Eco-technology

Increased prosperity must not result in a poorer natural environment or polluted towns. Eco-technology can help us to use resources in ways that are better for the environment. Danish companies are ready to launch some of the world's best eco-technology solutions.

The entire brochure is available for download here (Nature_and_environment_in_balance.pdf) - please note 3.5 Mb filesize.

From industrial harbour to swimming pool
On a warm summer’s day, the harbour pools of Copenhagen become crowded. Ten years ago large areas of the former industrial harbour were polluted with mercury and chemicals. The harbour basin was not suitable for swimming and animal life was scarce. Today, Danish technology has secured the harbour against overflow from the sewers and has reduced the amount of wastewater. An advanced, electronic monitoring system developed in Denmark warns both bathers and the authorities if there is any leakage from the sewers. The pollution in Copenhagen harbour is now only a quarter of what it was in 1996.

Danish solutions to global problems
A long Danish tradition of environmental regulation has resulted in more than 720 Danish companies which develop and sell environmental technologies. In 2006, these companies employed around 117,000 permanent staff and had a turnover of DKK 318 billion. Almost 40% of the turnover was earned abroad.

The Ministry of the Environment plays an important part role as a sponsor of the development of new technology, and as a partner and consultant in the process of developing an idea to the finished product. Contact with the business sector was cemented by the establishment of a Business Forum for Eco-technology in January 2009.

Thanks to Danish technology, we have become better at dealing with a number of the waste products which stem from our intensive agriculture and industry. At the same time, new technology makes sure that the ever-increasing towns function well and that sewage, coal-fired power plants and cars place as little strain on the environment as possible.

Danish technology in the global marketplace
The market for eco-technology solutions is global. The Ministry of the Environment supports and advises Danish
companies when they market their eco-technology products abroad. This is one way in which we can help an important national industry and create growth and green work places, while at the same time contributing to reducing the strain on the environment globally.

Eco-technology in your daily life
Perhaps you’re not aware of it, but you are affected by eco-technology every day of your life. This is how:

No more phalates

A new invention may mean that soon the inclusion of endocrine disrupters such as phthalates, found in for example food packaging, will soon be a thing of the past. Phthalates can be replaced by a new product made from the seeds of the castor plant, an Indian shrub. The product shows no sign of having any endocrine disrupting effects, it can be digested like vegetable oil and it is fully
bio-degradable, the only problem is that it is more expensive to use than phthalates.
Source: Danisco, Grindsted®SOFT-N-SAFE fact sheet.

Circulation pump

The circulation pump can be one of the biggest energy users in the home. A modern A-grade energy effi cient pump uses only a sixth of the electricity used by an older pump. This can save a household over EUR 90 a year – and saves the environment considerable CO2 emissions.

Washing
 

Washing powder can also be high-tech. Enzymes now make it possible to wash most clothes at just 20 degrees. Energy consumption can be reduced by 60% and a typical household will save 120 kg CO2 emissions per year.