By Martin Jänicke und Roland Zieschank

The study focuses on the 'eco-industries', their function, structure and dynamics in Germany and Europe. It describes two types of environmental industry: a more traditional type, involving ‘end-of-pipe’ technology or 'pollution management', and a newer, fast-growing type based on eco-efficiency or 'resource management'. The study gives a general explanation for this rapid growth and argues that  eco-efficient innovation of this kind is essential for sustainable industrial growth. The authors demonstrate  that the size of this industry has been underestimated – not least because its dynamism makes measurement difficult – it is a moving target. This is one reason why it remains a largely 'invisible industry'.

September 2008