all projects

Status Report on Germany’s Closed-Loop Economy 2020

Client

ASA, BDE, BDSAV, BDSV, bvse, DGAW, InwesD, ITAD, KdK, PlasticsEurope, VDMA, VDM, VHI, VKU, IFAT

Year

2020


Prognos produced the "Status Report on Germany’s Closed-Loop Economy 2020" in cooperation with INFA GmbH and Prof. Martin Faulstich. The clients of the study are: ASA, BDE, BDSAV, BDSV, bvse, DGAW, InwesD, ITAD, KdK, PlasticsEurope, VDMA, VDM, VHI, VKU and IFAT. Thanks to the content support of the 15 associations, societies and companies, the report offers a summarised and consolidated overview of the entire industry. Back in 2018, a first status report on the closed loop economy in Germany was presented on the occasion of IFAT 2018, the world's leading trade fair for environmental technologies.

Economic significance

In 2017, the closed loop economy achieved a turnover of approximately 84.1 billion euros (+ 18 percent compared to 2010) and employed more than 310,000 people in 2019 (+ 12 percent compared to 2010). Today, almost as many people are employed in the closed loop economy nationwide as in the energy industry. With a gross value added of around 28.1 billion euros in 2017 (+ 31 percent compared to 2010), the sector is a significant economic factor in Germany.

Total life cycle of recyclables

"Collecting, sorting, processing, handling and disposing of more than 400 million tonnes of waste per year - this requires close cooperation between all players in the market," concludes Prognos project manager of the study, Dr Jochen Hoffmeister.

The European Commission as well as the federal and state governments set the strategic, environmental and waste policy framework and monitor its implementation. The implementation rests with the approximately 10,700 private and municipal companies in the environmental service branch in Germany. The technological framework is provided by companies in the plant engineering, mechanical engineering and vehicle construction sectors.  By designing recyclable products and taking them back at the end of their life cycle, manufacturers are increasingly assuming their extended product responsibility.

Resource efficiency and climate protection

The recycling economy is on its way to becoming a circular economy. The recovery of raw materials from recycled materials is one of the central tasks here. The global shortage of primary raw materials is driving up industrial production costs. Therefore, it is important that the companies of the closed loop economy recycle the increasing volume of waste from industry, commerce and private households for energy and materials and return the recyclates to the raw material cycle.

Increasing the recycling of valuable materials also contributes to securing the national supply of raw materials. In addition, it adds to resource and climate protection and contributes to the energy transition.

The data and information in the status report are based on publicly available statistics and studies as well as surveys and figures from the participating associations, organisations and companies.

Direct link to the "Status Report on Germany’s Closed-Loop Economy 2020" (in German, PDF, www.statusbericht-kreislaufwirtschaft.de)

Further information on the PDF versions of the status report, on the presentation of the results, on the graphics used and on the commissioning associations can be found on the landing page for the status report (in German):
www.statusbericht-kreislaufwirtschaft.de

Authors: Dr Bärbel Birnstengel, Marieke Eckhardt, Lukas Haberland, Dr Jochen Hoffmeister, Dr Georg Klose, Jannis Lambert, Myrna Sandhövel, Nadja Schütz, Richard Simpson, Angelina Thevessen, Johann Weiss

Do you have questions?

Your contact at Prognos

Dr Bärbel Birnstengel

Principal

View profile

Dr Jochen Hoffmeister

Partner, Director

View profile

Our work on this topic

Take a look at our latest projects and activities.

Ludwig-Erhard-Gipfel

-
| Event

Christian Böllhoff, CEO of Prognos, presents the results of a study for the vbw on the topic of (de)globalization at the Ludwig Erhard Summit.

Support for the Just Transition Platform

2024
| Project

Through the Just Transition Platform (JTP), the EU supports the member states and regions in achieving their climate targets in a fair manner. Prognos provided the JTP with in-depth analyses and knowledge management.

Innovation Index Germany 2023

2024
| Project

Once again, Prognos has compiled the Innovation Index Germany on behalf of the Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications. The index quantifies the impact the expansion of Germany’s digital infrastructure has had on its innovation strength.

Status Report on the German Recycling Economy 2024

2024
| Project

The 2024 Status Report gives a comprehensive picture of the whole Recycling Economy sector and its future challenges.

Indicators of equal living conditions

ongoing
| Project

The establishment of equal living conditions in Germany is one of the goals being prioritised by the Federal Government. But how can the equivalence of living conditions be measured? Prognos develops a set of indicators.

