Sustainability as a Business Factor in Hessen

Climate change, destruction of the environment and scarcity of resources: The topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly important worldwide – for society and policymakers, as well as for the economy and investors. Companies, customers and consumers are placing ever-greater emphasis on sustainability and legal requirements are creating ever-more stringent demands on companies. We can help: In Hessen you will find the optimal conditions and opportunities for sustainability in business. Located in the middle of Germany and Europe, Hessen is an economically strong location – and a pioneer in the field of sustainability.

Many companies have realized that they can gain a competitive edge by adopting sustainable business practices. That’s why they have changed their operations to align more closely with ESG criteria and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the EU has established more requirements to help the continent achieve its sustainability goals in the future: The European Green Deal, the new EU requirements for non-financial reporting on climate and environment issues, the stricter EU taxonomy regulation, the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Commission’s proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) Directive all aim to promote sustainable action and create transparency.

From the point of view of investors in particular, well-founded and forward-looking positioning is more important than ever – and the right choice of location in the EU is crucial. The local framework conditions are pivotal in order to authentically implement sustainability as a company. And here, Hessen is a leader in Germany and the EU. Take the opportunity to get to know our region as a sustainable business location.

Explore the entire ecosystem of sustainable business in Hessen – with a wide range of institutions, networks, clusters and initiatives, funding programs and selected best practice examples. We can provide you with contact persons, collaboration partners and interesting new approaches to maximize the sustainability of your business, right here in Hessen. More than 13,000 international companies from around 190 countries have already made their home here – we look forward to welcoming you to Hessen!

Is your company planning to internationalize your sustainable business activities? There are numerous support opportunities in Hessen.

Contact us today! We will be happy to advise and connect you. Our services are free of charge.

Political Environment

Institutions and Initiatives

Funding Programs

Workforce and Research

Traffic and Transport

Best-Practice in Hessen

CO2BioClean in Kronberg/Taunus

Turning carbon dioxide emissions into biodegradable textile fibers and packaging materials

CO2BioClean is a start-up based in Kronberg in the Taunus region of Hessen. It uses a novel technology to convert harmful carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) into biodegradable polymers (PHA bioplastics), which can then be used as the basis for new products. This new technology is especially beneficial for energy-intensive sectors such as the chemical or steel industries because the ability to convert carbon dioxide captured from industrial emissions into new raw materials not only lowers carbon taxes but creates additional sources of revenue. Thanks to the highly efficient fermentation process developed by CO2BioClean, it is now possible to use biopolymers converted from carbon emissions to produce biodegradable textile fibers – meaning you start with carbon dioxide and end up with T-shirts or other items of clothing. The biopolymers used are 100% biodegradable, so no microplastics are left over. This innovative Hessian start-up, which received EIC Accelerator funding from the EU, also won the Corporate Challenge conceived by U.S. consumer giant Procter & Gamble to promote plastic-free, recyclable packaging for liquid detergents. The two companies are now cooperating in Hessen to create a more sustainable future.

Essity in Wiesbaden

Even energy-intensive industries can be made sustainable using green hydrogen and a step-by-step approach

Essity is the producer of such famous brands as Tempo, Zewa and Tork. Their facility in Wiesbaden is the first worldwide using green hydrogen in the drying process. The example shows that even energy-intensive industries can be made sustainable. The state of Hessen is actively supporting this pilot project e.g. with funding from the European Fund for Regional Development (ERDF).

Success Story Essity...

Frankfurt School – UNEP Collaborating Centre for Climate and Renewable Energy Finance in Frankfurt/Main

Sustainable finance mechanisms to help tackle climate change

The Frankfurt School – UNEP Collaborating Centre for Climate and Renewable Energy Finance is a strategic cooperation between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. The Centre aims to significantly advance the share of sustainable energy and finance mechanisms to help tackle climate change. It describes itself as a “think-and-do” tank that combines research, education and on-site project implementation. Teams of experts test new types of financial instruments and carry out flagship projects aimed at inspiring other market actors. The Centre’s experts also work to proactively shape regulatory standards and thereby change the way the international finance industry operates – for a global, green economy.

Magnotherm Solutions in Darmstadt

Cooling with magnets instead of climate-damaging gases

Magnotherm Solutions is a university start-up spun off from the Technical University of Darmstadt with world-leading expertise in magnetic cooling. The Hessian start-up has developed an innovative technology to replace traditional cooling mechanisms that work with poisonous or climate-damaging gases. The new technology is not only environmentally friendly and quiet, but also increases energy efficiency by around 40%. It is based on what is known as the magnetocaloric effect, a phenomenon in which certain materials heat up or cool down when brought into or away from a magnetic field. As winners of the Hessian Founders Award and as one of the EU’s EIC Accelerators, the young research team at Magnotherm is working to get its highly complex technology ready for series production. Magnotherm Solutions also demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable future by working with the Greentech Alliance, a global association of greentech start-ups.

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation in Wiesbaden

One of the world’s biggest producers of more sustainable plastic films

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has expanded to Wiesbaden, where it is investing around 110 million Euro in a new, sustainable production line for polyester films through 2024. This makes the Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s plant in Hessen one of the world’s biggest production facilities for high-performance polyester films. The films are used in displays, in electronic components for industrial applications and in the automotive and health industries as well as for packaging materials. The energy saving systems utilized in the new production line will reduce carbon emissions throughout the entire plant while increasing production capacity. The technology will also make it possible for innovative recycling facilities to turn used plastic films into raw materials with the goal of establishing a sustainable circular economy.

Sustainable stainless steel and fine wildflower honey from Central Hessen

90 percent recycling rate, up to 92 percent lower CO₂ emissions than the industry average and continual innovation: The Finnish company Outokumpu is the most sustainable stainless steel producer in the world. Its plant in Dillenburg, Hessen, is an important global interface – and home to the company’s 19,000 honeybees.

Our complete Hessian-Finnish success story you can find here.