Lightweight construction accounts for 4 per cent of Germany's economic output

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWiK) has published a study entitled ‘The Economic Importance of Lightweight Construction in Germany’ on the occasion of the 11th Lightweight Construction Forum. Lightweight construction offers a decisive lever for sustainable transformation by using less material while simultaneously improving the functional properties of components and reducing CO₂ emissions. The recently published study makes it possible for the first time to statistically demonstrate and quantify the economic significance and potential of this transformation technology.

State Secretary Udo Philipp: ‘Lightweight construction is of great economic relevance as a distinct cross-sectional industry along the entire value chain and is a driver of innovation in many high-tech areas. It is also of great importance for achieving sustainability and climate targets with regard to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources. The recently published study is the first to take account of the industry's relevance, which is difficult to quantify economically due to its cross-sectional nature. The study makes it clear how important and significant the sector is for the transformation of industry."

The results of the study show that the direct value added by lightweight construction, including related services, is around 124 billion euros, or almost 4% of Germany's economic output. Furthermore, around 2.9% of jobs in Germany are directly related to lightweight construction, which corresponds to approximately 1.3 million jobs. The most important manufacturing sectors related to lightweight construction include the production of motor vehicles, mechanical engineering, other vehicle construction (including shipbuilding, aircraft and aerospace construction), and the manufacture of metal products.

The complete study report ‘The Economic Importance of Lightweight Construction in Germany’ is available on the BMWK website.

In addition, the BMWK's new promotional film was released at the 11th Lightweight Construction Forum, vividly demonstrating how many different areas of life are enriched by lightweight construction technologies.