Export initiative "Recycling and Efficiency Technologies" presents results
Slowing the growing global scarcity of raw materials and energy, strengthening waste management abroad with technology exports – these were the aims behind the export initiative "Recycling and Efficiency Technologies" (RETech), launched in 2006 by the Federal Environment Ministry (BMU). Initital results were presented today at a BMU conference, and include an internet portal ( www.retech-germany.net). This portal pools research findings to help open up markets and supports waste management companies in cooperations and know-how transfer. "We lead the world in the export of waste management technologies, but there is still a huge market to be tapped" said State Secretary Matthias Machnig at the opening of the event. "Businesses, public authorities, universities and consulting firms are doing a first-class job - what we now need are synergies."
At the conference in Berlin more than 200 representatives from businesses, public authorities, suppport and development institutions are presenting research projects in the fields of closed cycle management and resource protection, and discussing waste management solutions for the benefit of climate protection. By networking actors from industry and research, the initiative aims to promote technology export and know-how transfer, thus improving waste management standards abroad.
"Ecological challenges – especially climate and resource protection – must be seen as an economic opportunity, for ecology is the economy of the 21st century," said Machnig. "An ecological industrial policy protects the climate and conserves resources and opens up major markets. Today, Germany already has a 25 percent share of the global market for environmental technology exports. We must continue to strengthen this frontrunner position."