Home > Statistics > Environmental goods and services sector > 2009 > Recovery of sorted materials was the largest industry in the environmental goods and services sector in 2009

Published: 21 December 2010

Recovery of sorted materials was the largest industry in the environmental goods and services sector in 2009

The total turnover of enterprises operating in the environmental goods and services sector was EUR 1.61 billion in 2009. The turnover fell by 30 per cent from the previous year while the number of personnel as well as investments continued to show growth. These data derive from the new statistics on environmental goods and services sector compiled by Statistics Finland. The statistics comprise data on enterprises operating in the environmental and services sector as their principal activity. Environmental business activity refers to activity related to production that is based on environmental pollution prevention or the saving of natural resources.

Change in the turnover, number of personnel and investments of industries in the environmental goods and services sector in 2006–2009

Approximately 720 enterprises in nine different industries were engaged in environmental business as their principal activity. Environmental business activities accounted for 95 per cent, or EUR 1.53 billion, of their total turnover. Measured with turnover, the largest industry was recovery of sorted materials. The biggest employer was collection of non-hazardous waste.

Most, or around 98 per cent, of the enterprises in the sector employed under 250 persons. In 2009, they generated 54 per cent of the turnover and employed 71 per cent of the personnel. The fixed net investments of enterprises in the environmental goods and services sector went up by 9 per cent from the previous year and amounted to EUR 166 million in 2009. The share of the investments of their turnover was 10 per cent.

The data for the statistics were collected both from administrative sources and with an inquiry conducted among enterprises. The inquiry also extended to enterprises engaged in environmental business as their secondary activity. In their respect, reliable statistics could not yet be produced at this stage.

Statistics on the environmental goods and services sector are still under development throughout the European Union. There is a need for regularly published comparable statistics. These statistics were compiled in accordance with the guidelines of Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities. From now on, the statistics will be produced and developed annually.

Source: Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Annika Miettinen +358-9-1734 3228, ymparistoliiketoiminta@tilastokeskus.fi

Director in charge: Leena Storgårds

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Appendix tables

• Appendix table 1. Main industries of the environmental goods and services sector in Finland in 2009 (21.12.2010)
• Appendix tabel 2. Investments of enterprises in the environmental goods and services sector 2009 (21.12.2010)
• Appendix table 3. Stock of enterprises in the environmental goods and services sector in 2009 (21.12.2010)
• Appendix table 4. Change in the turnover, number of personnel and investments of industries in the environmental goods and services sector in 2006 - 2009 (21.12.2010)

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Updated 21.12.2010