Value added of German pharmaceutical exports

2023
| Project

Compared to other export sectors, German pharmaceutical exports show above-average levels of innovation and value-added intensity. However, the industry is falling behind in the global re-search competition. This is shown by a new study commissioned by Roche.

Climate path implementation in Baden-Württemberg

2024
| Project

In Baden-Württemberg, emissions are to be reduced by a further 23% by 2030. As part of a multi-stage concept, Prognos examines the challenges and opportunities for action in the transfor-mation context.

New procurement markets for the Bavarian economy

2023
| Project

New procurement markets can help increase the resilience and efficiency of the German and Bavarian supply chains. The study quantifies the current procurement markets and those still yet to be further exploited.

The Circular Week 2023

-
| Event

From October 24th to 25th, Hanne Hagedorn will be in Warsaw for the Green Economy Network.NRW as part of the Circular Economy Week 2023.

Supply chains: no climate neutrality without raw materials

2023
| Project

Crises continue to put global trade routes at risk. This study by Prognos and partners indicates the measures necessary to secure strategically important supply chains.

The future of the automotive industry in Saarland

ongoing
| Project

The automotive industry continues to undergo fundamental change worldwide. How does this transformation affect the Saarland economy?

Internationalisation of the Baden-Württemberg environmental technology sector

2023
| Project

What are the biggest sales opportunities? How can the location gain visibility worldwide? Further development of the strategic foundations.

Implementation of the European Green Deal through EU cohesion policy

ongoing
| Project

The EU’s C4T platform supports structurally weak regions in their transition to a carbon-free and resilient Europe. In this context, Prognos is responsible for establishing a scientific forum.

Increased gas prices and gas price brakes

2023
| Project

A study for the vbw on the impact of the gas price brake for Bavarian companies.

Ecological footprint of the pharmaceutical industry in Germany

ongoing
| Project

On behalf of the Association of Research-based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa) we determined the global ecological footprint of Germany’s pharmaceutical industry.

Effects of deglobalisation on Germany and Europe

2023
| Project

Increasing geopolitical tensions are endangering the world trading system. On behalf of the vbw, Prognos investigated possible consequences for the economy in Germany and the EU.

Securing skilled workers with the help of the Harnessing Talent Platform

ongoing
| Project

DG Regio's new platform aims to help EU regions develop strategies to attract talent. Prognos is, among other things, leading the knowledge generation.

Article in "Die Volkswirtschaft": EU reaction to electricity prices

2023
| Expertise

The liberalisation of the electricity markets in the EU was once supposed to reduce costs. Sven Kreidelmeyer writes in the Swiss magazine "Die Volkswirtschaft" about the effects of free competition and current developments in the European electricity sector, among other things.

Where does Germany's economy really stand?

2023
| Company news

Why it’s time for Germany to take an honest look at itself. A guest commentary in the WirtschaftsWoche by Dr Michael Böhmer.

EU monitoring framework: Economic aspects of the circular economy

2023
| Project

Prognos was commissioned to develop a methodological framework for the collection of economic data on the circular economy, climate change and bioeconomy and its regular automated processing.

Purpose Economy model

2023
| Project

Could purpose become the model for business and society? We investigated this as part of our work for the Future Office and compared it with other scenarios.

Pension at 63 – Quo vadis?

2023
| Project

Retiring at 63 is very popular. In 2021 alone, more than 270,000 people took the option of early retirement. These were the findings of our study for the INSM.

Evaluation of the federal grants to GTAI

2022
| Project

The aim of Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) is to promote German foreign trade. Prognos investigated whether they are using their budget effectively.

Decarbonisation of raw materials industries in Germany

2022
| Project

A study for the Bertelsmann Stiftung shows which climate policy measures can best support the switch to low-emission production processes.

In danger: Objectives of the “Ampel-Koalition”

2023
| Project

A short new analysis shows to what extent the shortage of skilled workers threatens the central political projects of the Federal Government.

Evaluation of Complementary Independent Participation Counselling (EUTB)

2023
| Project

Together with the infas Institute for Applied Social Science and Prof. Dr. Gudrun Wansing, Prognos evaluated the available advice for persons with disabilities and their families over a five-year period.

Innovations for the mobility and space transition in NRW

2023
| Project update

Mobility and spatial planning are key issues for the green economy. For this purpose, in cooperation with Prognos, the Kompetenznetzwerk Umweltwirtschaft.NRW compiled an innovation radar.

