The DIHK Environmental Barometer reflects how businesses assess the impact of environmental policies on their competitiveness. Currently, around 30% of companies report negative, and 31% report positive effects, leaving the barometer value at the end of 2025 relatively neutral at minus 1.

Significant differences between industries

The impact varies greatly depending on industry – businesses evaluate the effect of environmental policies on their competitiveness differently. Across sectors, regulations for the circular economy are particularly significant (45%). For the manufacturing sector, additional requirements for handling chemicals and hazardous substances (28%) are relevant; for construction, soil conservation and contamination regulations (27%); and for commerce, product-specific regulations such as packaging and electronic devices (51%). Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly burdened by a lack of skilled workers (20%) and complex communication with authorities (31%).

Key points at a glance

• Streamlining bureaucracy and planning security are high on the wish list:
  Many companies see environmental regulations as a useful contribution to environmental protection, reputation enhancement, and meeting customer demands – however, practical implementation is often challenging and associated with high ongoing material and personnel costs. Nearly nine out of ten companies are calling for reduced bureaucracy, reliable conditions, and harmonized regulations on a national and European level.
• Digital Product Passport remains little known:
  Though the Digital Product Passport is expected to soon become a key instrument in the circular economy, it has yet to be widely adopted in corporate practice – almost two-thirds of companies are unfamiliar with it. Those who are aware of it, however, mostly view it as an opportunity.
• Numerous knowledge gaps regarding the EU Packaging Regulation:
  At the end of 2025, only about a quarter of companies are familiar with the requirements of the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR). Those who know the regulation anticipate significant administrative costs but also expect relief from the elimination of national regulations and the introduction of harmonized European rules.
• Chemicals regulation burdens and brings uncertainty:
  Half of the companies perceive the growing demands of chemicals regulation as complex and time-consuming – especially information requirements, safety data sheets, and occupational safety concerns. Potential bans on substances, such as Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), worry businesses because suitable alternatives aren’t always available.
• Biodiversity gaining relevance:
  The topic of biodiversity is increasingly recognized by businesses. However, about half of the respondents still consider biodiversity irrelevant to their business.
• Many environmental initiatives, networking could be improved:
  Numerous companies already employ established environmental management systems like ISO 14001 or EMAS. Engagement in state-level environmental, climate, or sustainability pacts remains limited.

Environmental protection as a question of responsibility and location

Despite administrative challenges, many companies are pushing forward with environmental protection out of conviction. Social responsibility, customer requirements, and legal certainty are key drivers.

To link ecological transformation with competitiveness, DIHK proposes reducing reporting obligations, harmonizing environmental regulations at EU and federal levels, creating clear rules with early business involvement, and accelerating digitization. DIHK advises companies to integrate environmental aspects into business strategies, proactively gather information on future regulations, and invest in digitization and skilled workers.

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DIHK Environmental Barometer 2025 (PDF, 650 KB)(only available in German)