Baden-Württemberg’s renewable energy companies have the technology to develop and manufacture high-quality products and are thus leaders in Germany and Europe. There is national as well as international demand for their products and technologies and they are used throughout the world.

Chemicals in Germany

• With regard to its turnover the German chemical industry is number one in Europe and number four worldwide. German enterprises account for easily a quarter of European sales of chemicals and almost every fourth European job in the chemical industry. The chemical industry is therefore one of the most important economic sectors in Germany.

• The chemical industry generates a turnover of approx. 173 billion Euro and therefore is the fourth-strongest sector in Germany after the automotive industry, the mechanical engineering sector and the electronic engineering sector. Approx. 440,000 people are employed in the chemical industry.

• The main emphasis of the German chemical industry lies in the production of fine and specialty chemicals, such as paint, varnish, and print colours as well as colorants and pigments. The German chemical companies are also known for their expertise in the production of pharmaceutical goods, plastics and synthetic rubber as well as organic elements.

• The German chemical industry is highly innovative, accounting for around 18of total expenditure on research and development within the German economy. In international comparisons, this makes Germany the leading nation.

• The position of German chemical companies at the forefront of research and development in international terms is emphasised by the 10,6% share of R&D expenditure which German companies have within the OECD countries.