Was it the West’s intention to isolate Russia economically? It did not succeed.

2023
| Project

Our new analysis shows: Trade with Russia has by no means completely collapsed.

Ressource efficiency in Bavaria

ongoing
| Project

Efforts to reduce the consumption of resources in the Bavarian economy must be increased. A Prognos study provides information on the status quo and the starting points for savings.

Green Economy in Munich: Developments and potential

2023
| Project

The green economy is an important economic factor for the city of Munich and its surrounding area. On behalf of the Bavarian capital, Prognos analysed the current situation and the development perspectives for the sector.

Just Transition Platform Conference: Carbon-Intensive Regions

| Event

Stakeholders of the European chemical industry exchange on their activities for a just transition towards climate neutrality.

Questions & answers on Prognos


Accompanying research on the FONA strategy

ongoing
| Project

The Research for Sustainability (FONA) funding programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Will this target be achieved and which methods can be used to measure this? We investigate this together with partners for the BMBF.

Gas consumption in Germany’s production sectors

2023
| Project

One potential building block: the Federal Network Agency commissioned Prognos to conduct a study that can support the necessary assessment in the case of gas shortages.

Ecological transformation and the labour market in Schleswig-Holstein

ongoing
| Project

How many specialists will Schleswig-Holstein need to implement its climate protection measures? What are the key professions necessary for successful implementation?

DG REGIO – Evaluation of the European Green Deal

ongoing
| Project

How effective has the EU cohesion policy been in driving green change in Europe? This and other questions are being investigated jointly with COWI, Milieu, and CSIL, on behalf of the European Commission (DG REGIO).

Webinar: Monitoring the Transition to Circular Economy

| Event

Jannis Lambert and Tim Bichlmeier talk about monitoring concepts for the Circular Economy and present a self-assessment tool.

Dutch Circular Economy Week: Workshop on circular business models

| Event

Greta Dekker presents the work of the Green Economy Network (KNUW) and introduces participants to circular business models using a learning game.

Germany’s business model 2023

2023
| Project

Why politicians and companies need to act consistently - and how they can do so. Joint study with BayernLB.

Are globalization and Germany’s business model on the way out?


Why policymakers and companies need to act decisively – and how they can ensure future success. Joint study with BayernLB.

Inflation – extra burden and relief for family households

2022
| Project

Calculations on inflation-related additional private household expenditure and the work of the Federal Government's relief package.

KreativLand Baden-Württemberg

ongoing
| Project

Creatives in the countryside? We want to make creative potential and innovative impulses visible. To this end, we are supporting the KreativLand Baden-Württemberg model project, as a scientific partner.

The effects of Chinese subsidies on Germany

2022
| Project

Prognos examined the potential impact of Chinese subsidy practices on Germany in three core sectors of the German economy.

Benefits of Covid testing for the Swiss economy and the healthcare system

2022
| Project

Testing for Covid interrupted chains of infection, relieved the burden on the health system, and supported the economy. We quantified these effects for Roche Diagnostics Switzerland.

Resilient supply chains in the EU

2022
| Project

What are possible solutions when supply chains are disrupted due to external shocks? A survey conducted for the European Commission as part of the European Cluster Collaboration Platform provides answers.

Green Economy Report North Rhine-Westphalia 2022

2022
| Project

In its fourth edition, Prognos analyses the economic and ecological impact of the green economy in NRW.

Innovation Index Germany 2022

2022
| Project

How does the expansion of the digital infrastructure affect regional innovation strength? The IID.2022 provides clarification.

The world negotiates on climate

2022
| Expertise

On Sunday, the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) begins. Various media sources have picked up on Prognos’ studies and expertise.

Change through trade? But with oomph!

2022
| Expertise

The Communist Party in China meets for the 20th time, shortly after, Chancellor Olaf Scholz travels to Beijing for his inaugural visit. What a fitting opportunity to shake up German foreign trade policy. An appeal by Christian Böllhoff.

Just Transition Platform: Meeting of the Working Group on Chemicals

| Event

At the meeting of the JTP Working Group on Chemicals, proposals will be discussed to help EU regions with a strong chemical industry make a just transition to climate neutrality.

About us

Prognos – Providing Orientation.

Prognos is one of the oldest economic research centres in Europe. Founded at the University of Basel, Prognos experts have been conducting research for a wide range of clients from the public and private sectors since 1959 – politically independent, scientifically sound.

Learn more