations can help businesses expand their recycling solutions to Germany.

Germany’s waste management is a global leader, with innovative systems and a focus on sustainability. In one year, over 4 million tonnes of waste were imported for recycling and 3 million tonnes were shipped out of the country. To transport waste in Germany or abroad, a waste transport permit is required. Germany generates about 617 kg of waste annually, highlighting the need for effective waste management. The country also handles around 339 million tonnes of industrial waste annually, highlighting the need for stringent management strategies to prevent environmental contamination and promote recycling and reuse.

Germany has set ambitious targets for sustainable organic farming, recognizing the growing popularity of organically grown food in the EU’s most populous nation.

Germany’s largest economy and third-largest globally, companies seeking global leadership must establish a presence in the country. Managing director Achim Hartig explains the steps for international firms to establish a presence in Europe.

Germany’s sustainability in energy will ensure reliable supply of renewable energy, leading to lower prices for companies like Northvolt, as the country aims to achieve full sustainability in the years to come.

Dr. Alissa M. Kleinnijenhuis, a Climate Finance Professor at Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, discussed Germany’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, highlighting its significant reduction in coal dependency. She believes Germany’s experience can offer valuable insights for countries like India struggling with air pollution and advocates for international collaboration and financial support for cleaner energy solutions.

The reusable option should not be more expensive than the single-use option.

This short-form video series by Jörn “Joe” Menninger provides an in-depth look at the hottest 2024 startup trends in Germany. The series, based on the Deutscher Startup Monitor (DSM), explores topics such as B2B growth, sustainability, deep tech, and funding challenges. With nearly 75% of German startups now focusing on B2B models, 2024 is expected to be a year of strategic partnerships and long-term growth. The series highlights the importance of profitability over growth, the rise of green economy startups prioritizing ESG standards, and the growing role of AI and deep tech in Germany’s innovation landscape. The shorts also provide insights on funding sources, such as government grants, business angels, and venture debt, and the factors influencing startup success in major hubs like Berlin, Munich, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The series is designed to make complex trends easily digestible, making it an ideal resource for startups looking to adapt to the changing landscape.

Dave Cooper LIVE discusses the sustainable and efficient manufacturing process of clay brick in Dachau, Germany, with Maximilian Schmidt, Horl, and Hartmann, Management Officer. The company uses renewable energy sources and protects the ecosystem surrounding the clay extraction mines. Clay brick construction offers energy efficiency, insulation, and soundproofing, making it a promising building technology for growth in Europe and globally.

GIZ is partnering with BMUV to implement the global project “Environmental Protection Worldwide” on behalf of BMUV. The project aims to export Germany’s know-how and support environmental protection worldwide. It is implemented in partner countries like Jordan, Ukraine, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, supporting key environmental solutions like circular economy and sustainable production.