---
title: "Recycling Exports Drive GDP, jobs and investments"
description: "As an independent institute, we have been bringing clarity to Austria’s climate discourse since January 2024."
url: "https://www.kontext-institut.at/en/graphics/recycling-drives-economy/"
date_modified: "2026-07-08T10:03:03+02:00"
---

 # Recycling Exports Drive GDP, jobs and investments

Tuesday, 24.02.2026

A modelling study commissioned by the KONTEXT Institute from the Austrian Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) shows the competitive potential of Austria's circular economy. The modelled export impulses from recycling technologies and recycled materials increase Austrian exports by 1.2 per cent by 2030. As a result, domestic value creation rises by 2.2 billion euros compared to the baseline scenario, corresponding to 0.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Economy-wide employment increases by up to 20,300 jobs by 2030 compared to the baseline scenario, corresponding to a rise of 0.4 per cent. The increased economic activity also leads to additional gross fixed investment, which by 2030 is 222 million euros above the baseline scenario; cumulatively, this results in additional private investment of 583 million euros over the period from 2026 to 2030.

You can find more context for this graphic in: [KONTEXTANALYSE #6: Circular Economy as a Driver of Competitiveness](https://kontext-institut.files.svdcdn.com/production/Dateien/202602_KONTEXTANALYSE_-Kreislaufwirtschaft-als-Pulsgeber-fuer-Oesterreichs-Wettbewerbsfaehigkeit.pdf?dm=1773133879). The study shows how Austria can move from being a circular economy pioneer to becoming a driving force in Europe, and how the entire economy benefits from this boost in competitiveness.

##  Related Links 

- [KONTEXTANALYSE #6: Circular Economy as a Driver of Competitiveness (GERMAN)](https://kontext-institut.files.svdcdn.com/production/Dateien/202602_KONTEXTANALYSE_-Kreislaufwirtschaft-als-Pulsgeber-fuer-Oesterreichs-Wettbewerbsfaehigkeit-KONTEXT.pdf?dm=1774369636)